Autonomous Mobility—Navigating Legal, Regulatory & Industry Trends
The future of autonomous vehicles isn’t coming—it’s already here. Self-driving fleets are navigating city streets, autonomous freight is moving across highways, and the race to solve the last mile is redefining how goods and people reach their final destination. The legal, regulatory, and insurance frameworks governing this technology are struggling to keep pace, and the questions facing industry leaders have never been more urgent—or more consequential.
This Autonomous Vehicles Symposium is a groundbreaking event designed to meet this moment. Across four dynamic panels, the brightest minds in autonomous vehicle law, regulation, insurance, and technology will come together to tackle the issues that matter most: the evolving regulatory landscape shaping AV deployment, the insurance frameworks being built to manage unprecedented risk, and real-world case studies drawn from the front lines of autonomous operations. This is not a survey course—it is a deep, practitioner-driven conversation about the forces reshaping transportation, liability, and the last mile.
Who Should Attend
Legal professionals, in-house counsel, regulators, industry leaders, and technology executives will all find this program indispensable.
What to Expect
Join us on May 15, 2026, at Convene Willis Tower in Chicago for a dynamic, high-impact program designed to equip decision-makers with the insights they need now. “Ted-Talk” style panels and fire-side chats will spotlight the most critical developments across autonomous ground, aerial, and maritime technologies—and the impact on your organization.
Whether you are leading the conversation or working to keep pace, this Autonomous Vehicle Symposium is a must-attend event.
Autonomous systems are not theoretical—they are operating today, at scale.
This panel focuses on deployed use cases across logistics, agriculture, and last-mile delivery, with an emphasis on systems designed specifically for autonomy. Panelists will examine how organizations are solving operational challenges from curb to destination—whether a rural field, warehouse, or urban high-rise. The discussion will highlight measurable outcomes: safety performance, cost efficiency, and scalability. Expect concrete case studies, implementation lessons, and a candid assessment of what it takes to move from pilot to sustained operations in complex, real-world environments.
Speakers:
Daniel Goff, Vice President of External Affairs, Kodiak AI
David Neal, Chief of Design, Mozee, Inc.
Ben James, Cofounder & CEO, Tubular Network
Moderator:
Jennifer Steeve, Partner, Riley Safer Holmes & Cancila LLP
When a vehicle drives itself, liability shifts—and so must insurance.
Autonomous delivery systems and driverless vehicles are already operating in public environments, challenging core assumptions in tort liability and risk allocation. This panel examines how insurers, manufacturers, operators, and regulators are redefining responsibility when no human driver is present. Topics include fault attribution, product versus operator liability, and the use of real-time data in underwriting and claims. The discussion will also address the evolving regulatory landscape shaping coverage frameworks. Attendees will gain a practical understanding of how risk is being priced, transferred, and litigated at the intersection of autonomy and mobility.
Speakers:
Diane Rodgers, Senior Director Insurance Law, Global, Uber Technologies Inc.
Alex Tsetsenekos, Founder, Archimedes Analytics LLC
Moderator:
Kate Stimeling, Partner, Riley Safer Holmes & Cancila LLP
Kulbir Colin Singh Dhillon will share insights on the future of mobility, AI, and human-centered innovation. He has led global conversations around Physical AI and the emerging world of humanoid robotics. Kulbir is the bestselling author of The Three Houses and Soulful AI, and is currently spearheading Canada’s first open-source humanoid robot project.
Kulbir Colin Singh Dhillon will share insights on the future of mobility, AI, and human-centered innovation. He has led global conversations around Physical AI and the emerging world of humanoid robotics. Kulbir is the bestselling author of The Three Houses and Soulful AI, and is currently spearheading Canada’s first open-source humanoid robot project.
Speaker:
Jordan Taylor, Co-founder & CEO, Vizcom
Jordan Taylor, a 2025 Forbes 30 Under 30 recipient and co-founder of Vizcom Technologies, a company specializing in AI-driven industrial design tools with clients like Ford and New Balance, will discuss how he’s not merely building a company but solving a problem.
Interviewed by:
Patricia Brown Holmes, Managing Partner, Riley Safer Holmes & Cancila LLP
High-risk environments are leading the way in autonomous adoption.
Autonomous vehicles are already embedded in mining and other heavy industries, where scale, safety, and efficiency demands are acute. This panel explores how companies are operationalizing autonomy in controlled but high-consequence settings. Key issues include safety assurance, workforce integration, regulatory oversight, and system reliability at scale. Panelists will share field-level insights on deployment challenges, stakeholder trust, and the transition from pilot programs to full production. The session offers a grounded view of how autonomy performs under real operational pressure.
Speakers:
Erica Baird, Executive Director, Cummins, Inc.
Raghavender Sahdev, President & CEO, NuPort Robotics Inc.
Matt Watkinson, Senior Director of Autonomous Systems, Komatsu
Moderators:
Joshua L. Roquemore, Associate, Riley Safer Holmes & Cancila LLP
Madeline Hooks, Associate, Riley Safer Holmes & Cancila LLP
Low-altitude, autonomous flight is here—and the risk framework is still catching up.
Advanced air mobility—including drones and air taxis—is redefining the boundaries of aviation risk. This panel examines how insurers and regulators are addressing novel exposures in low-altitude, often autonomous operations. Topics include underwriting for unmanned systems, gaps in traditional aviation coverage, and liability allocation across manufacturers, operators, and service platforms. The discussion will also consider regulatory developments shaping certification, airspace integration, and insurance requirements. Attendees will leave with a clearer view of how risk is being structured in this emerging layer of mobility.
Speakers:
Jeffrey Morof, Partner, Riley Safer Holmes & Cancila LLP
Chris Proudlove, SVP, Great American Insurance Group
David Smith, President & CEO, Robinson Helicopter
Moderator:
Shalem A. Massey, Partner, Riley Safer Holmes & Cancila LLP
You’ve got questions? We’ve got answers. Can’t find what you’re looking for? Contact our Autonomous Vehicle Team – we’d be happy to help.
The Convene Willis Tower
233 S Wacker Dr, 3rd Floor
Chicago, IL 60606
Attendance is complimentary.
The event is being held in-person but if you can’t attend live, we’ve got you covered with a livestream option. Registration details with a virtual link will be provided prior to the symposium.
The Convene Willis Tower is located near all public transportation in downtown Chicago. Additionally, there are nearby paid parking options within a short walking distance. RSHC is not reimbursing for parking.
Yes, we’ll have both! The symposium will provide lunch, networking breaks, and a closing reception.
Yes, absolutely! Please have your guests register for the symposium.
Come hear from legal pioneers, industry visionaries, regulators, and innovators who are shaping the future of autonomous systems.
First Deputy Commissioner
@Chicago Department of Aviation
David “Nemo” Neal is an industrial designer, creative leader, and design educator with more than a decade of experience shaping mobility and product innovation. He currently leads design at Mozee Inc. and previously helped develop the autonomous Olli 2.0 vehicle at Local Motors. When he’s not building new products, Nemo teaches advanced design workflows for professionals at CARDESIGN.ACADEMY with new creative tools that help teams move from ideas to reality faster.
CEO and Co-founder
@Tubular Network
Ben James is the CEO and Co-founder of Tubular Network, a clean tech company building autonomous shuttle infrastructure to decarbonize goods movement. A two-time SpaceX Hyperloop Innovation Award recipient, Ben previously led $10M+ product lines at National Instruments and Expedia. He holds a B.S. in ECE from Georgia Tech and an MBA from Texas State University.
Business Development and Strategy Lead
@NuPort Robotics
Kulbir Colin Singh Dhillon is the Business Development and Strategy Lead at NuPort Robotics, a Canadian company advancing autonomous trucking solutions for logistics and industrial mobility. An integral voice in Canada’s electric vehicle ecosystem, he has spent nearly a decade working in the autonomous vehicle sandbox, helping shape the future of connected and smart cities, intelligent transportation, and next-generation mobility systems.
Jen Steeve co-leads RSHC’s Autonomous Vehicles and Appellate teams, supporting clients in deploying and scaling AI technologies across ground, sea, and sky. She hosts RSHC’s cross-industry Autonomous Vehicles Symposium every year and handles high-stakes trial and appellate matters nationwide on behalf of major companies across AV, aerospace, energy, and other tech industries.
Vice President of External Affairs
@Kodiak AI
Daniel Goff is Kodiak’s Vice President of External Affairs. In his role, Daniel is responsible for building Kodiak’s relationships with a diverse group of stakeholders, from federal and state policymakers, to industry organizations, to educational institutions. Daniel also manages Kodiak’s external communications with the media. Daniel joined Kodiak in 2019. Prior to Kodiak, Daniel spent four years as a Managing Director at Tusk Strategies, a boutique consulting firm that advises technology startups on media and policy issues.
Chief Of Design
@Mozee Inc
David “Nemo” Neal is an industrial designer, creative leader, and design educator with more than a decade of experience shaping mobility and product innovation. He currently leads design at Mozee Inc. and previously helped develop the autonomous Olli 2.0 vehicle at Local Motors. When he’s not building new products, Nemo teaches advanced design workflows for professionals at CARDESIGN.ACADEMY with new creative tools that help teams move from ideas to reality faster.
