US DoT Announces New Committee on Automation in Transportation, Seeks Members

U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx has announced that he is establishing an Advisory Committee on Automation in Transportation (ACAT), which will serve as a critical resource for the Department in framing federal policy for the continued development and deployment of automated transportation.

“This committee will help determine how, when, and where automated technology will transform the way we move,” said Foxx. “The Department has advanced some of the life-saving benefits of automated technologies, including automated vehicle policy, but we are looking outside the government for innovative and thoughtful leaders to uncover its full potential across all modes.”

Members of the Committee will assess the Department’s current research, policy and regulatory support to advance the safe and effective use of autonomous vehicles. They will also engage in information gathering, develop technical advice, and present recommendations to the Secretary on automated and connected road and transit vehicle technologies, enhanced freight movement technologies, railroad automated technologies, aviation automated navigation systems technologies, unmanned aircraft systems, and advanced technology deployment in surface transportation environments. In particular, the ATAC will perform these activities as they may relate to emerging or “not-yet-conceived” innovations to ensure the Department is prepared when disruptive technologies emerge.

The Department is seeking 15 individuals with cross-modal perspectives on issues like intelligent transportation systems (ITS), robotics, enhanced freight movement, air traffic control next generation technology, and advanced transportation technology deployment.  Space is limited.

Committee members will serve two-year terms, with no more than two consecutive term re­appointments. The Department strives to select individuals with in-depth knowledge of their respective industries or government sectors.  Members are nominated through a full and open process published in the Federal Register.

Individuals interested in nominating themselves or other potential members, should send materials to: [email protected].