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Bryan Reimer, PHD

Research Scientist
MIT Center for Transportation and Logistics

Bryan Reimer, Ph.D., is a Research Scientist in the MIT Center for Transportation and Logistics. Bryan’s research seeks to develop theoretical and applied insight into driver behavior and the future of mobility. His work aims to find solutions to the next generation of human factors challenges associated with driver attention management, distraction, automation and the use of advanced driver assistance systems to maximize mobility and safety. He founded and leads the Advanced Vehicle Technology (AVT) consortium an academic industry partnership seeking to understand how drivers use emerging, commercially available vehicle technologies. He is the recipient of the 2019 Jack A. Kraft Innovator Award from the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society and a 2018 Autos2050 Impact Award. He is an author on over 250 technical contributions and a Contributor to Forbes.

ABSTRACT

Robots On Our Roads – Where Are We And Where Might We Be Going

The concept of automating vehicles and removing the driver from direct control of the throttle, brake, and steering wheel was first explored nearly 100 years ago. Over the decades since, automation of various features has gradually infiltrated the automobile. Today, on the heels of the DARPA Urban Challenge and Google’s Self-Driving Car Project, we are closer than ever to realizing aspirations of a century ago, but challenges remain and timelines for the technology increasing. This talk will center on elements of what is known about automation in the vehicle today and our evolution towards self-driving. Topics will include: observations on the use of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) and production level automated driving features (Autopilot, Pilot Assist, Super Cruise, etc.); the shifting nature of what we do in modern vehicles, challenging what is today’s distraction - secondary tasks or driving; and key points to consider regarding the future of robots on our roads. How might the intersection of artificial intelligence embodied in one the most complex activities humans perform - intersect with society’s interest in an economical, efficient, clean and safe automated and electrified mobility system?