University Of Michigan Opens Sim City For Autonomous Cars: Video

The University of Michigan’s simulated environment for the testing of self-driven cars is now a reality, with the university cutting the ribbon to "Mcity" this week. 

First announced in May last year, the US$10 million facility was built with the backing of partners such as General Motors, Ford, Bosch, Honda, Nissan and Toyota.

Mcity is designed with life-sized streets, intersections, traffic signals, signs and buildings, to simulate life in the real world for autonomous cars.

With all of the obstacles of the average city but without John Q. Public in the way, Mcity is designed as a safe proving ground for autonomous tech.

Spanning 32 acres, Mcity has even considered the minor details of the life an autonomous car can expect to encounter - such as faded lane markings and street signs obscured by graffiti.

The university hopes the facility will accelerate the development of autonomous cars, and help speed the development of a self-driven future.

USA