MSU FRIB debuts new chip-testing facility to advance driverless tech and spaceflight The new MSU chip-testing facility will push forward critical research for the autonomous vehicle and spaceflight industries, utilizing the world’s most powerful heavy-ion linear accelerator. EAST LANSING, Mich. (News 10) - A new addition at Michigan State University aims to improve technology that may someday be used in things like driverless cars. Michigan Sen. Gary Peters stopped at MSU’s Facility for Rare Isotope Beams (FRIB) to take a look at the building’s new chip-testing facility alongside a group that included university President Kevin Guskiewicz. The new addition will help improve testing for technology used in the spaceflight and autonomous vehicle industries. The FRIB building houses the world’s most powerful heavy-ion linear accelerator, which produces rare isotopes that scientists can use to study their impact on medicine, national security, and diagnosing diseases according to the university. Peters said it is important to support cutting-edge research that makes a tangible impact on people’s lives. “Most people don’t realize the type of breakthrough research that’s occurring here and how it’s going to impact their lives both now and in the future, and it’s important for people to understand that,” Peters said. Since becoming a senator in 2015, Peters has helped secure more than $2 billion in public investment for the facility through bipartisan efforts. For Peters, the stop was the last on his statewide motorcycle tour of Michigan. This marked his 10th and final tour before he leaves office in January. The two candidates battling for Peters’ seat in November are Democrat Abdul El-Sayed and Republican Mike Rogers. Stream News 10 Lansing on your favorite devices! Here’s how to download the News 10+ app on Roku, Fire TV or Apple TV. Be the first to see the Mid-Michigan headlines you care