Partner With Us

The Smart Highway Research Center (SHRC) at UW-Madison helps define, address, and advance all aspects of transportation/pavement infrastructure. SHRC pursues the most pressing and promising research needs for this growing technology.

Companies can join the consortium at two levels:

$25,000 Membership

  • Receive 200 hours of service using SHRC research facilities
  • Influence research directions by joining the research advisory board
  • Identify potential future employees through early contact with students
  • Information on related research
  • Attend the SHRC annual workshop for exhibition and networking

$7,000 Membership

  • Receive 50 hours of service using SHRC research facilities
  • Identify potential future employees through early contact with students
  • Information on related research
  • Attend the SHRC annual workshop for networking

In addition, member companies can participate in the following:

Technology Transfer and Training

SHRC can provide technical newsletters to its partners and organize a variety of sessions on demand. Activities could also include hands-on technical workshops, in-house training sessions, and external site visits.

Special Project Research

Industrial partners may fund directed research and negotiate for licensing the intellectual property. Please contact the leadership team for further details.

Laboratory Testing and Characterization Services

The SHRC material laboratory has the capabilities to conduct standard asphalt binder performance specification and characterization testing as well as perform non-standard tests for advanced rheological and damaging characterization of asphalts. The laboratory also includes a full set of asphalt mixture production, design, and performance testing equipment. It is capable of specialized methods for measuring workability, densification, resistance to mechanical and thermal loading, and to assess all critical performance criteria.

Autonomy Testing and Robotic Construction Services

The SHRC autonomy lab supports advanced testing, inspection, and construction of pavement infrastructure using robotic and automated systems. The facility is equipped with mobile robotic platforms, robotic arms, automated crack sealing devices, and drone systems for aerial inspection and documentation. The lab focuses on the development and deployment of autonomous technologies for material placement, pavement condition evaluation and maintenance, improving accuracy, safety, and efficiency. Key capabilities include field-ready robotic patching systems, remote sensing integration, and real-time control algorithms for automated machinery. These tools allow researchers to simulate, evaluate, and refine robotic operations under realistic conditions.

Artificial Intelligence and Smart Infrastructure Services

The SHRC AI lab integrates data-driven modeling, digital twin systems, and predictive analytics to support intelligent pavement and transportation infrastructure. Equipped with high-performance computing resources, 5G-enabled sensor networks, and edge-computing platforms, the lab enables the development of AI models for pavement performance prediction, anomaly detection, and lifecycle optimization. Researchers can utilize machine learning, generative AI, and computer vision techniques to fuse heterogeneous datasets. This lab has the ability to accelerate decision-making, improve infrastructure resilience, and support real-time monitoring and automated feedback systems.