Cars of the Future

The pace of change in self-driving can be dizzying at times. It was only last November that Dr Clare Mutzenich picked up our 2024 Self-Driving Industry Award for Research, for her groundbreaking work on generational trust in AVs for Lacuna Agency.

Fast forward eight months and Lacuna, sadly, is no more, yet Mutzenich is busier than ever – launching a new company, hosting one of the best sessions at MOVE 2025, and conducting more essential research for the UK Department for Transport.

An incredibly detailed 106-page DfT report, published in June, explores multiple emergency scenarios, focusing particularly on the needs of passengers when there’s no driver on-board, as project director Dr Clare explains…

Q: So, Dr Clare, what’s this new DfT study all about then?

“The government has promised that automated vehicles (AVs) will be on the road by 2026 and, as deployment gets closer, there are many questions about how people will interact with AVs in everyday conditions.

“Our study asked, instead, what happens when something goes wrong in a self-driving taxi and there is no driver to help, particularly if users are, for example, older adults, children, or have accessibility issues?

“We considered every one of the nine protected characteristics from the Equality Act 2010, assessing whether characteristics such as age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation affected what people could do in emergencies like a fire, flood, or unwell passenger.”

Q: That’s a complicated sample. How did you find the participants?

“We worked with recruiters who reached out to communities, charities and faith groups across Leicester, Nottingham and Birmingham. Everyone was selected based on intersecting characteristics – no one is just ‘disabled’, for example, they may also be male, catholic, black, heterosexual, and so on.

“We aimed for a fully diverse cross-section so we could understand how all users might respond to emergencies. We also removed barriers to participation. Carers could join, venues were accessible, and we avoided scheduling during religious festivals.

“We phoned people in advance to ask how we could make the experience more comfortable; like having fewer people in the room for neurodivergent participants, or scheduling around childcare for mothers. A key focus of this research was ensuring that these seldom-heard voices in transport were included so that inclusive design is baked in, right from the start.”

Q: Amazing. Please tell us more about the methodology…

“We used simulated emergencies. No one was really put into a fire situation! We created six realistic scenarios in virtual reality (VR), including internal issues like an unwell passenger, external interactions like a pedestrian trying to get into your self-driving taxi, and other issues like flooding or being dropped off in the wrong place.

“We tested 91 participants in person. They first viewed the VR scenario while we acted as a virtual moderator, flying around the scene and asking what they would need from the AV system and what they felt they could do.

“Then we took off the headsets and continued the conversation in real life. It’s an exciting, novel method – letting participants experience an immersive emergency in VR with other ‘passengers’, and then immediately reflect on it in an in-person focus group.”

Q: And the key findings were?

“Having no driver to help in an emergency made a big difference, particularly for women, younger and older participants, and those with physical, visual or cognitive impairments. What came across loud and clear was that the responsibility shifts to the user, who might need to speak to emergency services or other passengers.

“Designers will need to ensure that communication is multi-modal and accessible, for example, audio-visual alerts that clearly inform passengers what is happening. Safely exiting the vehicle was a key concern in the fire and flood scenarios. Some participants told us they would need doors or ramps to be activated or would need assistance to get out.

“As we know, disability is not universal – while some users had no issue being dropped further from their destination, for others that would be impossible. Female, non-binary and pregnant women expressed feelings of vulnerability about being alone in a self-driving taxi, especially if a pedestrian tried to enter.

“In that situation, it wasn’t always clear if they should stay in the AV with the doors locked or get out. They wanted the ability to contact a remote operator for support. Race, religion or sexual orientation sometimes made participants feel hesitant about helping or asking for help, in case they were misjudged.

“Even after an emergency, some needed help arranging alternative transport to complete their journey, sometimes preferring not to use self-driving transport again.”

Q: Knowing all that, what would be your call to action?

“The barriers faced by passengers in an emergency in a self-driving taxi aren’t always practical – they can be emotional, sensory, physical and cognitive. Many reactions are shaped by perceptions of safety linked to protected characteristics.

“The absence of a driver presents an opportunity to reimagine how support is offered and could even represent an enhanced, more inclusive service, such as multilingual options or better accessibility features.

“As the technology develops we could tailor transport assistance based on users’ individual needs, like voice-guided systems and inclusive interfaces. But, most importantly, this study shows that we can’t design transport services for people if we don’t ask them what they need.

“I learnt something new every day of testing, as participants shared their lived experience of what works and what doesn’t. For AVs to succeed, we need an equitable approach to design, otherwise the people we most hope will benefit may decide the risk isn’t worth it.”

