Self-driving vehicles are our future. The University of Maine is showing how.

Maine’s demographic profile is often presented as a challenge for the state. These demographics, however, make Maine uniquely positioned to be a national leader for autonomous vehicle research and deployment. We are both the oldest state and the most rural state in the country, meaning the benefits of self-driving cars will be especially impactful for Mainers from Kittery to Fort Kent.

With the state’s Commision on Autonomous Vehicles tasked with issuing a final report this month, now is the time to consider opportunities to capitalize on the growing research, development and policy efforts in the state.

Paul Fink

University of Maine’s VEMI Lab