© 2024 WFSU Public Media
WFSU News · Tallahassee · Panama City · Thomasville
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Autonomous Vehicle Site Enters Next Phase Of Development

A group of smiling people stand beside a sign reading, "suntrax." Clouds are above the group. The American and Florida Flags wave behind the sign. In the background is a white building.
SunTrax

Construction is underway for a new autonomous-vehicle test site in Florida. The Florida Department of Transportation is teaming up with Florida’s Turnpike Enterprise to build the facility. 

Florida wants to be the go-to place to test self-driving cars. Florida Department of Transportation officials say companies like Tesla and Uber are looking for facilities that can simulate real-life driving environments. That’s where Suntrax comes in. In the fall, Suntrax will add urban intersections, curb-side pick-up and more to its list of test scenarios. There will be 10 total. The facility will also have workshops, office space, and a cafeteria.

Robbie Gaffney graduated from Florida State University with degrees in Digital Media Production and Creative Writing. Before working at WFSU, they recorded FSU’s basketball and baseball games for Seminole Productions as well as interned for the PBS Station in Largo, Florida. Robbie loves playing video games such as Shadow of the Colossus, Animal Crossing, and Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles. Their other hobbies include sleeping and watching anime.