Specialising in behavioural science, policy and human factors, with a focus on trust, safety and accessibility, Dr Clare’s new company, Anthrometric, is there to support organisations in designing services that work for everyone.

The full DfT report “User requirements to enable passengers of automated passenger services to perform journey tasks during emergencies” is available for download here

Entries are now open for the third annual Self-Driving Industry Awards, the world’s #1 celebration of excellence in automated mobility.

Presented by Carsofthefuture.co.uk, the 2025 awards will follow the same peer-led format as previous years, with all entrants gaining the right to nominate deserving people and vehicles for the top honours.

The reigning Vehicle of the Year is the all-electric Ohmio Lift shuttle. It can carry up to 20 passengers, with disabled access prioritised via an automatic ramp and dedicated wheelchair bay.

Neil Kennett, editor of Cars of the Future, commented: “From Milton Keynes to San Francisco, the global self-driving ecosystem continues to grow. These awards celebrate the world’s best new automated mobility products and services, and the incredible people behind them.”

The deadline for entries is 5pm UK-time on Friday 19 September 2025, with all shortlisted candidates receiving an invitation to the awards ceremony in November.

For further details: Carsofthefuture.co.uk/awards

For media enquiries: Self-drivingpr.com

#carsofthefuture #sdia25

The world’s #1 converged mobility event returned to London’s Excel on 18-19 June, with UK self-driving taking centre stage, quite literally.

The show opened with a speech by Minister for the Future of Roads, Lilian Greenwood MP. Hot on the heels of the ITS UK event the previous day, she set the tone for another strong UK self-driving performance, saying: “By 2027, we will have one of the most robust safety frameworks for self-driving in the world.”

If MOVE 2023 was all about the environment, and 2024 was a victory for EV charging, this was self-driving’s year, illustrated by the headline chat on the main stage featuring Kaity Fischer, VP of Commercial and Fleet Operations at Wayve, in discussion with yours truly.

The subject was “Embodied AI and the future of mobility” so naturally we started with Wayve’s AI Driver – how it differs from other systems, how it adapts to new environments without prior exposure, how most OEMs shunned it until quite recently, and why global brands like Nissan and Uber and now very much on-board.

Earlier, Lukas Neckermann, of PAVE Europe, had hosted a high-profile keynote on “The age of autonomous” featuring Pierre Pomper of Einride, Kathy Winter of May Mobility, Helen Pan of Baidu, and Gavin Jackson of Oxa.

It wasn’t just the prestigious slots either. Self-driving featured prominently throughout, across multiple theatres, from the biggest stands to the Start-up Village.

Self-driving & 5G

Skipping to the end, the final panel on day two was titled: Autonomous vehicles and 5G – how to ensure reliable, low-latency connectivity for driverless transport. 

Also moderated by my good self, it featured Sunil Budhdeo, Transport Innovation Manager at Coventry City Council, Fabrizio de Paolis, 5G & 6G Manager at the European Space Agency, and Alex Walling, Head of Business Development for Network as Code at Nokia.

We largely focused on the safety-critical requirements for self-driving passenger vehicles, whether that’s automated driving features in privately-owned cars, robotaxis or public transport shuttles.

Starting with satellite connectivity and the role of international standards, we moved into network slicing and programmable services – how 5G networks can be more than just a pipeline – before finishing on collaborative working, how local authorities, the DfT, Ofcom and industry partners must come together to maximise the benefits of this cutting-edge tech.

Probably the most in-demand demonstration of the entire event was the driving rig on the Nokia stand – not a simulator but real-time, real-life remote operation – the chance to drive an actual car on a closed road in Estonia from a chair in an exhibition hall in Docklands. Impressive, engaging, and one in the eye for anyone doubting the viability of this important capability.

In other news, it was great to hear from 2023 Self-Driving Industry Award winner Thomas Sors that Beam Connectivity are now operating in UK airports, from Ahmed Abdelazim that Sensible 4’s extreme weather expertise is becoming more widely appreciated, and from Martin Kahl that influential groups like FISITA are giving self-driving ever more attention.

Our reigning champions continue to go from strength-to-strength too, with Jose Paris updating us on the uptake of Streetscope’s Collision Hazard Measure, and Deniz Cetin confirming that Karsan are operating autonomously in ever more locations worldwide.

