PAVEcast: A conversation about autonomous vehicles

As AVs continue to advance on city streets and highways, automated vehicle technology is also expanding into new environments. From mining and defense to depot operations, automation is improving safety, efficiency, and productivity across different sectors.

Tune in for a conversation on how AV technology is being applied in these unique contexts and what lessons they offer for the broader future of autonomous vehicles. You'...

Earlier this spring, PAVE and Stantec partnered with the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) to host an educational and experiential AV Day at the Capitol for state policymakers and other community leaders. Tune in for a conversation exploring the public sector’s role in AV education and engagement, using Minnesota’s recent event as a case study. Speakers include Tara Andringa of PAVE, Thomas Johnson-Kaiser a...

In October 2025, the Autonomous Vehicle Safety Consortium (AVSC) published a best practice on assessing AV safety case claims supported by evidence. In this episode of the PAVEcast, we sat down with AVSC Executive Director Darcyne Foldenauer to learn more. Darcyne explains the fundamentals of safety cases, the importance of clearly linking evidence to claims, and the need for greater consistency in how safety is evaluated and commu...

Accessibility is often cited as a key benefit of automated vehicles and emerging mobility technologies, but designing vehicles for wheelchair users is complex. The SAE CivicProgress Challenge was created to help address this gap by empowering college students to develop innovative, real-world solutions for accessible mobility. Established in collaboration with General Motors, the multi-year program challenges students to tackle acc...

With a new administration and Congress, 2025 was widely viewed as a potential turning point for autonomous vehicles. One year later, did the industry’s expectations match reality? Join us for a timely follow-up conversation examining how political and legislative developments have shaped the AV policy landscape.

Hilary Cain of the Alliance for Automotive Innovation and Finch Fulton of K&L Gates reflect on the past ...

2025 was a pivotal year for the autonomous trucking space, as industry leaders moved beyond pilots and industrial use cases toward true long-haul deployment. However, scaling safely and sustainably remains a complex challenge. Tune in for a fireside chat with Andreas Wendel, CTO of Kodiak AI, to explore what it takes to scale driverless operations.

In this conversation, Andreas will share insights into Kodiak’s recent ...

In this episode of the PAVEcast, we sit down with Paul Steier, Vice President of Law Enforcement Programs and Services at the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators (AAMVA). We discuss how DMVs, law enforcement, and driver education programs are adapting to emerging vehicle technologies. The conversation also highlights the importance of industry collaboration, the challenge of balancing regulations with innovation, a...

How do wheelchair users secure themselves in an autonomous vehicle safely and independently? The United Spinal Association’s SecureRide Coalition is tackling this challenge by bringing together automobile and wheelchair manufacturers, AV companies, disability advocates, and other stakeholders. Tune in for a conversation to learn more about this innovative solution. You'll hear from Bill Nixon of GM, Kent Keyser of the United ...

With the official start of winter only a month away, drivers throughout northern climates are preparing to share the roads with snow and ice. Winter weather presents challenges for human drivers and automated vehicles alike, from reduced visibility to slippery surfaces. Join us for a conversation to explore how AVs perform in adverse conditions. Guests include Justin Johnson of The PLUM Catalyst, Philip Du Toit of Kodiak Robotics, ...

Perceptions of automated vehicles often focus on robotaxis, but AVs are also transforming how we move people through public transit. Join us for to hear from three industry leaders on the current state of automated transit. Learn about the latest pilot programs, explore existing deployments, and understand the challenges and opportunities that remain on the road ahead. Guests include Cemre Kavvasoglu of ADASTEC, Chris Lichtmannecke...

In this episode of the PAVEcast, we interview Dr. Bryan Reimer, an MIT researcher and co-author of the new book How to Make AI Useful. Dr. Reimer shares his background in the mobility space and discusses what led him to write a book on AI. We also explore how to cut through the AI hype, talk about the complexities of the "messy middle," and consider how these lessons apply to the AV industry.

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Learn more about Bryan: https...

As technology reshapes the transportation industry, workforce development has become an increasingly important topic. The GoMentum Innovation Alliance, a group led by the Contra Costa Transportation Authority (CCTA), recently conducted a comprehensive Gaps and Needs Assessment to understand current challenges and identify opportunities in preparing the future workforce.

Tune in for a conversation with CCTA’s Executive ...

In this episode of the PAVEcast, we interview Jon Miller, VP of Enterprise Growth at Nexar. Jon discusses his role at Nexar, highlighting the company's mission to transform real-world road data into actionable intelligence through a network of AI-powered dashcams. Jon details Nexar's work with both the public and private sectors, their partnerships with leading AV companies, and the complexities of solving for the long tail.

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