Larry Burns

Lawrence D. Burns is an engineer and automotive executive recognized for his significant impact on the development of autonomous vehicles and mobility innovation. Burns served as General Motors Corporate Vice President of Research & Development and Planning, where he participated in the company's top decision-making boards and directed the global expansion of GM's research and development initiatives. During his tenure, he advanced technologies such as connected vehicles, driverless systems, fuel cells, advanced batteries, and biofuels, and was among the first senior engineers in the automotive industry to address how global urbanization would affect vehicle design, technology, and ownership models.

Burns led the development of concept vehicles that challenged conventional automotive paradigms. He is known for his leadership of the AUTOnomy and Hy-wire concept vehicle programs, which introduced a flexible skateboard chassis, by-wire digital control systems, advanced propulsion, and occupant-focused design—features that have influenced the evolution of next-generation autonomous vehicles. Burns also played a central role in GM's participation in the DARPA Urban Challenge, collaborating with Carnegie Mellon University to develop a driverless car that successfully completed a complex urban course, demonstrating the viability of autonomous driving technology.

Following his career at General Motors, Burns consulted for Waymo, served as Professor of Engineering Practice at the University of Michigan, directed the Program for Sustainable Mobility at Columbia University, and advised several major companies on mobility and transportation innovation. He has been invited to speak at major conferences, including TED, and is a member of the National Academy of Engineering and the ITS America Hall of Fame.

Burns is the author of "Reinventing the Automobile: Personal Urban Mobility for the 21st Century," co-authored with William J. Mitchell and Christopher E. Borroni-Bird, which examines the limitations of traditional automobile design in modern urban environments. His second book, "Autonomy: The Quest to Build the Autonomous Car — And How It Will Reshape Our World," co-authored with Christopher Shulgan, explores the development of automated vehicles and their impact on society. Burns continues to contribute to the fields of autonomous vehicles, electric mobility, and transportation systems through keynote presentations and advisory roles.