Talks and shows

The Turing Lectures: Where next for self-driving vehicles?

Explore the technology behind autonomous vehicles and the measures needed to ensure safety and accountability.

A car driving through a tunnel

Driverless cars have been a topic of debate for many years now, and up until recently, seemed like a vision from the long-term future. However, they are steadily becoming a reality, with trials beginning in the UK this year.

This is an exciting advance in technology, but many are still unsure about entrusting autonomous vehicles with their lives. As trials kick off, join Sarah Sharples as she explores the technology behind these vehicles and what measures must be put in place to ensure safety and accountability.

Hosted by Sethu Vijayakumar, Programme Co-Director for Artificial Intelligence (Robotics and autonomous systems) at The Alan Turing Institute, Professor of Robotics at the University of Edinburgh, UK and the Director of the Edinburgh Centre for Robotics.

 

This lecture is in collaboration with The Alan Turing Institute.

An access fund is available for anyone who would otherwise be unable to attend. Please contact events@turing.ac.uk to enquire.

Event type

This is a theatre and livestream event for an adult audience, where the speakers and audience in our Theatre are joined by our audience online. 

By booking to attend events at the Royal Institution, you confirm that you have read and accept the Ri's event terms and conditions. You also agree to abide by our code of conduct, and help to create a great experience for yourself and your fellow participants. Please note that Eventbrite adds a small booking fee to the amount paid for each ticket option.

For any queries regarding this event please get in touch by phone 020 7409 2992 or email events@ri.ac.uk.

About Sarah Sharples

Sarah Sharples is Chief Scientific Adviser for the Department for Transport. She is a Professor of Human Factors in the Faculty of Engineering at the University of Nottingham and from 2018 to 2021 was Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Equality, Diversity and Inclusion and People.

Sarah has led research in transport, manufacturing and healthcare, and currently leads the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) Connected Everything Network Plus.

Sarah founded and is co-director of the EPSRC Horizon Centre for Doctoral Training (CDT), and has led research programmes examining implementation of new technologies in rail, highways and aviation. She was President of the Chartered Institute of Ergonomics and Human Factors from 2015 to 2016.

Timing for the livestream

The livestream will go live at 6.55pm and the introduction will begin at 7.00pm. If you register but miss the livestream, the video will be available to you via the same link for two weeks after the event date.

Accessibility

The event will take place on the first floor and there is step-free access from the street via lift.

The closest underground station is Green Park, which is step-free.

There is space at floor level in the theatre for wheelchair users.

Seating is usually unreserved for our events. If you and your group require seating reservations, please do let us know by emailing us at events@ri.ac.uk, and we’ll be more than happy to help.

Carers can receive a free ticket to an event by emailing events@ri.ac.uk.

Our theatre is equipped with an Audio Induction Loop. 

Covid guidelines

Face masks are no longer mandatory and wearing one in our Theatre and at other Ri events is at your discretion, however please do not attend the Ri if you are displaying Covid symptoms or, if you have tested, the result remains positive. Thank you for respecting other people and their choices, and for helping us keep all of our visitors and staff safe and well.

Event terms and conditions