ITS Institute and Intelligent Vehicles Lab technology a ‘Modern Marvel’

Driver-assist technology developed at the University of Minnesota is helping snowplow drivers keep Thompson Pass open during Alaska’s long, severe winters—and The History Channel recently profiled this technology as part of a show, “Modern Marvels,” about Alaska.

The Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities has outfitted some of its snow removal vehicles with the driver-assist system developed at the ITS Institute’s Intelligent Vehicles Laboratory. The system is composed of differential GPS, collision avoidance technology, and a driver interface that enables drivers to plow snow in zero-visibility conditions.

“Modern Marvels” episodes can be viewed on the History Channel website. The technology was also featured in the March 15, 2012 issue of Government Technology.

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