Florida Polytechnic University (Florida Poly) and the Jacksonville Transportation Authority (JTA) have announced that they will work together to enhance the development of autonomous vehicle (AV) technology in public transportation.

The entities have agreed to work together to boost the research and application of AV technology.

Florida Polytechnic is home to the Advanced Mobility Institute (AMI), which is a university-affiliated research center that focuses on advancing and testing AV technology. According to Florida Poly, AMI is one of the largest university centers in the country that specializes specifically on the testing and verification of AV technology.

“AV technology holds great promise for the whole transportation industry, but it’s very likely that public transportation will take advantage of it before the generic passenger car marketplace,” explains Dr. Rahul Razdan, senior director for special projects at Florida Poly.

“At the Advanced Mobility Institute, we pay particular attention to the Florida industries that can absorb this technology earlier.”

As part of the agreement, Florida Poly and JTA will foster the development of AV technology across a variety of settings, including downtowns, university campuses and other controlled settings.

The agreement also involves creating work and study opportunities to support AV research emphasized on implementation and testing.

“JTA is excited to collaborate with Florida Polytechnic University to explore autonomous vehicles and connected vehicle technologies,” comments Nathaniel P. Ford Sr., CEO of the JTA.

“Florida Poly and its Advanced Mobility Institute are strong scientific advisors in this groundbreaking technology.”