Details of the ongoing testing and experimentation of an autonomous shuttle bus called Minnie at a facility north of the Twin Cities.

"Winter driving in Minnesota presents some challenges for the technology underpinning autonomous vehicles, much of it being developed by companies in temperate Silicon Valley, and tested in sunnier climes," reports Greta Kaul.
There's a test to prove it too. As Kaul reports, the Minnesota Department of Transportation is testing an autonomous shuttle bus affectionately nicknamed "Minnie," at a facility near Albertville. Conditions in Minnesota and other northern states will determine the future feasibility of autonomous vehicles. "It’s important, [Minnesota Department of Transportation officials] say, that conditions like snow, salt-caked cars and black ice are considered by both manufacturers and policymakers as cars start to drive themselves."
So far, Minnie has encountered difficulties with snowbound conditions. For instance, road salt blocks sensors. 3M "is working with MnDOT on the shuttle project, is helping to develop films that protects the sensors," according to Kaul. There's also falling snow: "LIDAR is a very sophisticated form of technology, but it can be foiled by precipitation," explains Kaul. Snow is a particularly good reflector of infrared laser light, too.
FULL STORY: Driving in Minnesota winters is hard — even for driverless vehicles

Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program
Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

Ken Jennings Launches Transit Web Series
The Jeopardy champ wants you to ride public transit.

Washington Legislature Passes Rent Increase Cap
A bill that caps rent increases at 7 percent plus inflation is headed to the governor’s desk.

From Planning to Action: How LA County Is Rethinking Climate Resilience
Chief Sustainability Officer Rita Kampalath outlines the County’s shift from planning to implementation in its climate resilience efforts, emphasizing cross-departmental coordination, updated recovery strategies, and the need for flexible funding.

New Mexico Aging Department Commits to Helping Seniors Age ‘In Place’ and ‘Autonomously’ in New Draft Plan
As New Mexico’s population of seniors continues to grow, the state’s aging department is proposing expanded initiatives to help seniors maintain their autonomy while also supporting family caregivers.
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