The debate over autonomous driving is gaining momentum again thanks to AI and improved hardware and sensor technology. 
There is a very clear vision: In the future, autonomous driving can help ensure mobility in areas where it would otherwise be limited—in rural areas, for the elderly, or for people with limited mobility.

On June 3, 2026, Prof. Dr. Johannes Betz, Head of the Chair of Autonomous Vehicle Systems (TUM AVS), appeared as an expert guest on the program “alpha-thema Gespräch: Autonomous Driving” on ARD alpha. During the approximately 30-minute discussion, current developments, challenges, and future prospects of autonomous driving were examined from scientific and societal perspectives.

The “alpha-thema Gespräch” series is one of ARD alpha’s established science and discussion formats. The aim of the program is to examine current topics of the future from various perspectives together with experts and convey them in a way that is understandable to a broad audience.

The program “alpha-thema Gespräch: Autonomous Driving” aired on June 3, 2026, on ARD alpha and is available via the ARD media library: Link