Simulation has increased tremendously in importance over the last two decades, and it plays a critical role in the development and testing of new vehicle technologies.

Through our work with distributed simulation, virtual reality, testing new motion drive algorithms, and modeling vehicle automation, we are pushing the boundaries of simulation science.

Contact

Chris Schwarz

Chris Schwarz

Title/Position
Director of Engineering and Modeling Research

News: Simulation science

2023 Annual Report cover

2023: A Year in Review

Monday, January 1, 2024
Check out our recent highlights and accomplishments from the Driving Safety Research Institute, home of the National Advanced Driving Simulator.
Inside NADS-1 simulator

The Long and Winding Road: 25 Years of the National Advanced Driving Simulator

Wednesday, July 19, 2023
From IEEE Xplore magazine, this article summarizes the capabilities and history behind the National Advanced Driving Simulator.
Iowa City postcard with John McGivern

John McGivern's Main Streets - Iowa City, Iowa

Friday, April 14, 2023
We were recently featured in the Iowa City episode of John McGivern's Main Streets showcasing many of Iowa City's hidden gems. Check out this episode to see why Iowa City is a town for everyone!
Stefan Plaettner stands by the viewing window of the NADS-1 simulator

DSRI welcomes Fulbright scholar Stefan Plaettner

Wednesday, February 15, 2023
Join us in welcoming Stefan Plaettner, visiting Fulbright scholar from the Technical University of Dresden to the University of Iowa Driving Safety Research Institute (DSRI).
2022 NADS Annual Report cover

2022 Annual Report now available

Wednesday, December 28, 2022
Our 2022 annual report is here! We have spent the past year researching automated vehicles, traffic safety, drugged driving, and much more. Plus, read about our upcoming name change to "Driving Safety Research Institute" on page 3.
miniSim

miniSim: A year in review

Wednesday, December 21, 2022
FY22 resulted in a number of system upgrades and custom development for the miniSim team.
Inside NADS-1 simulator

NADS lands contract with NHTSA for automated vehicle research

Thursday, October 20, 2022
The University of Iowa National Advanced Driving Simulator (NADS) has secured a contract with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for a project that will look at roadway interactions between human-driven and automated vehicles.
Toyota studying innovative headlights that project onto pavement to alert pedestrians

Innovative headlights could help save pedestrians, bicyclists

Tuesday, February 1, 2022
A new type of headlight may help save pedestrians from getting struck by vehicles at night, studied at University of Iowa with researchers from Toyota CSRC.
2021 NADS Annual Report

A year in review: Rural roads, drowsy driving, cannabis, and more

Tuesday, January 4, 2022
See what we’ve been up to in the past year in our NADS Annual Report, with stories about ADS for Rural America, driving drowsy, regenerative braking safety benefits, cannabis and driving, and more. 
Connected simulation

Connected simulation captures realistic human interaction

Thursday, February 4, 2021
NADS recently wrapped up a multi-year project connecting multiple people interacting in the same virtual environment.