Industry standards are agreed-upon guidelines that define how systems, components, and processes should work together. Think of them as the rules of the road for technology—without them, chaos ensues. For autonomous vehicles, standards cover critical areas like sensor interfaces, software protocols, and safety benchmarks. They ensure that the myriad parts of an AV—from cameras to processors to navigation algorithms—can communicate and function as a cohesive whole.

Why is this so important? Autonomous vehicles aren't like traditional cars, where a single manufacturer controls every piece. AVs rely on an ecosystem of suppliers, tech companies, and regulators, each contributing different elements. Without standards, you'd end up with a Tower of Babel scenario: systems that can't talk to each other, leading to delays, safety risks, and wasted resources. Standards bring order to this complexity, boosting safety by reducing errors and driving efficiency by eliminating redundant work. In essence, they're the foundation for scaling AVs from prototypes to everyday reality.

Enter the Autonomous Vehicle Computing Consortium (AVCC), a group I'm proud to lead as Chairman. Founded to tackle the computing challenges of AVs, AVCC brings together automakers, tech giants, and suppliers to create a unified approach. Our mission is straightforward: develop standards for the computing systems that serve as the "brain" of autonomous vehicles, making it easier for companies to build and integrate their technologies.

At AVCC, we focus on creating reference architectures—blueprints that outline how data flows between sensors, processors, and decision-making software. We also define best practices for distributing computing workloads and validating safety-critical systems. By establishing this common ground, we reduce the friction of integration and help companies get their AV solutions to market faster. It's like providing a universal charger for the AV industry—everyone can plug in and power up.

Leading AVCC has taught me invaluable lessons about how standards can drive the AV revolution. Here are three big takeaways:

1. Collaboration is Key No single company can solve the AV puzzle alone. The technology is too vast, the challenges too diverse. AVCC's strength lies in its collaborative spirit, uniting stakeholders from across the industry. Automakers share insights with tech firms, suppliers align with regulators, and together we tackle shared problems—like how to process sensor data in real time. This teamwork accelerates progress in ways silos never could.
2. Flexibility in Standards Technology moves fast, and AVs are no exception. Rigid standards risk becoming obsolete before they're even adopted. At AVCC, we strike a balance: we set core guidelines (think data formats and compute distribution) but leave room for innovation. This flexibility ensures our standards remain relevant as new breakthroughs—like advanced AI or next-gen sensors—emerge.
3. Safety as a Non-Negotiable Autonomous vehicles promise safer roads, but only if safety is baked into every step. Standards help by defining consistent protocols for testing and validation. For example, AVCC's work ensures that safety-critical systems—like those handling emergency braking—meet universal benchmarks. This builds trust, not just with regulators, but with the public who'll one day ride in these vehicles.

So, what's the payoff? Industry standards deliver tangible advantages that make scaling AVs feasible: