AutoSens Detroit is postponed until November amid the global Coronavirus outbreak. The three-day workshop, conference, and exhibition centered on vehicle perception technology and autonomous driving was originally scheduled for May 12th through the 14th at the Michigan Science Center.
“After extensive consultation with our key stakeholders, it is clear it would be impossible to run a successful face-to-face conference in Detroit this May,” writes Robert Stead, Managing Director of AutoSens in an open letter to the engineering community. “We run this event for our community, and our priorities are ensuring you get the best possible experience at AutoSens, as well as the safety and security for everyone involved.”
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are recommending no gatherings of over 50 people take place for the next eight weeks to slow the spread of the Coronavirus. In Michigan, Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed executive orders closing restaurants, coffee shops, gyms and numerous other retail, dining, and entertainment outlets. Earlier this week, the UAW and Detroit’s Big Three automakers announced plans to implement a Coronavirus task force.
News Dates Set For AutoSens
AutoSens holds yearly events in Brussels, Detroit, and Hong Kong. The conference gathers engineers, researchers, technologists, and other industry professionals to examine the challenges facing autonomous cars at nearly every level, from the supply chain to research and development. Each conference provides attendees a robust and informative agenda. Before its postponement, AutoSens Detroit this year was to include four keynote sessions, track demos, and over 60 expert speakers.
AutoSens Detroit is now scheduled for November 17th through the 19th at the Michigan Science Center. In order to support the engineering community in the interim, organizers are working to launch several online initiatives over the coming weeks and months. “Keep May 12th through the 14th in your diary, as you’ll have the opportunity to participate in our online event activities,” Stead added.
AutoSens Brussels is unaffected at this time and will go on as planned. The Brussels event is scheduled for September 15th through the 17th at the city’s famed Autoworld Museum. AutoSens Hong Kong, originally scheduled for November, will now take place early next year.
Organizers are optimistic but also cautious as events around the globe have either been delayed or cancelled. “We have been monitoring the situation closely,” Stead said. “We are committed to delivering a great experience for the AutoSens community and will work hard towards that goal for later in the year.”
From the Centers For Disease Control and Prevention: Steps to avoid infection.
From the World Health Organization: Understanding the Coronavirus.
From our home state of Michigan: Recommendations from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (PDF).
The Automoblog staff covers automotive industry news, trends, and technology along with new vehicle releases. Automoblog is owned and operated by Gearhead Media LLC., based in Detroit, Michigan and Berlin, Germany.
Cover Photo: Alex Hartman for Sense Media.
