The American Center for Mobility Celebrates 10 Years as a Hub for Transportation Innovation

The American Center for Mobility: A Decade of Railroad and Mobility Innovation

As the American Center for Mobility (ACM) reaches its 10-year milestone, it stands not just as a testing ground but as a beacon for innovations in transportation technology. Located on a sprawling 500-acre campus near Detroit, ACM has become integral to the evolution of the transportation industry. With current occupancy rates soaring at 90% in its expansive 35,430 square feet of test space, ACM is a bustling hub for significant advancements and collaborations among various stakeholders.

Established at the historical Willow Run site in Ypsilanti Township, Michigan, ACM operates as a nonprofit organization dedicated to propelling the mobility landscape forward. In 2025 alone, it recorded over 5,596 hours of testing, with further promises of growth in 2026. The scope of work undertaken at ACM underscores the evolving concept of mobility; it encompasses a wide array of services, from testing advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) and automated vehicles to cybersecurity measures and EV charging validations.

Organizations from diverse sectors—automotive, logistics, engineering, and academia—take advantage of ACM's state-of-the-art infrastructure to innovate and improve the way we transport people and goods. Notably, while specific customer identities often remain classified, the high volume of activity and the names included in public discourse, such as Motmot and Snowbotix, illustrate that ACM is at the forefront of viable mobility solutions.

Reuben Sarkar, President and CEO of ACM, emphasizes that the testing and development occurring at this facility are laying the groundwork for the transportation methods of the future. He stated, "What is happening at ACM today is a reflection of where the entire transportation industry is headed. The organizations testing and developing here are solving problems that will define how people and goods move, safely and securely, for decades to come."

The impact of ACM not only becomes visible through its internal activities but also through its extensive outreach. Between 2020 and 2025, ACM hosted over 50,000 visitors and conducted numerous events—including tours and global delegations—that brought representatives from 189 different companies within its walls. The economic effects of such gatherings ripple into Ypsilanti and the broader region, boosting local businesses, hotels, and restaurants.

Paul Krutko, the president and CEO of Ann Arbor SPARK, articulates ACM's role in economic and technological revitalization, noting, "The work happening on this campus is driving high-value R&D activity, supporting jobs across multiple sectors, and ensuring that innovation, and the companies and talent behind it, remain anchored in Michigan."

In today’s time, where the transportation sector is undergoing unprecedented technological transformations, ACM's mission persists: to provide essential infrastructure that facilitates testing and validation of next-gen technologies. Its emphasis on creating a dense network of research capabilities reinforces Michigan's position as a leading force in the global automotive and mobility industry.

For 2026, ACM plans a diverse array of events that highlight its role as a convening point. Upcoming gatherings include the ACM Demo Day, the OmniAir Plugfest, and the Ann Arbor SPARK's Mobility Summit, demonstrating their commitment to innovation and collaboration.

ACM's growth trajectory illuminates a promising future; as their priorities evolve, they continue to explore how best to accommodate future demands for space and testing capacities. At its core, ACM is not just a testing ground but a focal point that showcases what modern mobility can be—reinvented for a sustainable and secure tomorrow.

To learn more about ACM's initiatives and resources, visit acmwillowrun.org.