Projects
Automated Driving on Rural Roads
Self-driving on rural roads is significantly different from urban driving because critical infrastructure like high-quality pavement, clear lane markings, traffic signs, and mapped roads are often missing. Private industry will be slow to address these challenges since rural road operations do not present favorable short-term economics. This demonstration addresses these problems by developing self-driving software tailored specifically to navigate this challenging use-case.
UAV Emergency Response for Crashes on Rural Roads
In order to save lives and reduce the time waited for medical assistance in a crash, this project deploys an Autonomous Emergency Response UAV for point-to-point medical kit delivery
Digital Infrastructure to Support AV Trucking
. Scheduled for late 2026 along Oklahoma’s I-35 or I-40 corridors, this demonstration focuses on advancing digital infrastructure to support AV trucking operations. . Ultimately, this standardized national road-state data feed provides the real-time visibility needed for automated freight operators to navigate dynamic hazards safely.
Roadmap Report for Building Automation-Enabled Multi-Modal Logistics Networks to Rural and Tribal Communities
The economics of last-mile delivery create a stark divide, as urban deliveries average around $10 per package while rural deliveries can reach $50 due to lower population density and longer distances. Because last-mile delivery burns through 53% of total shipping costs, carriers frequently add remote fuel surcharges ranging from $8.85 to $16.50, further burdening rural residents and local economies. To solve these inefficiencies along the I-40 and I-35 corridors, this project provides the analytical foundation necessary to deploy autonomous logistics solutions.