The US Department of Transportation (DOT) is planning to set up a new Advisory Committee on Automation in Transportation (ACAT), which will help it to establish federal policies for the development of automated transportation.

US DOT Secretary Anthony Foxx said: “This committee will help determine how, when, and where automated technology will transform the way we move.

“The department has advanced some of the life-saving benefits of automated technologies, including automated vehicle policy, but we are looking outside the government for innovative and thoughtful leaders to uncover its full potential across all modes.”

"This committee will help determine how, when, and where automated technology will transform the way we move."

Members of the ACAT will review the DOT’s existing research, policy and regulatory support to advance the safe and effective use of autonomous vehicles.

The members will also gather information, develop technical advice, and present recommendations to the secretary on automated and connected vehicle technologies.

The US DOT is planning to hire 15 individuals with cross-modal perspectives on issues, such as intelligent transportation systems (ITS), robotics, air traffic control next generation technology, and advanced transportation technology deployment.

ACAT will perform these activities to prepare DOT for the emergence of new technologies.