Researchers demonstrate next-generation bus; fleet planned for USDOT congestion relief program

The next generation of Twin Cities transit took center stage at the 2009 ITS Minnesota Fall Forum, as Intelligent Vehicles Laboratory (IV Lab) director Craig Shankwitz presented a driver-assistive system for buses operating on bus-only shoulders and bus lanes.

Annual report now available

The ITS Institute's 2008–2009 annual report is now available online. The report highlights the Institute's research, education, and outreach activities from July 2008 through June 2009.

Webinar: Non-Intrusive Detection of Driver Drowsiness

Advanced Transportation Technologies Seminar, November 19, 2009
Xun Yu, Assistant Professor, Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, University of Minnesota Duluth

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Middle schoolers prepare for transportation-themed robotics competition on campus

More than 250 young science enthusiasts from across Minnesota converged on the University of Minnesota campus October 15 for a morning of educational workshops and tours of research facilities. The event, hosted by the Institute of Technology, CTS, and educational nonprofit organization High Tech Kids, was planned to help the students prepare for "Smart Move," the 2009 FIRST LEGO League robotics competition. ITS Institute director Max Donath highlighted the Teen Driver Support System (TDSS) and driver-assistive technology that allows snowplow operators to stay on the road in low-visibility conditions.

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U of M, Mn/DOT develop new snowplow

Rajesh Rajamani

KSTP - TV, October 14, 2009

A smart new snowplow under development by the University of Minnesota and Mn/DOT may make roads safer while using less salt, which saves money and in turn helps the environment. U of M mechanical engineering professor Rajesh Rajamani, the developer of the plow, says the plow's sensor technology allows for a more targeted attack on snow and ice.

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New online game explores world of traffic management

A new traffic control game developed by the ITS Institute and Web Courseworks lets high school students try their hand at working in the engineering and transportation field.

"Gridlock Buster" is a traffic control game that incorporates tools and ideas that traffic control engineers use in their everyday work. Players must pass a series of levels while acquiring specific skills for controlling the traffic and ensuring that delays don't get out of hand. For example, a player might need to manage a high volume of traffic passing through an intersection, where long lines form if vehicles don't get enough green-light time. The more drivers are delayed, the more frustrated they get—causing the game's "frustration meter" to rise. Sound effects and animation simulate cars honking and drivers' fists shaking to illustrate the realistic results of backed-up traffic queues.

The game is based on work by Chen-Fu Liao, the ITS Institute's education systems engineer. The goal is to provide a fun way to engage students in the traffic engineering field, teach what is involved in traffic grid management, and make transportation interesting and relevant.

Play "Gridlock Buster"
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