Vehicles “Talk” with Each Other in Michigan International Speedway
The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) is collaborating with the Michigan International Speedway (MIS) to step on the gas of research and development of automated vehicle systems that is also hoped to create jobs and attract business in Michigan.
The tie-up will market the racetrack in Brooklyn, Michigan to developers and manufacturers of connected
vehicle innovative technologies. This allows the companies to test their products in a closed and safe environment.
The connected automobile technologies will allow vehicles to “talk” to each other to increase fuel efficiency, promote better mobility, and avoid road mishaps.
Last November the department of transportation of Michigan disclosed plans to use the Telegraph Road along Oakland County as a test line for the automotive technology. Combining this test with the MIS project will create a big laboratory on public and private roads for the automated vehicles.
These studies and tests will also put Michigan on the frontline of development of the technology. Aside from allowing the vehicles to talk to each other for safety and efficiency, the proponents of the project foresee a number of technologies stemming from this. Applications that will help people spend less time on the road and more quality time at home is the ultimate goal of the technology.
Michigan aside from being the center of the auto industry in the United States is also home to about 80% of the research and development for automotive industry advancements. A consorted effort among different public and private agencies will help Michigan achieve the status of being the center of development of automated or connected vehicle systems.
The project will create between 16000 to 41000 jobs and will add between $177 and $448 million to the revenue of Michigan.
