From connected and automated vehicle technology to electric vehicles on the ground and in the air, DriveOhio accomplished a lot this year.
 1. Logged 97,000 miles in automated mode for our Rural ADS project
The project deployed four passenger vehicles and two semi-trucks on routes throughout Ohio. The passenger vehicles traveled more than 45,000 miles autonomously in Athens and Vinton Counties while the tractor-trailers covered 51,250 miles in platooning mode.
2. Received a grant to create safety applications for ODOT's data streaming platform
ODOT and DriveOhio won a $2 million SMART grant from the U.S. DOT to develop two programs aimed at improving roadway safety: Crash prediction and proactive mitigation; and Incident detection and response initiation.
3. Won the AUVSI XCELLENCE in Operations Award for Propelling AAM in Ohio
ODOT and JobsOhio were recognized for our collaborative commitment to advanced air mobility, leading and promoting the safe adoption of uncrewed systems, and developing programs that use these technologies to save lives and improve the human condition.
 4. Partnered with INDOT to plan for truck platooning on I-70 in 2024
Teaming with EASE Logistics and Kratos, DriveOhio and INDOT will deploy platooning tractor-trailers conducting normal business deliveries along I-70 between Columbus, OH and Indianapolis, IN beginning in Summer 2024.
5. Cut the ribbon on the National Advanced Air Mobility Center of Excellence
This state-of-the-art facility built for collaboration at the Springfield-Beckley Municipal Airport is the new home of ODOT's UAS Center, including its brand-new Operations Center, where we can track our fleet in real-time and control a new communications system to increase safety and confidence for drone pilots.
6. Kicked-off a new vehicle-based data research project with Honda
During the project, Honda test vehicles equipped with Advanced Driver Assistive Systems (ADAS) will collect road condition data on select routes that will be analyzed and evaluated to pinpoint roadway damage and inform road maintenance operations.
 7. Launched a K-12 Educator Toolkit
The DriveOhio Educator Toolkit provides free resources for K-12 educators, employers, students, and other workforce stakeholders to facilitate STEM career outreach and skills acquisition while offering equitable access to all Ohio's classrooms.
8. Began leading the Smart Belt Coalition
Ohio took the reins of a multi-state collaboration between transportation agencies and educational institutions focused on connected and automated vehicle technology. Ohio will lead until June 2024 when the coalition's direction will be transferred to another member organization.
9. Opened America's first NEVI fast charging station
Ohio Governor Mike DeWine celebrated the opening of the nation's first fast charging station built as part of the NEVI program. Located at Pilot Travel Center along I-70 at U.S. 42, the station is equipped with four EVgo fast charging ports.
 10. Published V2X Standard Operating Principles
DriveOhio is leading an effort to develop a consistent approach to connected vehicle messaging, paving the way for a nationwide deployment of Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) applications.
11. Partnered to Implement a Statewide EV Workforce Strategy
Ohio Lt. Governor Jon Husted and the Governor's Office of Workforce Transportation launched Ohio's Electric Vehicle Workforce Strategy to strengthen and build Ohio's advanced manufacturing workforce. As part of the strategy, DriveOhio helps support implementation of additional training programs related to EV charging infrastructure.
12. Flew more than 2,100 drone flights to support ODOT and state agency partners
Ohio UAS Center pilots flew hundreds of missions including GIS, inspection, mapping, emergency management, and infrastructure, construction and traffic monitoring for ODOT. They also utilized advanced sensor technologies like magnetometry, ground-penetrating radar, and radiation detection equipment to support partner agencies.
13. Led the Automated Vehicle Pooled Fund Study
The AV Pooled Fund Study is a collaboration of state DOTs working to coordinate research that will advance transportation safety using AVs. This year, the group established the AV Industry Forum at AccelerateAV.org to facilitate conversation between government, academia, and industry on AV-related topics.
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NOW OPEN: Ohio's Move Over Law
The Ohio Department of Transportation, through DriveOhio, is seeking solutions that could support Ohio's Move Over Law through the use of connected vehicle technology and emergency vehicle alert messaging. Interested parties should respond to the inquiry by January 9, 2024 at 12 a.m. EST
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Requests for Proposals
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COMING SOON: Safety Application Prototypes
The Ohio Department of Transportation and DriveOhio are seeking companies to develop prototypes of two applications using ODOT's data streaming platform: 1) Crash Prediction and Proactive Mitigation and 2) Emergency Response Alert. An official request for proposals is expected December 19. |
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NOW OPEN: I-70 Truck Automation Corridor
DriveOhio, the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT), and the Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) are seeking additional companies to deploy automated vehicle technologies in commercial vehicles operating along I-70. Proposals must be received by December 19, 2023 at 1 p.m. EST
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NOW OPEN: Data-Based Safety Applications
The Ohio Department of Transportation and DriveOhio are seeking companies for program management of two applications using ODOT's data streaming platform: 1) Crash Prediction and Proactive Mitigation and 2) Emergency Response Alert. Proposals must be received by December 21, 2023 at 1 p.m. EST.
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NOW OPEN: Round 2 NEVI Stations
The Ohio Department of Transportation, through DriveOhio and its federal partners, is seeking companies to install and operate the next round of electric vehicle charging stations across Ohio as part of the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) program. Proposals must be received by January 25, 2023 at 1 p.m. EST
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2024 Ohio Out-of-School Conference
DriveOhio's Rich Granger will lead two breakout sessions titled DriveOhio Educator Toolkit: Career Connections with Drones and Electric Vehicles at the conference scheduled for January 23-25.
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2024 Ohio Educational Technology Conference
DriveOhio's Rich Granger will present on the DriveOhio Educator Toolkit: Career Connections with Drones and Electric Vehicles on February 13 at 1 p.m.
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Wishing you a happy and healthy new year
from the DriveOhio team!
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