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DriveOhio’s Rural Automated Driving Systems (ADS) project has collected nearly 60 terabytes of data to shape future technology for automated vehicles in rural settings. The data highlights the need for refined automated driving systems to address the unique challenges posed by rural environments. Funded by a $7.5 million U.S. Department of Transportation grant, this project marks one of the most comprehensive rural road testing efforts in the United States.
Key Highlights:
- Project collected nearly 60 terabytes of data to improve automated vehicle technology for rural areas.
- Unique rural challenges identified, including hilly terrain, limited sight distances, and tree canopies.
- EASE Logistics led a semi-truck deployment, traveling 44,000 miles, with 11,000 miles in platooning mode.
- Passenger vehicles tested advanced automation, covering over 5,000 miles with significant data on disengagements.
- Technology refinement needed due to frequent disengagements caused by GPS loss, object detection, and traffic behavior.
DriveOhio Executive Director Preeti Choudhary emphasized the importance of the data gathered, stating, “The data this project gathered is invaluable. We predicted certain challenges before the project began, but to now have data that clearly demonstrates the performance inconsistencies marks the first step in developing the solution.”
The project’s testing included a deployment by EASE Logistics, which featured two semi-trucks operating in a platooning mode. These trucks traveled nearly 44,000 miles across Ohio, with over 11,000 miles in platooning mode, potentially saving 10% in fuel. Peter Coratola, Jr., president and CEO of EASE, noted, “The implementation of semi-automated trucks holds immense potential for enhancing roadway safety, optimizing transportation efficiency, and significantly reducing emissions across the U.S.”
Additionally, three passenger vehicles were tested on divided highways and rural roads in Athens and Vinton County. These vehicles, equipped with advanced automated technology, faced frequent disengagements, with 75% of trips requiring manual operation due to challenges like GPS loss and complex traffic behavior.
Taylor Manahan, executive director of services at TRC, commented on the significance of the project: “Thanks to this project, innovators will have important information to help them advance new technologies, while understanding the challenges and opportunities of rural transportation systems.”
Overall, the data from these deployments will be crucial for advancing automated vehicle technology in rural environments, helping to overcome the unique challenges they present.
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