New AV Test Track, V2X Signal Lab, and Drone Park position Berkeley as a global center for next-generation mobility research, commercialization, and workforce development
Fresh renovations, new improvements, and advanced technology are shaping the new Berkeley Mobility Hub, recently launched by the University of California, Berkeley’s Institute of Transportation Studies (ITS Berkeley) at the university-owned Richmond Field Station (RFS).
The Hub is a major revitalization of the transportation testing and research facilities currently at RFS and will further innovations and research on advanced vehicles, digital infrastructure, and zero-emission as a living lab for applied research and innovation.
“ITS Berkeley is a leader in transportation technology and the new upgraded facilities will allow us to deepen our ability to improve our testing, research, and partnership opportunities.” says Daniel A. Rodriguez, ITS Berkeley Director and Chancellor's Professor of City and Regional Planning.
This initiative marks a milestone in Berkeley’s decades-long leadership in connected and autonomous mobility, aviation technologies, and next-generation transportation systems and will provide new and improved testbeds for cutting edge research.
The first phase of development includes a resurfaced autonomous vehicle (AV) test track, a state-of-the-art V2X Signal Lab, a new Drone Park training facility, and key infrastructure upgrades to the 140-acre facility. These assets will be accessible to UC Berkeley students, faculty, researchers, startups, and public and private sector partners. The Berkeley Mobility Hub serves as a real-world testbed for:
- Connected and Autonomous Vehicles
- Zero Emissions Vehicles and New Energy
- Public Transportation and Shared Mobility
- Fleet, Freight, and Logistics
- Advanced Aviation, Drones, and eVTOL
- Connected and Digital Infrastructure
“UC Berkeley has a unique opportunity to fill a growing industry need for advanced vehicle testing across transportation verticals and modes,” said Justin Wiley, Strategy and Development Director at ITS Berkeley. “The Berkeley Mobility Hub at RFS creates a scalable ecosystem for research, commercialization, and workforce development - one that benefits the university, our partners, and the public.”