top of page

Raquel Urtasun: Pioneering Safer Roads Through AI and Self-Driving Technology

frincy8

In the ever-evolving realm of artificial intelligence, Raquel Urtasun's journey stands out as a testament to perseverance, innovation, and the profound impact AI can have on our daily lives. With a career rooted in the pursuit of solving one of society’s most challenging problems, Raquel’s passion for AI and self-driving technology stems from both a personal connection and a grand vision for a safer world.


"Self-driving is one of the most exciting and important technologies of our generation," she shares. A natural problem-solver, Raquel was drawn to the complexity and potential of self-driving vehicles, knowing their success could save millions of lives. "I personally know too many people who have had auto accidents, and the 3 million deaths per year on the roads will only continue to grow if a solution doesn’t emerge soon."


Her path hasn’t been without challenges. The AI industry is no stranger to skepticism, particularly in the realm of autonomous vehicles. Raquel acknowledges the current “AV winter”—a period of stalled progress and unmet promises. But she didn’t let these obstacles deter her. Instead, they inspired her to create Waabi, her groundbreaking company dedicated to accelerating the deployment of generative AI-powered self-driving solutions. "It’s that AV winter that inspired Waabi to accelerate the deployment of generative AI-powered self-driving technology for a more scalable, efficient, and safer solution."


Receiving recognition at the WAI Awards NA 2023 has been a humbling experience for Raquel. "It’s an honor to be recognized alongside such an incredible group of women," she says, reflecting on the strides women are making in advancing AI. Her work continues to be a beacon of inspiration for others in the field.


Raquel is acutely aware of the challenges women face in AI and tech. She recalls her days studying electrical engineering in Spain, where half her class were women, a stark contrast to her later experiences in male-dominated fields. "Women have to accomplish 10x as much to get the same recognition," she explains. Despite facing discrimination, Raquel’s resolve has only grown stronger. Her advice to aspiring professionals is simple yet powerful: "Having the confidence in yourself to say, ‘Oh yeah? I’m going to show you,’ can go a long way for women in this industry and any industry."


Her motivation to keep pushing boundaries lies in her unwavering commitment to making roads safer. "It is my life’s mission to solve self-driving and, above all, make our roads safer," she says, reflecting on the progress she’s witnessed and the potential that lies ahead.


As a trailblazer in AI, Raquel sees an incredible future shaped by the women leading this transformative field. "The women in this community are some of the world’s most innovative, driven, and exceptional leaders of the pack," she states. For skeptics of AI, Raquel reassures them that "the future of AI is in these women’s hands."


Interview by: Raquel Urtasun

Edited by: Sophia Rial



0 comments

Related Posts

See All

Opmerkingen


bottom of page