Torc Robotics has officially opened a new technology hub in Ann Arbor, Michigan, as part of its expansion in autonomous trucking, the company said on Friday. The 32,000-square-foot facility represents a $5.59 million investment and is expected to create up to 500 jobs.
The ribbon-cutting ceremony attracted company employees, community leaders, and residents, showcasing one of Torc’s autonomous trucks as part of the event. CEO Peter Vaughan Schmidt described the hub as “a formal commitment to the region” and emphasized its role in advancing Level 4 autonomous trucking technology, which allows trucks to operate autonomously under certain conditions.
The facility, equipped with AI-powered laboratories and modern conference rooms, is designed to foster innovation and collaboration. Torc Chief Technology Officer CJ King, a Michigan native, highlighted Ann Arbor’s engineering talent and its proximity to top academic institutions as key reasons for the expansion.
Quentin L. Messer, Jr., CEO of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, praised the project for supporting the state’s “Make it in Michigan” strategy, which focuses on people, places, and projects to drive economic growth. “Torc’s investment and the creation of hundreds of jobs underscore its significant impact on Michigan’s economy,” Messer said.