2025: A Year in Review
From connected and automated vehicle technology to workforce development and electric vehicles on the ground and in the air, DriveOhio accomplished a lot this year.
 1. Established a dedicated Division of Advanced Air Mobility (AAM)
Robert "Bob" Tanner was selected as ODOT's new AAM Director to lead the implementation of the state's AAM strategy, guide policy, oversee infrastructure investments, and continue support of advanced aircraft operations.
2. Expanded our uncrewed assets with a sonar-equipped boat and a robotic assistant
In addition to a fleet of nearly 100 drones, our UAS team added an uncrewed surface vehicle to the toolbox to support the inspection of underwater bridge piers using sonar. The team also welcomed Brutus, a robodog, to assist with culvert inspections and supplement drone operations as a visual observer.
3. Released the DriveOhio Campus Collection
DriveOhio published a FREE resource hub for colleges and universities offering a wide variety of educational curricula covering modules on automated vehicles, electric vehicles, connected vehicle technology, drones, vertiports, and more.
 4. Deployed partially automated trucks on I-70 between Columbus and Indianapolis
DriveOhio partnered with the Indiana Department of Transportation to deploy EASE Logistics trucks equipped with platooning technology provided by Kratos Defense, which allows the driver of the lead vehicle to control the speed and direction of the following truck. The project also developed an AV Road Readiness Audit tool to help DOTs prepare for AVs.
5. Convened the DriveOhio Alliance, launched the Ohio AV Collaborative, and held the first Research Roundup event
Collaboration is the key ingredient to DriveOhio's work. This year, we gathered DriveOhio Alliance members in April and September to share updates, kicked off the AV Collaborative to draft policy recommendations to scale AVs in Ohio, and organized the first Research Roundup to exchange information on research related to AV systems.
6. Opened 2 new EV charging stations and achieved full build-out status for NEVI
Ohio currently has 19 fast-charging stations funded NEVI open to the public, with construction of an additional 12 locations to begin in early 2026. Ohio's network of Alternative Fuel Corridors (AFCs) received fully built out certification, which means Ohio can use its NEVI funds to build stations on non-AFC routes to fill in remaining gaps.
 7. Launched the first statewide Drones for First Responders program
Created under Ohio House Bill 96, the program supports the use of drones by law enforcement, fire departments, and emergency medical services and aims to assess how drone technology can improve situational awareness, reduce emergency response time, and enhance public and responder safety across the state.
8. Published the new Educator Toolkit video playlist on YouTube
Listed on DriveOhio's YouTube channel, the new playlist features STEM content that teachers can utilize in the classroom alongside curriculum from the K-12 Educator Toolkit.
9. Completed drone-in-a-box installation and planning
ODOT's first drone-in-a-box system was installed at the National Advanced Air Mobility Center of Excellence (NAAMCE). The system can independently launch, perform tasks, and return to a secure base for recharging and data offloading autonomously. Next year, the system will be integrated into a large ODOT construction project.
 10. Created the Mobility Innovation eXchange (MIX)
The statewide initiative connects local communities with solution-driven transportation technology. MPOs. COGs, or political subdivisions can submit transportation challenges to gain access to resources that could include funding, technical expertise, data, industry connections, or a combination thereof.
11. Wrapped up Stage 1 of our SMART Grant project
The project created two safety applications within ODOT's data streaming platform developed in-house. The prototypes include a crash prediction and proactive mitigation application and an incident detection and response application. Next, ODOT will apply for a Stage 2 SMART Grant to continue the progress.
12. Researched the use of vehicle-based data for infrastructure inspections
During the project, ODOT maintenance personnel used two vehicles equipped with ADAS to conduct visual inspections of the roadway. The vehicle sensors accurately detected guardrail damage, sign visibility, shoulder drop off, potholes, and striping, which has the potential to improve ODOT's efficiency while also keeping workers safer.
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COMING SOON: NEVI Program Management
DriveOhio is seeking a program manager to continue delivering projects under the NEVI Formula Program, which could include program administration, procurement support, environmental clearance, project management, public engagement, and construction inspection and oversight. This will be included in the January 2026 ODOT Programmatic.
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Request for Proposals
NOW OPEN: Level 4 Truck Automation
DriveOhio and the Indiana Department of Transportation are seeking a team of vendors to deploy Level 4 automated vehicle technology in freight movement in Ohio and Indiana. Interested parties must submit a proposal by January 22, 2026 at 1 p.m. ET.
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NOW OPEN: Connected and Automated Vehicle Equipment and Services Invitation to Bid
DriveOhio is seeking vendors to provide various parts, components, services, and applications for automated vehicles and connected vehicles. Interested parties must submit a bid by January 20, 2026 at 1 p.m. ET.
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NOW OPEN: NEVI Charging Stations - Round 3
A Request for Proposals for the third round of NEVI stations is now available on BidExpress. Please note, interested parties must create an account with BidExpress to view the RFP; However, there is no cost unless you submit a proposal. Proposals are due February 5, 2026 at 1 p.m. ET.
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