Other highlights

Elsewhere, there were plenty of non-self-driving attractions – from active travel solutions to mechanical wonders like the Neitem tilt technology, which dramatically reduces the risk of rollover in three-wheelers.

Thanks to Charlotte Jones of the Motability Foundation for explaining the logic behind a host of clever features in their new concept vehicle – notably improved access, more storage and the innovative utility bar.

We must also mention Dr Clare Mutzenich’s interview with Ali Russell, Managing Director of Extreme H, the world’s first hydrogen-powered off-road racing series.

We saw the car at a recent event at the Tottenham Hotspur stadium but were not aware of the groundbreaking approach – 50/50 male female driving teams with equal time behind the wheel, closing the racing opportunity gender gap and attracting a far more diverse audience than the likes of F1 and Nascar.

What else? Oh yes, we gave out loads of copies of the new Summer 2025 Cars of the Future magazine. The feedback was amazing, to the extent that we’re seriously considering becoming regular printers!

Congrats to Grace, Mate, Maya and the whole Terrapinn team for another fantastic event, and kudos to Somdip Dey for being the snappiest dresser at the MOVE Groove afterparty.

MOVE will be back in London next year, on 17-18 June 2026.

Following the soaraway success of our first ever Cars of the Future magazine, the UK’s #1 for self-driving is back in print for Summer 2025.

In the run-up to MOVE 2024, we thought visitors to the AV theatre might like a hard copy compendium of our most-shared online news stories. It proved incredibly popular. They all went on the first morning and we had to print more for Cenex.

To let you in on a secret, last year’s was all rather last minute. We collected it from the printers on our way to Excel! This year, we were much more organised.

Self-driving news

The Summer 2025 edition – supported by Oxford RF, Self-Driving PR and Streetscope – profiles Aribo, Autoura and Ben, with key insights from BSI’s webinar, Zenzic CAM Innovators’ Day 2025, and, of course, The Self-driving Industry Awards.

Ready well in advance of MOVE, it made its public debut at the ITS UK Parliamentary Reception – reports on both events to follow.

If you’d like a printed copy, please email us, or check out this digital copy: Cars of the Future, print issue 2, Summer 2025

It may not be as “fast-tracked” as widely advertised, but it is nonetheless great news that advanced trials of self-driving vehicles – basically on-road testing without a safety driver on-board – are scheduled to begin in the UK early next year.

As we reported last month, there had been growing frustration among self-driving leaders that the UK timescale seemed to be slipping.  

When the AV Act passed back in May 2024, the then Conservative government of PM Rishi Sunak promised self-driving vehicles “on roads by 2026”.

A delay was never officially announced, but many industry insiders were resigned to a 2027 start date. As such, there is widespread relief that we are now, at least, back on track.

A Centre for Connected and Autonomous Vehicles (CCAV) press release led with the eye-catching: “Driving innovation – 38,000 jobs on the horizon as pilots of self-driving vehicles fast-tracked”.

 Intriguingly followed by: “From 2026, self-driving cars without a safety driver could be available for people to book via an app for the first time.”

“The future of transport is arriving,” said Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander. “Self-driving cars could bring jobs, investment, and the opportunity for the UK to be among the world-leaders in new technology.

“With road safety at the heart of our pilots and legislation, we continue to take bold steps to create jobs, back British industry, and drive innovation to deliver our Plan for Change.”

Supporting comments

The release went on to quote multiple interested parties…

Technology Secretary, Peter Kyle: “It’s great to see the UK storming ahead as a global leader in using this technology – making our roads safer, travel easier and driving growth by spurring innovation across the country.”

Wayve CEO, Alex Kendall (our inaugural Self-Driving Industry Person of the Year Award Winner): “Accelerating commercial self-driving pilots to 2026 positions the UK as a leading destination for the deployment of L4 self-driving technology. These early pilots will help build public trust and unlock new jobs, services, and markets.”

SMMT Chief Executive, Mike Hawes (who last year warned of delays jeopardising competitiveness): “Pilot rollout of commercial self-driving services from next year will widen public access to mobility, while the consultation will ensure the technology is deployed in a safe and responsible way. These latest measures will help Britain remain a world leader in the development and introduction of self-driving vehicles, a manifest application of AI at its finest.”

Oxa’s Gavin Jackson: “Oxa welcomes the Department for Transport’s (DfT) decision to enable driverless services on British roads by 2026. Since 2024, Oxa has advocated for an expedited regulatory regime. Clear rules will open up the market and encourage transport companies to introduce the benefits of autonomous vehicles across the country.”

