Mcity Test Facility

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.

Introducing Mcity 2.0

With a $5.1 million grant from the National Science Foundation, the Mcity Test Facility is evolving into a next-generation autonomous vehicle test track. Mcity is developing digital infrastructure that overlays the physical test facility and enables remote use. This will give researchers, many without testing resources, remote access to the Mcity Test Facility and will help create a more equitable playing field in mobility.

See how it works

Designed for Early-Stage Research and Development

Testing new technologies in a safe, controlled environment is essential before deploying automated vehicles on public streets, roads, and highways. The Mcity Test Facility sits on a 32-acre site on U-M’s North Campus, 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, and provides the connected infrastructure and operating system to serve as a smart city test bed.

Features include:

State-of-the-art instrumentation and sensors throughout the facility include 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 virtually connected vehicles in real time inside the facility
Fully connected 5G network and vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication throughout the facility
Facility infrastructure and testing conditions can be controlled with our Mcity OS cloud-based software
Multiple road surfaces, variety of road markings and crossing types (e.g. pedestrian, railroad)
1,000-foot straightaway, plus access ramps, curves, roundabout, traffic circle, and urban streets
Traffic signals and traffic signs, plus building facades and simulated tree cover
House and garage exterior with accessibility ramp for first-mile/last-mile testing, deliveries, and ride hailing
Bridge deck, underpass, guardrails, barriers, and crash attenuators
Onsite workstation and configurable open test areas
Test vehicles and support available

Please note: Mcity is a closed facility. Due to safety and confidentiality concerns, access is limited to those involved in testing and research.

Book the Facility

Mcity OS

Mcity OS makes it possible for researchers to create and execute complex, sophisticated, and easily repeatable test scenarios of connected vehicles, automated vehicles, and connected and automated vehicles – potentially saving testing time and costs, and accelerating product development.

Mcity OS runs on any internet-enabled device to control all the features of the Mcity Test Facility. This cloud-based open-source operating system gives users point-and-click control over interactions between vehicle and facility features and infrastructure. Mcity OS is built on our OCTANE API and SKYLINE app.

Mcity OS tools can be integrated at other test facilities and in real-world environments as we lead the transformation to CAVs, CV2X, and smart cities. Mcity OS is also available for use at other test facilities. The American Center for Mobility is the first facility to license Mcity OS.

To inquire about licensing, contact the University of Michigan’s Office of Technology Transfer.

Watch Mcity OS demo video

Onsite Workspaces

While working in the Mcity Test Facility, you’re welcome to access onsite amenities like prep garages, mobile offices and meeting areas to ensure your experience is comfortable and productive.

We provide access to:

Vehicle garages for vehicle prep and tech installations
Mobile office and workspace on the test track via our repurposed school bus
Auxiliary building for meetings, conferences and presentations
Office space and conference rooms within the Mcity or UMTRI buildings on campus, as available

Mcity Auxillary Building Meeting Space

Driverless vehicle at M city test facility — Mcity is the world’s first purpose-build facility for testing connected and automated vehicles and technologies under controlled, realistic conditions before trying them out in real traffic.

M city grand opening ribbon cutting — Leaders from the University of Michigan, and local, state and federal government, cut the ribbon to open the Mcity Test Facility on July 20, 2015

store fronts at M city test facility — Building facades up to two stories high line the streets of Mcity’s urban downtown area.

car driving on track at M city test facility — Mcity includes urban and suburban streets, plus road signs, pedestrian crossings and other features to simulate real-world urban and suburban driving conditions.

robot pedestrian at M city test facility — Dummies can be used at Mcity to test pedestrian avoidance technology in automated vehicles.

M city test facility tunnel — A highway overpass is simulated at Mcity by a tunnel that blocks vehicles from wireless and satellite signals.

M city traffic signs — Road signs at Mcity are not pristine by design to effectively replicate real-world conditions.

testing vehicle and pedestrian at M city test facility — Testing scenarios can be configured to meet the specific needs of Mcity users evaluating advanced mobility vehicles and technologies.

interior of car looking through windshield at M city test facility — The Michigan Department of Transportation helped fund construction of the Mcity Test Facility, and provided traffic signs, overhead freeway signs and other equipment that had been taken out of service.