Forging the Future of Mobility - Panel Discussion Recap

Date: June 20th 2024

In this session, we explored the impact of current technological advancements, such as self-driving vehicles, HMI, and software-defined vehicles (SDVs), along with the complexities of tech-enabled cities. We also examined how humans adapt to the density of supercities and the dual influence of technology, from smart mobility solutions to the challenges they bring to urban landscapes.

Thank you for everyone who joined us for this session, if you were unable to, here's the recording of the session:

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The session highlighted how businesses, communities, and technologies can flourish by prioritizing human-centric approaches. Human-centered ecosystems are not just a trend, but a crucial factor for fostering more inclusive, effective, and sustainable practices in the rapidly evolving fields of innovation and design. We ended up discussing best practices for researching and implementing comprehensive mobility solutions that optimize business performance and human adaptation.

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Here's the expert panel who joined us:

With over a decade in engineering, data science, and product development, Mio Suzuki has spearheaded hardware and digital innovation projects at Trek Bicycle for the past three years. As the Director of Advanced Technologies, she leads a team delving into edge AI, spatial computing, and embedded digital electronics. Holding a master's degree in Engineering Physics from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and dual bachelor's degrees in Chemical and Nuclear Engineering from UC Berkeley, she combines strategic foresight with entrepreneurial zeal to pioneer industry-leading solutions, emphasizing team cohesion and informed decision-making at Trek Bicycle.

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Marty Laurita is a creative polymath with expertise spanning product, biotech, automotive, motion, and narrative design. Having spent nearly five years at Apple working on Vision Pro, Marty has recently embraced a new challenge as the Director of UI/UX at Rivian. In this role, he is dedicated to forging a greener, more adventurous future through innovative design solutions. Marty thrives on humanizing technology and transforming imaginative concepts into reality, continually grateful for the strong relationships and support that have fueled this journey.

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Ain McKendrick, founder and CEO of Faction, is renowned for pioneering advanced products and technologies. With a robust career that includes being the VP of Engineering at Starsky Robotics—where he led the development of North America’s first completely driverless semi trucks—and the Senior Director of Netflix's partner products team, Ain has significantly shaped tech-driven consumer experiences. A co-founder of Palm Computing, he helped develop the original PalmPilot PDA. Ain, a Cal Poly graduate and Y Combinator alumni holds multiple patents across diverse tech sectors.

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This webinar was tailored for entrepreneurs, innovators, designers, product developers, and those curious about how focusing on human needs can transform industries and improve the future of our planet. It was also advantageous for policymakers and community organizers looking for the best solutions to create more integrated and holistic urban policy. Hosted by Gregor Mittersinker, the founder and creative director of Loft Design, this event offered a prime chance to enhance your understanding and connect with leading authorities in the domain.

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