Free ticketed event
Given the recent focus on emerging technologies, the anticipated shift in engineering education is toward more socially relevant, outward-facing engineering curricula. Such curricula emphasize multidisciplinary learning, societal impact, experiential learning (within and outside of the traditional classroom), and a global mindset. The discussion will introduce the global, legal, economic, environmental, and societal impacts of vehicle autonomy and electrification, and include an overview of some of the following impact areas: workforce disruption, driver safety, industry shifts, and educational training. The session will focus on the values of a liberal arts education in developing solutions for 21st-century emerging technologies, particularly the implications associated with vehicle autonomy and electrification in future mobility modes. Relevant topics, including but not limited to the following, will be addressed:
• Global, legal, economic, and environmental impact of vehicle autonomy and electrification
• Growth in vehicle autonomy/electrification in various mobility forms
• Explosion of data-driven software development
• Innovation in vehicle design (electric, composite bodies that are 3-D printed)
• Societal disruption involving vehicle operation/parking, auto industry employment, privacy, and business models.
Kiran Bharwani is a technical specialist in the domain of ADAS and autonomous driving. Starting his career with Caterpillar, he was tasked with leading the design and development of solutions to support ADAS and autonomous driving features on large mining trucks. He led a high-performing global team working on systems including LiDARs, RADARs, cameras, GNSS, and V2X technology. His journey from Caterpillar led him to the emerging industry of electric vehicles. He became the key member for developing the Level 4 Self-Parking feature on Faraday Future’s FF91, which was demonstrated live at CES 2017 in Las Vegas. Bharwani joined Rivian, an electric vehicle manufacturer, in 2017, eventually becoming the vice president of autonomous driving. His team is developing technology for the electric adventure vehicles R1T and R1S.