By granting access to cutting-edge active safety testing technologies at the University of Michigan's Mcity Test Facility for combined development of cutting-edge software and robots for new mobility applications, Humanetics and Mcity are working together to lead mobility innovation. These instruments will facilitate thorough and accurate evaluations of developing autonomous and Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) technologies by commercial and university researchers at the Mcity Test Facility.

 

“By combining the resources and expertise of Humanetics and Mcity, this partnership will accelerate the development and deployment of connected and automated vehicle technologies,” said Mark Westen, president, Humanetics Safety. “This relationship will contribute to ongoing efforts focused on creating a safer, more efficient, and sustainable transportation ecosystem.”

 

Mcity will receive several of Humanetics' Active Safety robotic test platforms, which can simulate a range of road users, including pedestrians, cyclists, motorcyclists, and kids. Along with training services, Humanetics will also offer TrackBase Connect, a comprehensive software program that manages complicated test scenarios and coordinates the operation of various vehicles, traffic lights, and pedestrian platforms on the proving ground.

 

"A major goal of the partnership is to fully integrate Humanetics’ dynamic test system into the Mcity Test Facility environment, which will simplify test setup and support running complex tests more quickly and easily," said Mcity Managing Director Greg McGuire.

 

“The most critical part of testing automated systems is safely dealing with other people on the roads – in cars, trucks, buses, on bikes, etc., – and how they use our road network,” McGuire said. “That’s what Humanetics is good at and that’s where we need to be innovative as a state and as a country if we’re going to improve road safety more broadly.