Demo '97
A Glimpse Into the Future
The Automated Highway System (AHS), FHWA's largest single research project, passed a significant milestone in San Diego on August 7 through 11 at Demo '97.
Demo '97 featured fully automated cars like this one which allowed FHWA's AHS Project Coordinator Dick Bishop to drive hands-free. As a technical feasability demonstration, Demo '97 provided the proof of technical feasibility resulting from the efforts of the National Automated Highway System Consortium, a public/private collaboration conducting the AHS research project in partnership with the FHWA. Demo '97 displayed advanced vehicle control technology on cars, trucks, and buses. Specific technologies included in the demo ranged from simple warning systems designed to audibly alert drivers when vehicles strayed out of their lanes to total automated control of throttle, steering, and braking systems in closely spaced platoons. Seven different scenarios involving a total of 26 vehicles operated on a 12-km section of I-15 North of San Diego.
The scenarios ranged from two vehicles to eight vehicles operating individually or in platoons. They utilized vehicle control technologies, control based on vision systems, magnetic nails in the pavement, radar reflective pavement marking tape, radar, and laser ranging. Autonomous vehicles (those operating individually with only onboard technology) were complimented by vehicles utilizing cooperative technology that required infrastructure support and on-board systems.
The demonstration was a complete success. Over 3,000 people from all over the world participated in the event and related activities. Nearly 20,000 km of successful operations were logged. Secretary Slater and Deputy Secretary Downey were both able to visit Demo '97 and experience the technology first hand. The demo was covered by over 120 media outlets including national TV networks CBS, ABC, and PBS. The future of smart vehicles operating on smart highways was successfully displayed in San Diego as part of FHWA's automated highway system research.
-- George Ostensen.
Universal Guidelines Help Highway Safety
Demo '97 featured an exhibit of the Traffic and Driver Information Systems Division's AHS human factors research. Through their research, the Human Factors Team assesses human capabilities and limitations in automated driving modes. On display were the results of their inves- tigations and information on their research in four main areas: human/system function, driver performance in AHS, methods of control transfer, and guideline development. Future research includes guidelines for the human role in emergencies on the AHS and design guidelines for AHS in mixed traffic. Research will determine the most effective design considerations to ensure safe design, operation.
Lee Levitan, Honeywell, and Gary Golembiewski, SAIC, meet Christine Johnson, director of FHWA's ITS Joint Program Office, at the exhibit.
-- Bernadette Gregorian.
Participants at the Region 7 PTP Workshop See New Technologies
A high-tech maintenance vehicle, automated traveler information systems, and advanced traffic control systems were among more than a dozen new technologies that participants heard about at the Priority Technology Program (PTP) workshop August 21 and 22 in St. Joseph, Missouri.
Digital measurement equipment like these developed under the PTP can save and alleviate congestion. The 2-day workshop, attended by representatives of the lowa, Missouri, Kansas, and Nebraska DOTs, universities, and FHWA regional and division offices, included status reports on all of the new technology projects currently under way in Region 7 funded through PTP. FHWA field offices currently receive $250,000 a year through the PTP to fund projects that will hasten the implementation of promising new technologies in their regions. Emphasis is given to projects that involve underutilized but promising, off-the-shelf technologies, and that involve leveraging of Federal funds and partnering with industry and universities.
Most PTP projects are 2-year efforts. The first ones -- those funded in 1995 -- are now publishing their final reports. But the most important work still lies ahead. The benefits of the PTP technologies will be fully real- ized through a nationwide marketing program. The Region 7 workshop is a first step in that direction.
Other projects displayed include: Anti-Icing, Kiosk Traveler Information, Video Traffic Accident Investigation (Nebraska); Construction Zone Traveler Information, GIS Planning Software for Small Cities, Maintenance Concept Vehicle, Rural Interstate Safety Traveler Information System, Paver Vibrator Monitor, European Snow Technologies (lowa); Fiber Composite Beam to Repair Asphalt Thermal Cracking, Traffic Calming Techniques, Water-Cement Ratio Meter (Kansas); Remote Sensing Cathodic Protection, Ground-Penetrating Radar, and LED Signals (Missouri).
-- Roger Port, (816) 276-2744.
