RANTOUL, Ill. (WCIA) – The U of I system is on their fourth annual road tour across the state. Their stop in Rantoul gave a glimpse into the possible future of autonomous vehicles and related technology.
They have partnered with IDOT and a number of universities to imagine what’s possible. U of I system President Tim Killeen said collaboration is crucial to this kind of innovation.
“We’re out learning, listening, but also creating the kinds of partnerships that the state needs to really build prosperity for everybody and leave no communities behind,” Killeen said.
U of I students showed off drones, radars and different types of pavement that could change the way we get around.
“This kind of hands-on touring is very beneficial for students, Killeen said. “They see the excitement they can imagine themselves contributing to society in important ways.”
An economic study revealed that the proposed technology could provide over $7 billion dollars to the state’s economy and create more than 53,000 jobs by 2050.
“The economic impact of improving our transportation system is cosmic,” Killeen said. “If we can get better at providing for safe transportation of goods, services and human beings in ways that support society in ways that are lower cost — more resilient to environmental effects — then we’ll be contributing in really important ways.”
The presentation proposed a state-of-the-art testing track. It would feature electric charging lanes, energy-harvesting pavement and be able to mimic season-specific driving conditions.
“That’s what was exciting about today, because you could kind of see it and feel it,” Killeen said. “…We want to be leaders and movers and first adopters and create the knowledge base that will be helpful as we move forward in a society that’s increasingly mobile.”
All of the technology is still in its testing phase, and would need significant funding to go further. Killeen said time is ticking to stay ahead of the curb on transportation.
“All the components are there to really continue a leadership role in redesigning transportation modalities just as we’ve done into the past into the decades and the future,” Killeen said.
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