In this episode of The Techne Connect, Werner Koestler, Executive Officer at Pioneer, explores how next-generation in-car experience is evolving at the intersection of human–machine interface, immersive audio and autonomous mobility to build trust and safety in real-world environments.
He shares his journey from Vienna to Tokyo, becoming Pioneer’s first Western board member, and reflects on lessons from leading an 800-person team on Volkswagen’s EV computing platform. Werner discusses how curiosity, systems thinking and team diversity drive innovation from concept to production, and why communication and culture are key to success in global engineering.
He highlights the shift towards passenger-centric design, personal audio zones and vehicle-to-pedestrian communication, while advocating for hiring based on attitude, the power of mentorship and the need for more women in engineering. Finally, he explains why robotics and mobility are merging into one of the most exciting frontiers for future careers as AI and physical systems converge.
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