Episode 0034: Paul Vitrano
From the Waev GEM EV’s Origins to Cutting‑Edge Autonomy
Join us for an enlightening 1.5-hour conversation with Paul Vitrano, co‑founder and policy lead at Waev Inc., as he guides us through some of the most compelling stories in electric and autonomous mobility:
A Journey Through GEM’s Legacy
• The origin story of GEM: from its genesis in the 1990s to evolving through generations and ownership (Chrysler → Polaris → Waev)
• What makes the GEM platform so enduring and adaptable in today’s low-speed EV landscape
LSV Classification & FMVSS Compliance Explained
• Why GEM qualifies as an LSV, meeting federal FMVSS standards, and what that means for streets, campuses, and more
Autonomy for GEM: Real-World Applications
• How pilot projects (like the Summer 2019 Crozet, VA deployment) applied autonomy to GEMs
• What AV retrofits reveal about the future of accessible, low-speed automation
Tiger & Taylor-Dunn in Action
• Tiger tow tractors and Taylor-Dunn utility vehicles: exploring their roles in airports, resorts, campuses, and industrial sites
• How autonomous upgrades can unlock valuable efficiencies and safety benefits across fleets
Motorcycle SIDEBAR – ADAS Discussion
• Paul Vitrano draws on his expertise in motorcycles (at Polaris, AMA, MIC) to discuss advanced rider-assist systems
• How collision avoidance, lane-keeping, and blind-spot tech from motorcycles can inform autonomy for other platforms
Why You Should Watch:
This episode isn’t just a walkthrough, it’s a history lesson, a tech deep-dive, and a strategic vision for what low-speed electric autonomy can and will achieve. From fleets to the freeway. Whether you’re in urban planning, mobility tech, or legal/policy, you’ll find powerful insights and vision right here.
Don’t miss: Learn what happens when a 1990s electric cart drives itself in Virginia. And imagine what’s next for GEM, Tiger, Taylor-Dunn, and the world of safe, automated mobility.
Don’t forget to like and subscribe for more conversations on the future of robotics, AI, and beyond!
From: Paul Perrone - DRIVEN Host (https://www.driven.show) & Perrone Robotics CEO/Founder (https://www.perronerobotics.com)
