Seeking to address public concern over the use of autonomous vehicles (AV), Velodyne Lidar, Inc., a lidar sensor technologies company, announced the second annual World Safety Summit on Autonomous Technology, to be held on October 2 in Santa Clara, California. The summit agenda includes seven panel sessions and an autonomous vehicle demonstration area, both of which aim to increase consumers’ understanding of the safety features and benefits of AVs, while showing how they will revolutionize transportation.
Attendees will have the opportunity to hear from keynote speakers and experts from business, government, public safety and community leaders talking on various AV topics. Panel discussions will focus on safety, education and public engagement, and cybersecurity—having the goal of clarifying complex concepts that have confused consumers.
The free event will also allow participants to drive in Velodyne Lidar-equipped vehicles and fully autonomous vehicles provided by AutonomousStuff. An autonomous street sweeper, a drone, and an autonomous orchard sprayer will be on display and experts will be available at information booths to talk directly with attendees.
“The World Safety Summit provides a forum for clear public explanations and frank discussions regarding the direction of authentic autonomy while promoting consumer transparency and practices,” said Marta Hall, President and CBDO, Velodyne Lidar, in a press statement. “Through this dialogue, we believe we can advance the potential of autonomous vehicles, thereby reducing damage caused by the 94 percent of collisions currently resulting from human error.”
The launch of the first safety focused summit last year aligned with other activities in this emerging industry that is helping consumers to stay abreast of so much anticipated change. For instance a recent study indicated that sales of highly automated commercial vehicles are not expected to exceed 1 percent until 2028. While another report focusing on more closely on consumers, identified the potential impact that innovative transportation technology will have on consumer lifestyles ranging from choices as to where they live and work, as well real estate opportunities.
