The nearly $1-million, three-year joint research program focuses on transportation optimization, big data, artificial language learning and artificial intelligence. It aims to better understand transportation behaviors norms, reduce congestion on the global transportation infrastructure and provide solutions to mobility.

Earlier, U-M signed a memorandum of understanding with Tus-International and TusStar, aiming for partnerships on smart mobility, medicine and new technology deployment. Both companies are part of Beijing-based Tus-Holdings, the Tsinghua University-backed science-park developer.

Also, U-M finalized an agreement to establish the Global Collaboratory in Advanced Manufacturing with Beijing Institute of Collaborative Innovation (BICI) and Peking University.

Funding for the five-year, $25-million partnership will be provided by BICI. The goal of the collaboratory is to create fundamental knowledge and innovative technologies in smart, open and sustainable manufacturing. It leverages technological advancements such as the industrial internet of things, rapid response and automated manufacturing machines. Research is expected to be undertaken at three sites: U-M, BICI and Peking University.