Wichita State is partnering with AAA Kansas to present "Technology Takes the Wheel," an educational seminar series 9-11:30 a.m. Friday, Aug. 30, that focuses on autonomous vehicles.

The seminar will address the future impact of self-driving cars on Kansas roadways, as well as preparations under way to ensure that Kansas’ autonomous vehicle future is manageable, while providing traffic safety for all using the roadways.

The first seminar, which is free and open to the public, will be held at the National Center for Aviation Training, 4004 N. Webb Road. Additional seminars, which will take place at the same time and location, are:

• Oct. 11, 2019: Human and Mobility Impacts of Autonomous Vehicles
• Jan. 31, 2020: Infrastructure, Security and Vehicle Considerations for Autonomous Transportation
• April 17, 2020: Autonomous Vehicle Transportation in Rural and Urban Settings

“Future transportation systems with connected and autonomous vehicles will greatly change and impact all aspects of society, including our cities, rural communities, commerce and even human interaction and mobility,” said Debbie Franklin, WSU director of strategic initiatives. “As a university with a strong focus on advanced technology, innovation and applied learning, this is the type of forum and discourse we aim to provide our students and the community.”

"Technology Takes the Wheel" seminars are among the ways AAA is informing and educating key stakeholders and consumers about the emerging AV technology.

“The technology to provide fully self-driving vehicles is under development and testing, and (it) is advancing toward future reality on our roads and highways,” said Shawn Steward, manager of public and government affairs for AAA Kansas. “As the nation’s foremost advocate for motorists, travelers and traffic safety, AAA is pleased to partner with Wichita State to provide this informative forum to educate and engage with transportation and government officials, community business leaders and the public on the future of our transportation system, so we are prepared when autonomous vehicles become reality in Kansas.”

Autonomous vehicle technology is in various stages of development and, in several locations across the country, pilot testing with applications such as driverless shuttles in limited areas. But consumer comfort with self-driving vehicles is slow to develop. AAA’s annual automated vehicle survey, earlier this year, found that 71 percent of people are afraid to ride in fully self-driving vehicles.

Registration is required. 

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The mission of Wichita State University is to be an essential educational, cultural and economic driver for Kansas and the greater public good. Wichita State is a doctoral research university enrolling nearly 15,000 students and offering 59 undergraduate degree programs in more than 150 areas of study in seven undergraduate colleges. The Graduate School offers 45 master's and 12 doctoral degrees that offer study in more than 100 areas. Wichita State's Innovation Campus is an interconnected community of partnership buildings, laboratories and mixed-use areas where students, faculty, staff, entrepreneurs and businesses have access to the university's vast resources and technology. For more information, follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/wichitastate and Facebook at www.facebook.com/wichita.state.

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AAA provides automotive, travel, and insurance services to 59 million members nationwide and nearly 347,000 members in Kansas. AAA advocates for the safety and mobility of its members and has been committed to outstanding road service for more than 100 years. AAA is a non-stock, non-profit corporation working on behalf of motorists, who can now map a route, find local gas prices, discover discounts, book a hotel, and track their roadside assistance service with the AAA Mobile app (AAA.com/mobile) for iPhone, iPad and Android. For more information, visit www.AAA.com.