SUB-SESSION 60min

13:45 – 14:45

Self-driving cars, AI-driven platforms, vehicle-to-everything systems: the future of mobility is smart, connected and autonomous. But what does this mean for shared mobility? In this session we will explore the latest and greatest on the technology for self-driving cars. The big promises on autonomous driving arriving at our doorstep ‘tomorrow’ seem to haven fallen a bit flat in news and debates lately. Is it all still hot and happening? What could autonomus driving possibly mean for shared mobility? Or shared mobility for an automous driving future? We will debate on it even desirable to have self-driving vehicles without sharing, as it could lead to a dystopic future. Concrete cases will be brought in by our speakers. From the autonomous ridepooling Moia is going to test soon in Hamburg, to the shuttle public transport operator De Lijn is starting in Leuven. A different application is the concept of Buurautonoom, shared car that drives itself to you, as a kind of valet parking. And the godfather of car sharing and expert on autonomous driving, Michael Glotz Richter will share some filosophical thoughts with you  on the autonomous human and our behaviour’s impact on technology. What’s really happening, what’s still hype, and how to make sure the user remains at the centre. Because even in a world of automation, we’re still human after all.

Performers

Hi, I’m Michael. For nearly four decades I’ve been shaping the way cities move, from Berlin to Bremen, from cycling lanes to shared cars to autonomous transport pilots. As a transport engineer and consultant, I’ve led projects that put sustainable mobility on the international map, from EU research on automation to hands-on neighbourhood mobility schemes. Until early 2025, I chaired the European Commission’s Expert Group on Urban Mobility (EGUM) working group on street space. Today, through my own consultancy, I keep pushing for cities where streets work for people first.
Hi, I’m Alwin, co-founder of The Future Mobility Network. I don’t believe in shaping the future by endless meetings — I believe in doing. From experimenting with self-driving shuttles to launching shared cars and testing bold mobility concepts, I thrive on challenging the status quo. My vibe? Break on Through (To the Other Side) by The Doors. Because real change takes guts: breaking down walls and daring to travel differently. Mobility’s future isn’t neat or predictable. It’s rebellious, exciting and full of opportunities and that’s exactly how I like it.
Hi, I’m Dario. With a Master’s degree in Civil Engineering, my career started in the nuclear industry before I cranked up the volume in the world of autonomous vehicles. I had the chance to lead a startup dedicated to real-world deployments, and since then I’ve been part of every autonomous shuttle deployment in Belgium. Today, I work as a freelance consultant and collaborate with Espaces-Mobilités, advising public authorities, operators, and businesses on how to rethink mobility and public space. A big part of my time goes into the Mobility Masterclass: building skills across the ecosystem through training, international study tours, and putting autonomous shuttles to the test on public roads. For me, autonomous mobility isn’t just tech, it’s about rewriting the rules of the road and making the future drive itself.