DETROIT — With automakers and technology companies rushing to develop self-driving cars, the Obama administration on Thursday pledged to expedite regulatory guidelines for autonomous vehicles and invest in research to help bring them to market.

Until now, the federal government has taken a hands-off approach to regulating new technology that allows vehicles to operate independently and without an actual driver.

But in an announcement here at the North American International Auto Show, Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx said the government would remove hurdles to developing autonomous vehicles and set further guidelines for them within six months.

“We are bullish on autonomous vehicles,” Mr. Foxx said. “The actions we are taking today bring us up to speed.”