(Image source from: ABC15 Arizona)
Arizona is refurbishing its self-driving vehicle research with the newly-proclaimed Institute for Automated Mobility.
Governor of Arizona Doug Ducey on Thursday signed an executive order initiating the new project, partnering jointly numerous state universities and agencies, along with Intel.
"The Institute for Automated Mobility will bring together global industry leaders, a public sector team and the brightest minds in academia, focused on advancing all aspects of automated vehicle science, safety, and policy," said Ducey. "Arizona is committed to providing the leadership and knowledge necessary to integrate these technologies into the world’s transportation systems."
Sandra Watson, the President of the Arizona Commerce Authority, described the new partnership as an institute of facilities, a simulation technology and lab infrastructure for automated mobility.
The project includes the Department of Public Safety, Arizona Department of Transportation, University of Arizona, Arizona State University, Northern Arizona University, and Intel.
Arizona has committed $1.5 million to launch the program, which comes from loans being repaid by small businesses.
New testing facilities will focus on cars, but likewise, trucks and potentially drones in years to come.
Uber's automated vehicle testing in Arizona was halted after a woman in March 2018 while crossing Mill Avenue in Tempe, was hit and killed on her bicycle. The woman was hit by a self-driving Uber vehicle, which had a backup driver in the car at the time.
Search warrants of the backup driver's phone obtained by police showed the backup driver was streaming a show on their phone at the time of the crash.
So far no charges have been filed against the backup driver, Rafaela Vasquez, but the case is still under investigation.
Uber has since moved their machine-controlled vehicle testing to Pittsburgh.
"Automated vehicle technologies have incredible potential to improve transportation safety and efficiency, saving lives, time and money," said Watson. "IAM will conduct groundbreaking industry-led research and development supporting the establishment of uniform standards and smart policy around these technologies."
An Intel representative as well said the institute will be used to develop safety standards and policies. Intel says they have been working closely with ASU researchers to find ways to challenge safety standards of safety for machine-controlled vehicles.
Waymo proceeds to test automated vehicles in the Chandler area and has said recently that it stands by the safety of their self-driving vehicles.
Waymo proclaimed recently that it will expand its' independent ride-sharing service across the Phoenix Metro area ahead of the end of 2018.
Direct locations for testing facilities for the new IAM program, and dates of expected launches have not been released.
-Sowmya Sangam
