Edwin Olson

Edwin Olson is the co-founder and CEO of May Mobility, a company focused on the deployment of self-driving shuttles for public transportation. Olson has a background that spans both academia and industry, with expertise in robotics and artificial intelligence. He has contributed to the advancement of autonomous vehicle technology by leading May Mobility in launching commercial autonomous shuttle services in various urban environments, demonstrating the practical application of autonomous systems in public transit.

Olson's career includes achievements in research and entrepreneurship. Before founding May Mobility, he served as a professor at the University of Michigan, where he led research in robotics, perception, and mapping. Olson has published in journals and conferences related to robotics and artificial intelligence, and his work has influenced the development of scalable autonomous systems. He has been a speaker at industry events and academic conferences, sharing insights on mobility, the deployment of autonomous vehicles, and the ethical considerations of AI-driven transportation.

In addition to his role at May Mobility, Olson has contributed to projects such as the DARPA Urban Challenge and has played a role in developing open-source robotics software, including the Robot Operating System. He has mentored engineers and advocated for safe, accessible, and sustainable transportation solutions. Olson's work has been recognized within the industry for its impact on urban mobility and autonomous vehicle technology.

Olson addresses the technical and societal challenges of autonomous vehicles, including safety, public trust, and regulatory issues. He emphasizes transparency and collaboration within the industry and is known for communicating complex technical concepts to a range of audiences. Olson continues to contribute to the field as a public speaker and thought leader in autonomous transportation.