DETROIT, Mich. (WXYZ) — Wayne State University will launch its first ever Center for Advanced Mobility this fall in partnership with the Michigan Mobility Institute, creating the ”world’s first holistic, advanced mobility curriculum.”
The center — an expansion of the College of Engineering’s cyber-physical systems programs — is set to house more degree and certificate programs in areas including autonomous driving, connectivity and smart infrastructure.
The school is creating a new Master of Science degree in Robotics for fall 2020. Through the center, engineering students will also be able to take new courses focused on mobility and autonomous driving.
Executive Director of the Michigan Mobility Institute, Jessica Robinson, said in a press release that the new development will aid students in successfully finding work in the mobility industry after graduation.
“We conducted hours of additional interviews with startups and established industry professionals to map career paths and learning gaps. Employers are eager for mobility engineers who are comfortable with new approaches to problem solving and have hands on experience with the latest technology,” Robinson said.
Wayne State previously acquired its 45,000 square foot Industry Innovation Center, which holds laboratory and demonstration space, in TechTown. The university plans to hold speaker series in the space this fall. The Center for Advanced Mobility will also benefit the city of Detroit, Chris Thomas, President and Co-Founder of the Detroit Mobility Lab, said.
“This announcement represents something of immense consequence: the creation of a world leading center for mobility in the heart of Detroit by institutions and leaders who call Detroit home,” Thomas said. “Graduates who hail from communities around the State of Michigan and around the world will begin their journey here in Detroit in this world-leading center of mobility excellence.”
Farshad Fotouhi, Dean of the Wayne State College of Engineering and Computer Science Professor, echoed the sentiment that the center will draw people to Detroit.
“The Center for Advanced Mobility will be the epicenter for academic and startup activity in the mobility sector for students, researchers, and global corporate partners in Detroit," Fotouhi said.
