Mcity operates the world’s first purpose-built proving ground for testing the performance and safety of connected and automated vehicles and technologies under controlled and realistic conditions.
Designed for Early Stage Research and Development
Testing new technologies in a safe, controlled environment is essential before deploying automated vehicles on public streets and highways. The Mcity Test Facility sits on a 32-acre site on U-M’s North Campus Research Complex, with more than 16 acres of roads and traffic infrastructure. The full-scale outdoor laboratory simulates the broad range of complexities vehicles encounter in urban and suburban environments.
Mcity Test Facility Features
- State-of-the-art instrumentation throughout the facility includes a control network to collect data about traffic activity using wireless, fiber optics, Ethernet, and a highly accurate real-time kinematic positioning system.
- Patent-pending augmented reality testing technology allows physical test vehicles to interact with virtual connected vehicles in real time inside the facility.
- Open-source API controls testing conditions throughout the facility.
- Infrastructure can be controlled with software.
- The facility uses vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication throughout the facility and 5G connectivity.
Please note: Mcity is a closed facility. Due to safety and confidentiality concerns, access is limited to those involved in testing and research.
Michigan Traffic Laboratory
Adjacent to the Mcity Test Facility is the Michigan Traffic Laboratory. This state-of-the-art traffic management system focuses on traffic network monitoring, modeling, and control. Tasks include:
- Traffic flow modeling and simulation
- Traffic signal operations
- Network traffic assignment
- Mobility applications with connected and automated vehicles
- Augmented reality testing technology








