Self-driving technology is good for more than driving rich people to their yacht parties and fancy soirees. The city of Knoxville, Tennessee will use this technology to create a more efficient and effective de-icing vehicle.

The technology, initially reported by Digital Trends, was developed in partnership with the Department of Energy's Oak Ridge National Laboratory and the University of Tennessee.



Using a lidar-based detection system, and existing traffic information, the vehicles generate what researchers are referring to as the Road Vulnerability Index. It can profile each road for how much it is at risk of icing over. This takes into consideration such factors as road gradients, sun exposure, and more. A flat, well sunlit road will be considered a lesser risk than a sloped road under the cover of trees.

This information means that not only can the de-icing vehicles most effectively but that the road working staff will know which roads they should focus on first.

This system would offer a significant help in conserving budget and resources during the winter months, especially for larger cities.

With Knoxville acting as a test location, the system can be expected to expand across Tennessee should it prove effective. Until then, drive safe.