Autonomous technology is shifting from pilot projects to practical infrastructure. From robotaxis in Phoenix to delivery drones in Shenzhen and automated yard trucks at ports, machines are starting to move people and goods with minimal human input. Every safe, reliable autonomous mile depends on invisible digital systems; edge compute for real-time decision-making, low-latency connectivity, and data networks that never sleep.

In this episode of Interconnected, hosts Glenn Dekhayser and Simon Lockington are joined by MIT Research Scientist Bryan Reimer and Equinix VP of Market Development Petrina Steele to explore how global infrastructure is evolving to support the next generation of autonomy.

In this episode:

• Edge computing enables vehicles to process and share data locally for faster, safer decisions.
• Low-latency connectivity determines how efficiently mission-critical computation moves between the car and the cloud.
• Multi-layer sensing and redundancy improve safety both inside and outside autonomous systems.
• Mining leads current automation efforts due to its regulated, closed environments and strong ROI.
• AI continues to enhance decision-making, learning, and coordination across connected systems.
• Future autonomy will rely on open data marketplaces, adaptive energy grids, and edge zones that blanket cities.

Guests:

Bryan Reimer / MIT Research Scientist

Petrina Steele / Vice President, Market Development, Equinix

Meet the Hosts:

Glenn Dekhayser / Global Principal Technologist, Equinix

Simon Lockington / Director, Business Development, Equinix

Watch the full video series on YouTube

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