Cockpit Designs for the Future of Mobility

Mike Casper, co-founder and CEO of Azumo

In the rapidly evolving automotive industry, the rise of new entrants is heralding a new era in vehicle design and the overall driver and passenger experience. At the heart of this transformation is the fact that autonomous and electric vehicles offer new opportunities to reimagine the vehicle’s interior, with a special focus on the cockpit. The integration of expansive, pillar-to-pillar dashboard displays and panoramic heads-up displays alongside various Human-Machine Interfaces (HMI) and smart surfaces represents a shift that transcends aesthetics to address functional needs. These display and touch sensor innovations are pivotal as the cockpit design evolves to accommodate multiple driving modes in an era where the roles of driver and passenger are increasingly fluid. This talk will provide insights into the future of cockpit designs and the various technologies being explored in this new era of mobility.

Mike Casper, a seasoned entrepreneur, engineer, and marketer is the co-founder and CEO of Azumo, a display technology firm based in Chicago, with global operations in Mexico, China, and Japan. Mike’s professional journey began after earning a BS in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and an MBA from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University. He kickstarted his career at global firms such as 3M and ZS Associates, where he honed his expertise across a range of domains, from manufacturing and energy solutions to technology marketing. His entrepreneurial journey took off with the co-founding of FLEx Lighting in 2008, where he co-developed innovative lighting technology with versatile applications. He has served as the CEO of Azumo for over 15 years, steering it through business development and strategic planning while securing global strategic partnerships with industry leaders such as Sharp, AUO, and Foxconn, to name a few. Azumo’s lightguide technology is used in reflective LCDs for a variety of commercial and industrial applications, and is currently being integrated into new automotive applications. Residing in Chicago with his wife and three children, Mike enjoys running, basketball, and spending quality time with his family.