In this episode we explore the development of self-driving autonomous cars and trucks and the role of AI in improving their reliability, safety, and economic viability. We discuss the history of self-driving vehicles, including the DARPA Challenges which kick-started self-driving automobile development, and the challenges and advancements in the industry. The conversation also focuses on the use of AI and computer vision in autonomous vehicles, a new concept of “shared autonomy” in self-driving and the benefits of autonomous technology. We also do a deep-dive on the potential for autonomous trucking, and speak with a company that already has a fleet of self-driving trucks on the road — trucks that have driven more than 2 million miles delivering freight.
Joining us are three experts in autonomous driving: John Dolan, a Principal Systems Scientist in the Robotics Institute at Carnegie Mellon University; Deva Ramanan, professor at Carnegie Mellon's Robotic Institute and co-director for their Center of Autonomous Vehicle Research; and Bart Nabbe, VP of Corporate Development and Strategic Partnerships at Aurora Innovation.