Ford Motor Company Robotics Building (FMCRB)
Creating a Collaborative Hub for Robotics Research and Industry
At the University of Michigan (UM), robotics research spans the air, land, and sea. Faculty and students work on autonomous drones, walking robots, and self-driving cars—technologies that will reshape the future of mobility. Yet until recently, this groundbreaking research was scattered across multiple buildings, limiting collaboration and efficiency. With the opening of the Ford Motor Company Robotics Building (FMCRB), the university has co-located these efforts under one roof, creating an interdisciplinary hub that embodies flexibility, collaboration, and innovation.
The four-story facility, designed as a partnership between the University of Michigan and Ford Motor Company, is the first of its kind on campus and one of only a handful in the country. Its design reflects a clear ambition: to accelerate discovery by breaking down barriers between research teams and creating shared environments that spark cross-pollination. At the same time, the building provides highly specialized spaces tailored to the exact needs of different disciplines.
Among its signature features is a three-story fly zone, where autonomous aerial vehicles can be tested in a controlled environment. An outdoor obstacle course challenges walking robots to navigate uneven terrain, simulating real-world conditions. For self-driving cars, a high-bay garage space provides a safe, flexible platform for testing and development. These facilities are complemented by a range of labs, dedicated shops, classrooms, and offices, all organized to maximize transparency and interaction. Large open areas and startup-style collaboration zones promote visibility, knowledge transfer, and group demonstrations, reinforcing a culture of innovation.
The building also represents a new model of university-industry partnership. In an unprecedented move, Ford Motor Company has leased the entire fourth floor, establishing its first research laboratory located on a university campus. This co-location of industry researchers alongside faculty and students creates a unique ecosystem, where ideas flow directly from academic research into industrial application, strengthening Michigan’s reputation as a leader in robotics and mobility innovation.
Sustainability was also a key focus. The building achieved LEED Gold certification, integrating energy-efficient systems, daylighting strategies, and a high-performance envelope that align with the university’s broader sustainability commitments.
The FMCRB has been widely recognized, earning honors such as the 2023 Engineering Society of Detroit Construction and Design Award, a National Recognition Award in the ACEC Engineering Excellence Awards, and a 2022 AIA Huron Valley Building Award. These accolades reflect not only the technical achievements of the facility but also its impact on advancing interdisciplinary research and fostering industry partnerships.
By bringing together diverse disciplines, providing state-of-the-art environments, and embedding industry collaboration within academia, the FMCRB positions the University of Michigan at the forefront of robotics research. It is both a gateway to the future of autonomous technologies and a model for how universities and industry can shape that future together.
