At MOVE America 2024, the “Autonomous Now” panel hosted executives from Pony.ai, DHL Supply Chain, Daimler Truck, May Mobility, and Oxa who all explored the future of autonomous vehicles (AVs), highlighting both the opportunities and challenges in the path to widespread adoption.
Anna Brunelle, CFO of May Mobility, emphasised AVs’ potential to provide reliable transportation for those in need, while Joanna Buttler, Head of the Global Autonomous Technology Group at Daimler Truck North America, discussed Daimler’s goal of introducing autonomous trucks to U.S. roads by 2027, aiming for greater safety and sustainability in logistics.
Jason Gillespie, Sr. Director at DHL Supply Chain, stressed that autonomous technology must work in tandem with human drivers, rather than fully replacing them. Gavin Jackson, CEO of Oxa, pointed out that while last-mile deliveries are challenging, progress is being made in the first and middle miles. He also emphasiaed the responsibility to roll out AV technology that meets society’s needs.
Public skepticism remains a hurdle, particularly around the safety of autonomous trucks. Andreas Reschka, Sr. Director at Pony.ai, and Buttler from Daimler both highlighted the role of pilot trials in building trust and familiarity with AV technology. Brunelle noted that people often resist new technology until it becomes routine, with AVs promising safer, and positively “boring”, journeys.
The panel also touched on cybersecurity concerns. Jackson of Oxa emphasized the need for some independence from connectivity to avoid hacks, while Reschka from Pony.ai pointed out the vast amounts of data AVs collect, potentially increasing vulnerabilities.
Panel: “Autonomous now” with Pony.ai, DHL, Daimler Truck, May Mobility & Oxa
- Andreas Reschka, Sr. Director Product, Systems & Saftey, ai
- Jason Gillespie, Sr. Director & Head of Continuous Improvement and Innovation for Transportation, DHL Supply Chain
- Joanna Buttler, Head of the Global Autonomous Technology Group, Daimler Truck North America
- Anna Brunelle, CFO, May Mobility
- Gavin Jackson, CEO, Oxa
- Moderator: Kris Van Cleave, Senior Transportation & National Correspondant, CBS
