Subvolts take Learn about autonomous driving's past, present, and future from a Google self-driving car pioneer. Jan 30, 2020
For you
Developers
Learn about the foundational research and long-term challenges in developing complex AI systems like autonomous vehicles.
Business
Understand the strategic evolution and market potential of autonomous driving technology from an industry leader.
Everyday users
Hear about the future of transportation and the technology aiming to make roads safer and more efficient.
Hype note
3/5Notable

This is a solid interview with a key figure in autonomous driving technology, offering historical context and future outlook.

Behind The Tech with Kevin Scott · S1 · Ep 18 Episode Official · Microsoft

Chris Urmson: Aurora CEO - Autonomous Driving

1 h 11 Interview Hosts: Kevin Scott
0:001:10:54

Audio streams from Microsoft. Your place is remembered on this device.

From Subvolts

Summary and analysis by Subvolts editorial, AI-assisted.

Summary

This episode of Behind The Tech features Chris Urmson, CEO of Aurora and former leader of Google's self-driving car program. Urmson discusses autonomous driving technology, his time with DARPA, and offers predictions for the future of the field.

Explained simply

This episode talks about self-driving cars with Chris Urmson, who used to lead Google's project. He shares his thoughts on how the technology works and what to expect in the future. It's interesting because self-driving cars could change how we all travel.

Why listen

This episode offers insights into the evolution of autonomous driving from a pioneer in the field. Listeners will learn about the technical challenges and strategic thinking behind self-driving cars. It's for anyone interested in AI's impact on transportation and the long road to widespread adoption. While not directly about current frontier lab models, Urmson's perspective on AI's real-world application is relevant to ongoing AI safety and deployment discussions.

On the mic
About
Key facts
  • Guest: Chris Urmson, Aurora CEO
  • Show: Behind The Tech with Kevin Scott
  • Length: 71 minutes
  • Guest's Past Role: Led Google's self-driving car program
  • Guest's Affiliations: Aurora CEO, former Carnegie Mellon professor
Show notes from Microsoft

Learn about the latest thinking for autonomous driving technology from Aurora CEO Chris Urmson, who led Google's self-driving car program. This former Carnegie Mellon professor also tells us about his days with DARPA and shares predictions for 2020 and beyond.

Listen to other Microsoft podcasts at aka.ms/microsoft/podcasts

Published
Show
Behind The Tech with Kevin Scott · Microsoft
Length
1 h 11
Companies
Microsoft, Google
Summary by
Subvolts, using an AI model (how we work). Spotted a mistake? Tell us.

Questions people ask

Who is Chris Urmson?
Chris Urmson is the CEO of Aurora and previously led Google's self-driving car program. He is also a former Carnegie Mellon professor.
What topics are covered?
The episode covers autonomous driving technology, Urmson's experiences with DARPA, and his predictions for the future of self-driving cars.

Page generated Oct 19, 2026. Summaries are Subvolts' own; the audio, artwork and notes belong to Microsoft.