Accenture Expands Michigan Operations

Accenture plc, a New York-based professional services firm, has opened an automotive innovation center in Livonia, Mich.

The facility is part of a planned expansion that includes moving Accenture’s main Michigan operations from Southfield to downtown Detroit this autumn. The company also will add 200 workers in the state by 2020.

The 10,000 sq-ft Livonia facility will be used to help clients digitize their product development, engineering and manufacturing operations. Accenture also has automotive-focused centers in Germany and Italy, and plans to open a similar facility in Shanghai later this year.

The new Michigan site houses a design lab and a dozen interactive demonstration stations that showcase Accenture’s development capabilities and client partnerships. Among the highlighted systems are projects related to artificial intelligence, augmented reality, blockchain encryption, cybersecurity, lean production, “manufacturing 4.0” and predictive analytics.

One of the Livonia modules features a futuristic car seat that Accenture co-developed with Faurecia SA. The unit is equipped with advanced sensors designed to enhance comfort and safety by tailoring the seat and surrounding controls to an individual user and position.

Earlier this year, Faurecia inked a five-year development deal with Accenture. The program will focus on advanced human-to-machine interfaces and Faurecia’s Cockpit of the Future concept.