CEO and Co-founder
@Tubular Network
Ben James is the CEO and Co-founder of Tubular Network, a clean tech company building autonomous shuttle infrastructure to decarbonize goods movement. A two-time SpaceX Hyperloop Innovation Award recipient, Ben previously led $10M+ product lines at National Instruments and Expedia. He holds a B.S. in ECE from Georgia Tech and an MBA from Texas State University.
Jen Steeve co-leads RSHC’s Autonomous Vehicles and Appellate teams, supporting clients in deploying and scaling AI technologies across ground, sea, and sky. She hosts RSHC’s cross-industry Autonomous Vehicles Symposium every year and handles high-stakes trial and appellate matters nationwide on behalf of major companies across AV, aerospace, energy, and other tech industries. Clients value her balance of tireless advocacy with a focus on their bottom line and business interests. A former D.C. Circuit clerk, she is noted for being careful in preparation and fearless in execution.
Head of Insurance Legal
@UBER
Diane Rodgers enjoys a dual role at Uber as Head of Insurance Legal and the leader of Uber’s AV insurance program. Over the last 10 years, Diane and her team have worked to structure and manuscript Uber’s insurance programs worldwide. The team has been thought leaders in the space, creating new types of insurance to meet the needs of Uber drivers in diverse markets. Diane has led the development of both rideshare insurance and AV insurance, as well as maintaining a captive reinsurance company that allows Uber to enter into creative risk sharing solutions.
Founder
@Archimedes Analytics
Alexander Tsetsenekos is a seasoned insurance executive with experience building and leading insurance and InsurTech organizations. His expertise spans product development, underwriting, data, and technology, and he has held senior leadership roles at some of the most innovative companies operating at the intersection of insurance and technology. He built and led Tesla Insurance from the ground up, serving as Head of Tesla Insurance and leading the InsureMyTesla managing general agency across North America.
Kate Stimeling is an accomplished, confident strategist and trial attorney focused on defending businesses and organizations in product and premises liability matters. Kate is routinely called on to handle high-risk matters in the transportation and trucking industry. She is retained to prepare corporate witnesses to withstand deposition cross-examination on critical topics like fatigue and hours of service, and safety policies and procedures.
Kate Stimeling is an accomplished, confident strategist and trial attorney focused on defending businesses and organizations in product and premises liability matters. Kate is routinely called on to handle high-risk matters in the transportation and trucking industry. She is retained to prepare corporate witnesses to withstand deposition cross-examination on critical topics like fatigue and hours of service, and safety policies and procedures.
Illinois Attorney General
David “Nemo” Neal is an industrial designer, creative leader, and design educator with more than a decade of experience shaping mobility and product innovation. He currently leads design at Mozee Inc. and previously helped develop the autonomous Olli 2.0 vehicle at Local Motors. When he’s not building new products, Nemo teaches advanced design workflows for professionals at CARDESIGN.ACADEMY with new creative tools that help teams move from ideas to reality faster.
CEO and Co-founder
@Tubular Network
Ben James is the CEO and Co-founder of Tubular Network, a clean tech company building autonomous shuttle infrastructure to decarbonize goods movement. A two-time SpaceX Hyperloop Innovation Award recipient, Ben previously led $10M+ product lines at National Instruments and Expedia. He holds a B.S. in ECE from Georgia Tech and an MBA from Texas State University.
Business Development and Strategy Lead
@NuPort Robotics
Kulbir Colin Singh Dhillon is the Business Development and Strategy Lead at NuPort Robotics, a Canadian company advancing autonomous trucking solutions for logistics and industrial mobility. An integral voice in Canada’s electric vehicle ecosystem, he has spent nearly a decade working in the autonomous vehicle sandbox, helping shape the future of connected and smart cities, intelligent transportation, and next-generation mobility systems.
Jen Steeve co-leads RSHC’s Autonomous Vehicles and Appellate teams, supporting clients in deploying and scaling AI technologies across ground, sea, and sky. She hosts RSHC’s cross-industry Autonomous Vehicles Symposium every year and handles high-stakes trial and appellate matters nationwide on behalf of major companies across AV, aerospace, energy, and other tech industries. Clients value her balance of tireless advocacy with a focus on their bottom line and business interests. A former D.C. Circuit clerk, she is noted for being careful in preparation and fearless in execution. Jen is a go-to strategist for clients navigating California regulatory complexities or facing bet-the-company litigation across the country.
