- Topic Submission
- Discussion & Evaluation
- Development
- Project
Asset Management
Data
Equipment
Highway Operations
Maintenance & Preservation
Traffic Safety
Environment
Is this related to or a continuation of a previous Iowa DOT research project?
No
Does this idea include matching funds?
No
Anticipated Benefits
A plow driver will be able to continue the snow route safely, even when visibility reaches zero. This will allow continued service on routes which would otherwise be abandoned until visibility improves. This should lead to fewer closures or blown-in sections, and overall better winter service. This can keep roads open for critical services and speed cleanup time since roads would not need to be 'dug out' after the storm subsides.
Focus Area
Mobility / Safety / Technology
Research Program
SPR / 774: Research & Technology Transfer
Literature Search Documents
navigationsystemsforsnowplowsinlowvisbilitysituations-literaturesearch.pdf03/15/2021 - 3:33pm
Project Title
Navigation System for Snowplows in Low Visibility Situations
Project Number
SPR-RE22(007)-8H-00
Contracted Agency
Iowa State University / Lantern Vision Systems, LLC
Project Champion
Principal Investigator
Funding Program
State Planning and Research
Project Funding
$502,265
Project Funding Including External Sources
$502,265
Project Start Date
11/01/2021
Current Project End Date
10/31/2024
Project Abstract
In severe winter storms, sometimes visibility degrades to the point that it is no longer safe to continue plowing, and crews are called back to the garage or other safe place until the storm subsides. When this occurs, there are no longer any plows keeping drifts back so roads can quickly cover, and in some cases, drift shut. This severely limits traffic and emergency services from using the road until plows can return. We will develop and retrofit an existing snowplow with a suite of sensors and mapping systems along with a driver assistance interface that will guide the operator when visibility is too low for regular operation. In addition, route guidance, the system will also provide alerts for unexpected obstacles such as stalled/slow-moving vehicles, people, or debris. The system designed in phase 1 will not take over any control and only guide the operator. The main focus for this project will be the economic efficiency and field readiness of the solution. The team will include the following critical innovations to achieve an economical and practical solution to enable agency-level deployment: i) economical mapping, ii) economical instrumentation, iii) shovel ready technology, and iv) a multi-disciplinary team with expertise in implementing real-world autonomy solution.
Project Champion
Project Manager
Delivering targeted solutions for Iowa's transportation future.
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