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The facility will feature complex research and testing scenarios, a simulation lab, technology-neutral physical infrastructure including a number of route configurations, signage, intersections, and traffic signals. Credit: Prayitno / Flickr.

The US state of Arizona has partnered with private sector companies and a university research faculty to set up an institute to test self-driving cars.

An executive order signed by Arizona Governor Doug Ducey will lead the way for the new Institute for Automated Mobility (IAM) facility.

Ducey said: “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.

“Arizona is committed to providing the leadership and knowledge necessary to integrate these technologies into the world’s transportation systems.”

The Arizona Commerce Authority will manage the institute in collaboration with state’s department of transportation and public safety,  as well as Arizona State University, University of Arizona, and Northern Arizona University.

Intel will serve as the first private-sector founding partner, and has helped develop the structure and mission of IAM.

“The Institute for Automated Mobility is the culmination of many months of groundbreaking collaboration between Intel, ASU, and public agencies in Arizona.”

The company’s responsibility sensitive safety (RSS) model is an open and transparent technology neutral model that can serve as a foundation for IAM research.

Intel senior vice-president Doug Davis said: “The Institute for Automated Mobility is the culmination of many months of groundbreaking collaboration between Intel, ASU, and public agencies in Arizona.

“We look forward to working with industry partners, the state, and the universities on safety technologies, standards and policies, such as responsibility sensitive safety (RSS), as we collectively aim for autonomous transportation solutions that are safe and impactful.”

Once fully operational, the IAM will include facilities for complex research and testing scenarios for self-driving cars, as well as technology-neutral physical infrastructure such as route configurations, signage, intersections, and traffic signals.

Additionally, a traffic incident management centre will integrate law enforcement and first responders with automated vehicle technologies.

The centre has been designed and managed by Arizona’s departments of transportation and public safety.