Business Development and Strategy Lead
@NuPort Robotics
Kulbir Colin Singh Dhillon is the Business Development and Strategy Lead at NuPort Robotics, a Canadian company advancing autonomous trucking solutions for logistics and industrial mobility. An integral voice in Canada’s electric vehicle ecosystem, he has spent nearly a decade working in the autonomous vehicle sandbox, helping shape the future of connected and smart cities, intelligent transportation, and next-generation mobility systems.
Chief Of Design
@Mozee Inc
David “Nemo” Neal is an industrial designer, creative leader, and design educator with more than a decade of experience shaping mobility and product innovation. He currently leads design at Mozee Inc. and previously helped develop the autonomous Olli 2.0 vehicle at Local Motors. When he’s not building new products, Nemo teaches advanced design workflows for professionals at CARDESIGN.ACADEMY with new creative tools that help teams move from ideas to reality faster.
CEO and Co-founder
@Tubular Network
Ben James is the CEO and Co-founder of Tubular Network, a clean tech company building autonomous shuttle infrastructure to decarbonize goods movement. A two-time SpaceX Hyperloop Innovation Award recipient, Ben previously led $10M+ product lines at National Instruments and Expedia. He holds a B.S. in ECE from Georgia Tech and an MBA from Texas State University.
Jen Steeve co-leads RSHC’s Autonomous Vehicles and Appellate teams, supporting clients in deploying and scaling AI technologies across ground, sea, and sky. She hosts RSHC’s cross-industry Autonomous Vehicles Symposium every year and handles high-stakes trial and appellate matters nationwide on behalf of major companies across AV, aerospace, energy, and other tech industries. Clients value her balance of tireless advocacy with a focus on their bottom line and business interests. A former D.C. Circuit clerk, she is noted for being careful in preparation and fearless in execution. Jen is a go-to strategist for clients navigating California regulatory complexities or facing bet-the-company litigation across the country.
Executive Director
@Cummins, Inc.
Erica Baird is an international sales and business leader with deep experience in the automotive, construction equipment, and mining industries. She has spent her career helping some of the world’s most complex and highly regulated companies grow sustainably and protect their businesses. As Executive Director of Global Sales and Service at Cummins, Erica leads a team of more than 1,200 employees with global responsibility to drive growth, transformation, long-term value and exceptional customer experience. Erica has established herself as a commercially strategic and execution-driven leader who knows how to grow businesses, strengthen governance, and deliver results even in times of disruption.
Founder and CEO
@NuPort Robotics Inc.
Raghavender is the CEO of NuPort Robotics, Canada’s first autonomous trucking company which applies proprietary autonomous driving technology to automate transportation for supply chains and has operations in Canada and India. Raghavender is among the top Canadian AI Entrepreneurs and Roboticists. He was recently honored to be on the Forbes 30 under 30 list for North America, received the BITSAA Global 30 under 30 award, got the York University’s 30 under 30 award and is a recipient of the 2020 Mitacs Environmental Entrepreneur and Audience Favorite award and was featured on the cover of the Road Today magazine in April 2022 presented at Truck World.
Senior Director of Autonomous Systems
@Komatsu
Matt Watkinson is the Senior Director of Autonomous Systems within Komatsu’s Mining Technology Solutions organization, where he leads the development and deployment of advanced automation technologies designed to enhance safety, productivity and operational efficiency in surface mining. In this role, Matt helps guide the strategy and growth of Komatsu’s autonomous portfolio, including the company’s FrontRunner Autonomous Haulage System, one of the industry’s leading solutions for automating large mining haul trucks.
Associate
@Riley Safer Holmes & Cancila LLP
Joshua Roquemore is a commercial litigator and member of the Connected and Autonomous Vehicles team at RSHC, where he applies his litigation and regulatory expertise to the evolving legal landscape surrounding AV technology. A creative advocate and formidable legal writer, Joshua brings strong analytical skills and clear communication to his work, with particular skill in translating complex legal and technical issues into accessible language and connecting case strategy to client goals. Joshua helped launched RSHC’s AV Symposium in 2022. Joshua’s broader litigation practice includes product liability, regulatory advisement, and commercial contract disputes, and his broad legal knowledge and experience informs his client-centered approach in the AV sector.
Associate
@Riley Safer Holmes & Cancila LLP
Madeline Hooks is a member of RSHC’s Autonomous Vehicles practice team, where she champions the integration and adoption of AI-driven solutions. She has been involved with RSHC’s cross-industry Autonomous Vehicles Symposium since its inception, contributing to the firm’s efforts to bring together leaders across the autonomous vehicles landscape. Madeline is a diligent and resourceful litigator whose experience spans government service and private practice.
