PAVEcast: A conversation about autonomous vehicles

Partners for Automated Vehicle Education

PAVEcast is the official podcast of Partners for Automated Vehicle Education, a nonprofit coalition working to raise the level of public knowledge about autonomous vehicle (self-driving car) technology. Join us for a conversation about the future of transportation. You can find us @PAVECampaign on social media or on the web at www.pavecampaign.org.

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22 episodes
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English

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October 13 · 17 min
Behind the Design: Inside Zoox's Approach to Its Purpose-Built Safety Case
Unlike many AVs on the road today, Zoox designed its robotaxi from the ground up without traditional driving controls. Their desire to engineer safety into the vehicle's DNA from the start meant Zoox had to build its safety case before ever driving on public roads. Tune in for a virtual fireside chat with Qi Hommes for a look inside Zoox’s approach to its purpose-built safety case.
October 7 · 38 min
Behind the Wheel: Breaking Down Drowsy Driving with NSF
In this episode of the PAVEcast, we sat down with Dr. Joe Dzierzewski and Dr. Mark Rosekind for a conversation on the dangers of drowsy driving. Tune in to learn about the importance of sleep for road safety, get a preview of NSF's upcoming Drowsy Driving Forum, and find out how automated vehicles fit into the picture. For more information about the forum taking place on October 29, click here.
September 16 · 31 min
Next Stop: Autonomous Transit and the Evolving Workforce
Much of the growing conversation around autonomous mobility and the workforce has focused on ride-hailing and long-haul trucking. But public transit is another area in which automation is helping agencies address workforce challenges while creating new economic opportunities. Tune in for a conversation exploring this topic, featuring Art Guzzetti of APTA, Justin Johnson of The PLUM Catalyst, Cemre Kavvasoglu of ADASTEC, and Eran Ofir of Imagry.
August 25 · 17 min
Cars, Connectivity, and China: A Conversation on National Security with Rachel McCleery of SAFE
Connected and autonomous vehicles are transforming the movement of people and goods, but their implications extend beyond safety and mobility. In this episode of the PAVEcast, we interview Rachel McCleery, Executive Director of the Coalition for Reimagined Mobility at SAFE. Our conversation explores the intersection of vehicle connectivity and national security, the evolving policy landscape, and why U.S. leadership in advanced transportation technology matters. Further Reading: Learn more about SAFE Read the AI in Motion Report
July 22 · 32 min
Autonomy at Work: Mining, Defense, Depots, and Industrial Applications
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'll hear from Paul Benfield of Forterra, Pete Bigelow of Kodiak, and Anuja Sonalker of STEER.
June 10 · 20 min
Economic Engine: The Future of Autonomous Trucking with Matt Blackburn of Aurora
In this episode of the PAVEcast, we interview Matt Blackburn of Aurora on the findings of a recent Steer Group study highlighting the economic benefits of the autonomous trucking sector. Tune in for a discussion on the importance of separating fact from fiction, the future of the trucking workforce, and real-world consumer impacts. Further Reading: Read the study Learn about the US AV Jobs Coalition
June 3 · 30 min
AV Engagement in Action: Lessons from Minnesota's AV Day at the Capitol
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 and Tara Olds of MnDOT, and Greg Rodriguez of Stantec.
May 14 · 31 min
Under Construction: Challenges and Opportunities for AVs in Work Zones
For autonomous vehicles (AVs) and human drivers alike, work zones present complex driving environments. Shifting lane markings, outdated map data, and the presence of human workers can make operating in these dynamic conditions especially challenging. Tune in for a conversation exploring how the AV industry is addressing these challenges and what opportunities lie ahead.
April 30 · 31 min
How's My Driving? AV Safety, Human Drivers, and Public Trust
With AVs gaining visibility across the country, many people are asking how their safety compares to that of human drivers. But is a human the right benchmark for safe driving? Tune in for a conversation to explore this topic. Panelists include Michelle Fowler of TRC, Kristofer Kusano of Waymo, and Michael Wagner of Edge Case.
April 24 · 15 min
Substantiating Safety: A Look at AVSC's Best Practice on Safety Case Claims
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 communicated. Learn more about AVSC: https://avsc.sae-itc.com/ Read the best practice: https://avsc.sae-itc.com/publication/avsc-d-04-2025
March 19 · 26 min
Accessibility in Motion: How SAE and GM are Empowering Students to Innovate for Equitable Mobility
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 accessibility barriers while gaining hands-on engineering and design experience. Join us for a conversation exploring current accessibility challenges and the impact of the CivicProgress Challenge on the future of equitable mobility. Guests include Alicia Bott and David Sander of SAE, Michele Lee of Serve Robotics, and Jessica Swan of GM.
March 4 · 31 min
Revisiting the Road Ahead: Navigating AV Policy and Progress in 2026
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 year’s progress and discuss how evolving federal priorities and regulatory signals are influencing AV development and deployment.
February 26 · 25 min
Scaling for the Long Haul: A Fireside Chat with Kodiak CTO Andreas Wendel
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 progress and discuss the technical and operational milestones required to scale autonomous freight. The discussion will also touch on the role of safety cases, partnerships, and public trust in supporting long-term success.
February 13 · 31 min
Future-Ready Fleets: Scaling AV Operations Centers with Becca Lehner and Alex Rudin of MITRE
In this episode of the PAVEcast, we sit down with Becca Lehner and Alex Rudin of MITRE to spotlight their recently published research on scaling AV operations centers. Tune in to learn more about MITRE’s Automated Vehicle Research Collaborative (AVRC), key barriers to scaling AV operations centers, what enables successful growth, and how that success can help build public trust in AV technology. Learn More | Read the Report
January 22 · 18 min
The Case for Safety: An Interview with Aaron Botwick of Aerovect
In this episode of the PAVEcast, we sit down with Aaron Botwick, Head of Safety at AeroVect. Tune in for a discussion on the unique challenges and opportunities of automating airport logistics, the growing importance of safety cases, and their critical role in building public trust and regulatory compliance for autonomous vehicles. Learn more about AeroVect at https://www.aerovect.com/
January 12 · 22 min
Navigating the Road Ahead: Paul Steier on AAMVA's Role in AV Innovation
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, and the ongoing efforts to enhance safety on public roads.
Dec 18, 2025 · 24 min
Endpoint Autonomy: Behind the Scenes With STEER's Founder & CEO
In this episode of the PAVEcast, we interview Founder & CEO of STEER, Anuja Sonalker. Tune in to learn more about the complexities of depot operations, the challenges of scaling mixed fleets, and how STEER is revolutionizing endpoint autonomy. Learn more about STEER at https://steer-tech.com/.
Nov 18, 2025 · 32 min
Accessible Autonomy: Independently Securing Wheelchair Users in AVs
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 Spinal Association, Michele Lee of Serve Robotics, and Wayne Grau of NCART.
Nov 12, 2025 · 31 min
Automation in Adverse Conditions: Are AVs Ready for Winter Weather?
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, and Dr. Timothy Seitz of the Transportation Research Center (TRC).
Oct 30, 2025 · 30 min
Tech in Transit: How Automation is Advancing Public Transportation
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 Lichtmannecker of Mobileye, and Eran Ofir of Imagry.

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