Chris Urmson is the co-founder and CEO of Aurora, a company focused on developing self-driving technology. With a background in robotics and a history of leading Google's self-driving car program, Urmson has been a pioneering figure in the autonomous vehicle industry for over 15 years.
Who is the CEO of Aurora?
Chris Urmson, a Canadian engineer, academic, and entrepreneur, has made significant contributions to the field of self-driving technology. He earned his BSc in computer engineering from the University of Manitoba and his PhD in Robotics from Carnegie Mellon University. Urmson has held various roles throughout his career, including serving as a faculty member at the Robotics Institute at Carnegie Mellon University and working as the technical director of the DARPA Urban and Grand Challenge teams.
He played a pivotal role in advancing self-driving vehicles during his tenure as the leader and CTO of Google's self-driving car program, which later became Waymo. Currently, Urmson serves as the co-founder and CEO of Aurora Innovation, a company focused on developing autonomous vehicle technology, where he leads the company's strategic direction, technological development, and operational execution.
Work History
- Aurora: CEO and co-founder (2017-present)
- Google: CTO, Self-Driving Cars (2009-2016)
- Carnegie Mellon University: Assistant Research Professor (2006-2011)
- Tartan Racing: Director of Technology (2006-2008)
- SAIC: Robotics Research Scientist (2005-2006)
- Carnegie Mellon University: Graduate Student (1998-2004)
Education History
Chris Urmson's educational background is rooted in engineering and robotics. He began his academic journey at the University of Manitoba, where he earned a Bachelor of Engineering (BEng) degree in Computer Engineering from 1994 to 1998. Urmson then pursued his passion for robotics at Carnegie Mellon University, obtaining a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Robotics between 1998 and 2005. This strong foundation in engineering and robotics has played a crucial role in shaping Urmson's career in the autonomous vehicle industry.
When did Chris Urmson join Aurora?
In 2017, Chris Urmson co-founded Aurora Innovation and has served as its CEO since the company's inception. As of now, Urmson has been with Aurora for over six years, leading the development of autonomous vehicle technology and guiding the company's strategic direction.