Why DFW airport is building a digital twin and betting big on autonomy | Paul Puopolo

Paul Puopolo, Executive VP of Innovation at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport, joins Devin to talk about what the airports of the future will look like. Paul shares how he evaluates emerging technologies, what it will take to integrate flying cars into the airport experience, and why autonomous lawn mowers might be the future of keeping the grass alongside miles-long runways at FAA-regulated height. Paul is a former Navy helicopter pilot and has nearly 20 years of experience spearheading innovation at large organizations.

[03:32] Sensors, sensors everywhere

[06:36] Autonomous technology at DFW

[07:40] Private versus public 5G networks

[09:21] Testing autonomous lawnmowers

[11:11] Getting ready for eVTOLs

[14:25] Balancing innovation with daily operations

[16:23] Digital twin: Your one-stop shop

[20:28] Speed round

Devin Liddell is the Principal Futurist at Teague. With over two decades of experience in innovation and design strategy, Devin has worked with industry giants like Boeing, Intel, and Nike, helping organizations anticipate changes across both near- and far-term horizons to create their preferred futures. Devin is a frequent contributor to Fast Company. 

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