Uber’s Sarfraz Maredia: “Uber already enables tens of thousands of driverless trips each month worldwide through partnerships with leading AV developers. Having recently appointed a dedicated leader for our UK autonomous efforts, we look forward to working with regulators and partners to deploy this technology safely in Britain.”

Waymo’s Michelle Peacock: “The United Kingdom has long been home to our first European engineering team dedicated to the development of our AI-powered Waymo Driver. We’re delighted to see the government lay the groundwork for new investment possibilities in the years ahead.”

TechUK’s Julian David OBE: “Today’s announcement is great news for the UK’s AV and tech sectors. Safety must be front and centre of any new regulatory regime. The call for evidence on the statement of safety principles enables a healthy discourse on what outcomes the public should expect from self-driving vehicles.”

Safety principles

Ah yes, the open call for evidence on automated vehicles: statement of safety principles – as required under Section 2 of the AV Act 2024 – that was also announced by the DfT and CCAV today (10 June 2025). You have until 11:59pm on 1 September 2025 to contribute.

Congrats to Uber on maximising the press opportunity – see “Uber to bring self-driving cars on to Britain’s streets next year” in The Telegraph, and “Driverless Uber taxis coming to UK in MONTHS – all you need to know” in The Mirror.

Any connection between this and the commitment to enable “people to book via an app” we wonder? We also welcome these additional comments…

The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) Policy Director, Steve Cole: “RoSPA welcomes the government’s announcement as an important step towards ensuring that people will be able to benefit from self-driving technology as safely as possible.”

Chair of RoadSafe, Arun Srinivasan: “Collision avoidance and advanced driver assistance systems have already proved to be vital in reducing casualties and technology has further potential to prevent crashes.”

Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) Chief Executive, Matt Stringer: “RNIB welcomes the pilot scheme of autonomous vehicles. Blind and partially sighted people are already navigating increasingly automated streetscapes, not just as future passengers, but as pedestrians today. The true potential of autonomous vehicles will only be realised when they’re safe, accessible and intuitive for everyone, from the pavement to the passenger seat.”

Chief Executive of Motability Operations, Andrew Miller: “Automated vehicles have the potential to be transformative. Implementing this technology on the UK’s roads could help our disabled customers be better connected to work, education, healthcare and wider society.”

Meanwhile, Waymo has reportedly suspended service in parts of Los Angeles after its robotaxis were targeted during protests following immigration raids. Did someone mention public trust?

For years, tourism entrepreneur and CEO of Autoura, Alex Bainbridge, has been urging the UK to concede the self-driving engineering race and focus on the business opportunity.

An expert in customer experience and key member of The Self-Driving Industry Awards judging panel, we thought it was high time for an update.

Alex, tell us about Autoura’s vision for self-driving tourism

In conversations about autonomous vehicles, it’s easy to get caught up in robotaxis, last-mile logistics and urban commuting. But what happens when autonomy is personal and you fancy a getaway? Parts of this future are already here.

Today, if a family wants to visit Stonehenge from London, they might join a coach tour. Those seeking a more personalised experience might book a private tour, typically involving an executive car with a professional driver. Spend a bit more, and that driver may also serve as a guide.

We at Autoura, in collaboration with Bespoke England Tours, are developing a new kind of private tour, where the guiding role is handled by an AI tour guide. It’s a hybrid model, for now, a revenue-focused concept which prepares us for a near-term future when the driver role is removed altogether.

And you’ve got a revenue-generating transitional model ready to go?

Yes. Leisure journeys are different in that people demand interaction, an experience. Our guests ride in a premium vehicle, with our AI tour guide providing the backstory, answering questions and bringing the ancient stones to life. Our approach is designed as a three-stage progression:

1) Car + driver-guide: The traditional premium model. Human expertise in the seat beside you.
2) Car + driver + AI tour guide: Our current product. A real-world blend of autonomy and automation.
3) Autonomous car + AI tour guide: The natural endpoint for a privately owned AV used for leisure.

This minimum viable product offers everything but the self-driving car itself. Crucially, it prepares the user experience for when that final component arrives.

Stonehenge is not just iconic, it’s the perfect place to test. The drive from London is about two hours, mostly on motorways. The experience on-site is sequentially structured, making it ideal for AI-guided tourism. There are so many exciting possibilities, and we’re proud to be leading the AV tourism revolution.

For more from Alex, and others, on the rise of AI in tour guiding, check out the new Cyborguide blog site.