Gallery: Inside the Fake Town Built Just for Self-Driving Cars
University of Michigan01UMAerialsJuly15
The University of Michigan’s Mobility Transformation Center has created a test center where automakers can refine the most advanced technologies with no possible risk to the public.
University of Michigan02mcityjul1810
“Mcity,” which officially opened Monday, is a 32-acre faux metropolis designed specifically to test automated and connected vehicle tech.
University of Michigan03mcityjul1807
It’s got several miles of two-, three-, and four-lane roads, complete with intersections, traffic signals, and signs.
University of Michigan04mcity-construction-7-17-1512
Benches and streetlights line the sidewalks separating building facades from the streets. It’s like an elaborate Hollywood set.
University of Michigan05Michigan Photography, Roger Hart
Automakers can test vehicles on different surfaces (like brick, dirt, and grass) and see how their systems handle roundabouts and underpasses.
University of Michigan06mcityjul1808
They can erect construction barriers, spray graffiti on road signs, and work with faded lane lines, to see how autonomous tech reacts to real-world conditions.
University of Michigan07mcityjul1806
“We are going to figure out how the incredible potential of connected and automated vehicles can be realized quickly, efficiently and safely,” says Peter Sweatman, director of the Mobility Transformation Center.
