Kettering University Unveils Autonomous Car Technology Research Center
On Monday, Kettering University in Flint, Michigan, revealed the first phase of its new research center for testing autonomous car technologies.
The first phase of the site, which will be open to Kettering students and faculty, as well as automakers and suppliers, is a 3.25-acre test pad equipped with several unique features conducive to its ultimate goal, which is racing.
Included in the first phase of the new site is Kettering’s own private high-speed, 4G LTE cellular network, professional lighting and the ability to drive at night. The site also includes an outdoor lab space to test and develop autonomous car systems and technologies.
“This facility will be a magnet attracting companies to Michigan and from around the U.S. to come to Flint and do research,” said Kettering University President Robert K. McMahan. “Flint, the place where the automotive industry was founded, is now a place where the future of that industry and the mobility technologies of the future are being created.”
Glenn Stevens, executive director of MichAuto, added, “It’s a place for the students to connect with the technology, it’s a place for the automotive and supplier community to do testing, and it’s also an economic development tool. It’s really good for the city of Flint and the region.”
The second part of the site is expected to be complete next year. That part of the site is set to include a low-speed road course, a research annex and garage for automotive bays, conference rooms and an indoor lab space.
This research center now joins other facilities in the state, including Ann Arbor’s MCity test site and another proposed site at the former Willow Run bomber plant, aimed at furthering the development of autonomous vehicles.
