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GVSU joins higher ed consortium developing autonomous vehicles

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As the state continues positioning itself as the nation’s leader in autonomous product development Michigan universities, including Grand Valley State University, are partnering in research and training.

There are less than a dozen Automated Vehicle Proving Grounds in the United States. In southeast Michigan, the U.S. Department of Transportation recognizes PlanetM as part of the American Center for Mobility. It’s a nonprofit testing ground.

PlanetM is the hub where the state believes public/private partnerships will provide innovation for the self-driving car industry.

A collaboration of higher education has also been formed with 14 universities forming a consortium. Grand Valley State University signing a Memorandum of Understanding says this allows “students majoring in engineering and computer science will have the opportunity to work with ACM through research and co-op experiences.” 

Developing the next generation of high-tech talent Gov. Rick Snyder was on hand for the announcement where he said, “As the automotive industry continues to evolve, it’s critical for Michigan’s economy and our future that we have the best workforce possible to continue leading this reinvention,”

Patrick Center, WGVU News.

Patrick joined WGVU Public Media in December, 2008 after eight years of investigative reporting at Grand Rapids' WOOD-TV8 and three years at WYTV News Channel 33 in Youngstown, Ohio. As News and Public Affairs Director, Patrick manages our daily radio news operation and public interest television programming. An award-winning reporter, Patrick has won multiple Michigan Associated Press Best Reporter/Anchor awards and is a three-time Academy of Television Arts & Sciences EMMY Award winner with 14 nominations.