Intelligent Transportation Systems & Smart Vehicles
Tucson is Transforming the Transportation Industry
Tucson is an emerging transportation technology hub. This hub brings together academia, government, and industry to build on the region’s capabilities. Through this collaboration, Tucson is gaining recognition as a Center of Excellence in the field.
The University of Arizona (UA) is leading the way with its new Arizona Transportation Research Institute. Dr. Larry Head, a respected researcher on transportation systems, is the driving force in establishing the center. He serves as its interim director.
The Institute works across departments and colleges to solve complex problems, ranging from technical issues to social concerns. This collaboration broadens the expertise available to address global transportation issues.
The Advanced Traffic and Logistics Algorithms and Systems (ATLAS) is another UA research center. ATLAS focuses on research and education in engineering and planning. The center addresses issues such as traffic control, emergency planning and management, simulation modeling and analysis, human decision making, and performance measures.
The UA is also home to one of the world’s leading optical science programs. The program provides expertise and research on sensors – a key component in the use of autonomous and connected vehicles.
The UA’s College of Engineering, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, has created the Cognitive and Autonomous Test, or CAT. The test utilizes an autonomous vehicle as a technology testing platform. Students from around the U.S. can put their research projects—apps for remote operation—to the test. Testing takes place at the UA Tech Park.
The City of Tucson partners on pilot projects to promote intelligent transportation systems and smart vehicles. Since 1988, the City has provided a testbed for engineering students. The University has had access to vehicle detection cameras, where students can gather data and test simulation models.
In addition, the City of Tucson has identified three corridors for investment as smart corridors. Long-term plans include fiber communication and intelligent transportation equipment such as cameras and cabinet boxes. Installing the infrastructure now will provide the test beds necessary for active transportation management. Through these advanced transportation systems, Tucson can build a better global transportation system.
The Pima Association of Governments (PAG) is a regional association of local governments in Pima County. One area of strategic importance to PAG is Intelligent Transportation Systems. Its Transportation Systems Subcommittee focuses on helping public policy keeps pace with technology development.
Tech Parks Arizona and the Pima Association of Governments presented the inaugural Technology and Transportation Summit on October 13, 2016. The Summit brought together industry leaders, academics, and transportation specialists. Participants discussed the future of “Smart Cities" and innovations to improve transportation systems in Southern Arizona and beyond.
The industry is active in technology development too. Metropia is a startup company founded by a University of Arizona professor. The company has developed transportation and mobility alternatives through an app-based platform using GPS data. The collected data enhances and optimizes operations of transportation systems.
Metropia’s founder brought existing advanced technologies together and developed a product in the field to address modern congestion management. This effort redefines the way cities approach traffic congestion and mobility issues.
Caterpillar is a large company with an active presence in the region. Caterpillar’s Proving Grounds lie 20 minutes south of Tucson. The site is used to test large autonomous mining vehicles.
In fall 2016, Caterpillar announced its plan to move its engineering division to Tucson. The company will build on the collaborative energy of the region.
With miles of open road, Southern Arizona is developing testing areas and emerging as a test site for autonomous vehicles. The State of Arizona is leading the way by creating policies and legislation to promote the testing of smart vehicles in real driving situations.
Governor Doug Ducey signed an executive order in August 2015 that directed state agencies to enable testing. As part of that the order, he facilitated the creation of pilot programs at selected universities and developed rules for these programs. The order established a Self-Driving Vehicle Oversight Committee within the governor’s office.
Musselman Honda Circuit is an oval racing track located on the southeast side of Tucson. The track is close to the UA Tech Park and is entering into a formal partnership to provide testing capabilities for Tech Park tenant companies. The track is a 1,264 M x 40 M asphalt track. There is also a 200M x 40M skid pad and a 640-acre off-road park.
Public-private partnerships are crucial to the development of this industry. Tech Parks Arizona is helping to build momentum in this sector by convening a cluster around intelligent transportation systems and smart vehicles. This collaboration is crucial in advancing new initiatives and publicizing the region's existing assets.
Tucson is putting together the pieces so you don’t have to—commerce, research, and public policy that promotes real testing situations. Isn’t it time you move forward with a Global Advantage?
Contact Tech Parks Arizona and download the Global Advantage Fact Sheet to learn more about advancing your business in Southern Arizona.
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