Kansas DOT Promoting Intelligent Vehicle Technology
IVsource.net
30 December 2001

The State's Intelligent Vehicle Initiative (IVI) Showcase Vehicle will be displayed at public events.  Project goals are to introduce new technologies to the driving public ... and raise awareness of how thes e technologies can make the driving task safer and more efficient.

As reported in IVsource earlier last year, the Kansas Department of Transportation has established an Intelligent Vehicle Initiative program office within their broader Intelligent Transportation Systems program office.  Matthew Volz, P.E., ITS Engineer for the state, recently provided us an update on the effort.

The project goal is to introduce new technologies to the driving public while raising awareness of how these technologies can make the driving task safer and more efficient.  The IVI Showcase Vehicle is the first project under the Kansas Intelligent Vehicle Initiative Program.  The current Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) Program within KDOT is comprised of three branches: Urban ITS, Rural ITS, and Commercial Vehicle Operations.  The IVI Program will be the fourth branch of the overall ITS Program.

The KDOT plan calls for obtaining a “showcase” vehicle for the IVI Program that will be equipped with several technologies designed to show the traveling public the advantages of purchasing devices to aid in the driving task.  Technology in the vehicle will allow the driver to focus on the task of driving while having awareness of the surrounding roadway environment.  They intend the vehicle to be equipped with several factory-installed components, as well as aftermarket products that may be added to the vehicle over time.

Buick LeSabre Delivered in August

The first phase of this project was to acquire a base vehicle within which advanced technologies could be deployed for demonstration purposes.  This phase of the project was completed with the acquisition of a 2001 Buick LeSabre in August 2001.  The second phase involves the selection and installation of technologies to be showcased by KDOT at various public and industry events.  Examples of technology sought for the vehicle include in-vehicle navigation, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning system, collision warning systems, obstacle detection, vision enhancement, and dynamic route guidance.

KDOT will be showcasing the vehicle at various public events such as trade shows, fairs, car shows, and conferences around the Midwest and other locations as requested.  KDOT plans to prepare a media campaign to boost the vehicle's exposure through the television and newspapers.  Private companies wishing to showcase technologies on the vehicle will be offered the opportunity to partner with the state on this project.  As part of the agreement, KDOT will explain the features of their products, operation, and benefits to the public, and distribute printed material about the product with contact information.  The vehicle also will bear companies' names and/or logos on the exterior.  In return, KDOT expects that products will be provided at no charge to the agency -- and that companies will contribute whatever training, installation, and service might be required.

Volz said that the KDOT ITS unit is currently contacting various aftermarket manufacturers that can provide the technologies sought for the vehicle.  Unsolicited showcasing opportunities are being scheduled for 2002, including:

Other showcase opportunities will be supported throughout the country on a request basis.

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For More Information ...

... interested parties should contact Matt Volz at MattV@ksdot.org.

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