Pursue discovery through our test facility, living labs, virtual spaces and data resources. Our makerspace is your catalyst for research.
What You Can Do at Mcity
- Develop AI algorithms for smart city applications, vehicle perception and control with Mcity’s data engine
- Test CAV and EV technology remotely or on-site using our next-generation test track
- Apply for free remote access – proposal deadline March 14, 2025
- Download Mcity open-source tools including our test facility digital twin
- Build out new wireless technologies and test internet connectivity
- Pursue early-stage development and testing for tomorrow’s aerial or ground mobility needs in our self-contained “mini-city”
- Prototype advanced roadway materials and infrastructure for urban environments
- Explore net-zero solutions for sustainable smart communities
- Conduct demos and test drives
- Join the Mcity community
Benefits of Joining the Mcity Community
- Partner with Mcity members on research proposals
- Connect with Mcity partners and members on important mobility topics including legal and liability questions, and equity and accessibility considerations
- Access research and insights
- Promote your research findings through PR and promotional opportunities with Mcity
Research Opportunities for Faculty
Mcity responds to requests for proposals from a wide-range of funding sources and often includes U-M faculty and other academic researchers in their response. Contact Mcity if you are interested in partnering with us.
Request Mcity Research Notifications
Our partner organization, the Center for Connected and Automated Transportation (CCAT), periodically announces requests for research proposals.
Mcity Open Roads Fund
The U-M College of Engineering has established the Mcity Open Roads Fund to help remove cost barriers faced by U-M faculty and students who want to use Mcity facilities in their research but do not have a funding sponsor.
The Open Roads Fund subsidizes 90% of the cost of using Mcity resources, such as the Mcity Test Facility and all of its features (the current rate for U-M faculty is about $2,400 per day); or researchers can use a vehicle from Mcity’s Open CAV fleet of open-source connected and automated vehicles (the rate is about $400 per vehicle).
These resources typically operate on a recharge model, which means operating costs are divided into user fees annually. User rates are then set based on the previous year’s operating budget. All users at U-M pay the same rate for access.
For sponsored research projects, these fees can be incorporated into the cost planning process and are readily accounted for. But for more ad-hoc experimentation, proof-of-concept work ahead of a larger project, and for educational use, these costs can be a barrier.
Funding is available on a first-come, first served basis.
Guidelines for Use
- Self-funded research or educational use only; not for use with industry/government-sponsored research
- Maximum of five days per principal investigator (PI) or team, per year for Mcity Test Facility
- Researchers agree to submit a short summary of the testing value following use of Mcity facilities, which can be made public.
Eligibility
- U-M College of Engineering faculty and student teams are eligible
- 90% subsidy of cost to use Mcity Test Facility or an Mcity research vehicle
- Self-funded research, educational use