Rini van Est

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About

Rini van Est is a leading researcher at the intersection of technology, society, and public policy, with a primary focus on the societal implications of robotics and automation. Her work critically examines how emerging technologies—particularly autonomous systems and self-driving vehicles—reshape employment, governance, and public life. In her highly cited 2015 paper, "Working on the robot society," van Est synthesizes scientific insights on the relationship between technology and employment, offering a nuanced vision of how automation may transform labor markets. Her research on self-driving cars, notably "Converging roads: linking self-driving cars to public goals," challenges simplistic narratives of autonomy by distinguishing between fully autonomous robot cars and cooperative, connected vehicles. Van Est argues that the Dutch government's promotion of cooperative driving, while promising for road safety and platooning, must be carefully aligned with broader public goals. With over a decade of influence, her work has shaped policy debates in the Netherlands and beyond, earning her recognition as a key voice in responsible innovation. Her contributions continue to guide students and policymakers in navigating the complex social choices posed by intelligent machines.