ADS for Rural America
The National Advanced Driving Simulator (NADS) at the University of Iowa invites adults to participate in an on-road demonstration of a partially automated vehicle. This research aims to show how this technology can provide transportation options for people who may not be able to drive themselves, such as the elderly or those with mobility or visual impairments. The 47-mile loop will go through parts of Iowa City, Hills, Riverside and Kalona.
Study staff will meet you at 1 of 4 pre-determined locations (Iowa City Marketplace, Hills Community Center, Riverside Casino, or Kalona Library). Your participation will start and end at the same location. There will be up to three passengers during each ride. This study involves one visit that will last up to 3 hours. Your participation includes signing of a consent form, completing questionnaires on a tablet before, during, and after the drive, wearing a wrist band that monitors your heart rate, and
riding as a passenger in a partially automated research shuttle that is equipped with several automated driving systems. The vehicle will be monitored and driven by a trained NADS safety driver and co-driver, both following strict safety protocols. The drive will last approximately 1.5 to 2 hours.
Requirements:
• Adults ages 65 years and older OR
• Adults ages 25 and older that have an impairment that affects their mobility OR
• Adults ages 25 and older that have low vision impairment
Potential participants should also be
• able to enter/exit the shuttle using the front steps with handrail OR via an ADA-compliant wheelchair lift
• able to remain seated in the shuttle while wearing a mask for up to 3 hours
• able to interact with a tablet while the vehicle is in motion, and
• willing to wear a device on their wrist to collect physiological data (e.g., heart rate)
You will receive up to $80 for completing study procedures.
If you or someone you know may meet the above criteria and are interested in participating, please visit the following link for more information and to complete an eligibility questionnaire: https://uiowa.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_doFIuseNBF2JRQx
Participants must meet other eligibility qualifications.
If you have any questions or concerns at any time, please feel free to email us at nads-recruit@uiowa.edu. Please reference “ADS for Rural America" when emailing.
For more information:

319-335-6803
Sign up for this study
Back