Jeffrey W. Morof has spent his career defending aerospace clients in product liability and commercial litigation matters in federal and state courts throughout the United States and abroad, handling matters in such countries as Spain, Italy, the United Kingdom, Greece, and Japan. He was a member of the trial team that defended the aerospace manufacturer in a 19-month jury trial in Detroit arising out of the Northwest Airlines Flight 255 MD-80 accident. Jeff has litigated lawsuits arising from mishaps in space, including the failed launch of a Delta II rocket at Cape Canaveral and the failed deployment of two satellites from the Space Shuttle.
Senior Vice President
@Great American Insurance Group
A recognized authority in the field, Chris is the author of multiple white papers and has served as a panelist and presenter at numerous industry conferences and seminars. He is also a frequent contributor to industry publications, having written dozens of articles on unmanned and emerging
aviation insurance, risk management, and safety. His experience and thought leadership have earned him wide respect across the global aviation insurance community.
President and CEO
@Robinson Helicopter Comapny
David Smith serves as President and CEO of Robinson Helicopter Company, leading the development and production of cost-effective, efficient, and safe helicopters for customers worldwide. With a proven track record of success in the aerospace industry, Smith excels at driving innovation and improving performance within engineering and manufacturing organizations.
Shalem Massey is known as a “problem solver” and represents clients in complex (and often high-stakes “bet the company”) litigation. His litigation experience involves matters throughout the United States, Canada, Asia, South America, Central America, and Europe. He has litigated numerous international and domestic matters with winning results involving product liability, corporate compliance, class actions, insurance coverage, and complex business litigation. Additionally, he has represented and guided many clients during the course of numerous OSHA, FAA, BEA, EASA, and NTSB investigations.
CEO and Co-founder
@VIZCOM
Jordan Taylor is the CEO and Co-founder of Vizcom, an AI-powered design platform that helps teams transform early ideas into high-fidelity concepts in seconds. Used by designers across industries, Vizcom enables faster exploration, iteration, and collaboration during the concept phase of product development. Before founding Vizcom, Jordan studied Transportation Design at the College for Creative Studies and previously worked in advanced design at Honda R&D and industrial design at NVIDIA.
Managing Partner
@Riley Safer Holmes & Cancila LLP
Patricia Brown Holmes is a trial-tested lawyer and strategic advisor who has served on both sides of the bench, bringing a rare, 360-degree perspective to high-stakes matters. Her career spans service not only as a well-known defense attorney, but as an Associate Judge of the Circuit Court of Cook County, an Assistant United States Attorney in the Northern District of Illinois, an Assistant State’s Attorney for Cook County, and Chief Assistant Corporation Counsel for the City of Chicago. She has handled complex litigation and investigations across every level of the judicial system—from trial courts to appellate courts, including the Illinois Supreme Court—earning a reputation for sound judgment, credibility with decision-makers, and steady leadership in consequential moments.
Kate Stimeling is an accomplished, confident strategist and trial attorney focused on defending businesses and organizations in product and premises liability matters. Kate is routinely called on to handle high-risk matters in the transportation and trucking industry. She is retained to prepare corporate witnesses to withstand deposition cross-examination on critical topics like fatigue and hours of service, and safety policies and procedures.
Kate Stimeling is an accomplished, confident strategist and trial attorney focused on defending businesses and organizations in product and premises liability matters. Kate is routinely called on to handle high-risk matters in the transportation and trucking industry. She is retained to prepare corporate witnesses to withstand deposition cross-examination on critical topics like fatigue and hours of service, and safety policies and procedures.
The momentum of autonomous vehicle innovation is creating real opportunities—and real challenges—for companies working in this space. That’s exactly why RSHC is hosting this year’s Autonomous Vehicle Symposium.
Riley Safer Holmes & Cancila LLP (RSHC) is trusted by Fortune 100 companies nationwide because we handle the complex litigation and strategic issues that come with cutting edge technology. We were just named Benchmark Litigation’s 2026 Illinois Law Firm of the Year, which says a lot about the strength of our team as we hit our ten year milestone.
RSHC has built a firm known for collaboration, innovation, and delivering exceptional client service. And we’re not just keeping up with the industry—we’re pushing it forward. Our approach is built around one core principle: be a law firm built for clients. That means aligning legal strategy with business goals and providing practical, results driven solutions.
As the U.S. continues to drive the future of autonomy, RSHC is at the forefront. Hosting the Autonomous Vehicle Symposium is part of that commitment. We’re bringing together the leaders shaping what comes next, and we’re ready to help revolutionize the industry alongside them.