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AI, Trade Agreements and the Economics Behind Mobility with Kristin Dziczek, Senior Policy Advisor for the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago

AI, Trade Agreements and the Economics Behind Mobility with Kristin Dziczek, Senior Policy Advisor for the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago

The Mobility Table Jun 03, 2026 30 min
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About this episode

Detroit’s border location sets the stage for a conversation on how trade policy and AI are reshaping mobility economics. Kristin Dziczek from the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago connects EV and advanced mobility jobs to industrial forecasting, automation, and “physical AI.” She explains how reshoring can increase automation, why vehicle affordability depends on supply-chain scale, and how AI supports manufacturing, diagnostics, and cybersecurity. USMCA review timing and tariff rules add uncertainty that affects long-lead investment decisions.

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Concept

confluence of physical AI

"But one of the things I did this year was about automation and [419.1s] AI and the confluence of physical AI. The very first industrial automation was in the auto industry [428.0s] in 1963 I think."

This means AI that doesn’t just run on a computer, but actually controls or helps with real-world machines and processes. In car-making, that could be robots and systems that plan production or respond to what’s happening on the factory floor.

Concept

industrial automation

"The very first industrial automation was in the auto industry [428.0s] in 1963 I think. So we talked a lot about that. We also talked about the very first physical AI. [435.4s] The AI that was in a was an automation was 1966."

Industrial automation is when factories use machines and computer controls to do tasks with less manual work. In car production, it helps make cars more consistently and can speed up the process.

Concept

automated driving

"The auto industry these days has really embraced AI in many [457.2s] many aspects not just in things that you might think about like the you know automated driving and [465.0s] that sort of thing but in purchasing and planning and scheduling manufacturing making sure the"

Automated driving is when a car uses sensors and computers to help with driving tasks. It can range from simple help features to more advanced systems that handle parts of driving for you.

Concept

purchasing and planning and scheduling manufacturing

"The auto industry these days has really embraced AI in many [457.2s] many aspects not just in things that you might think about like the you know automated driving and [465.0s] that sort of thing but in purchasing and planning and scheduling manufacturing making sure the [472.56s] "

This is how factories decide what parts to order and when to build cars. AI can help plan and schedule so production runs smoothly instead of getting delayed by missing parts or poor timing.

Term

supply chain optimization

"[796.2s] chain optimization supply chain you know contingencies and you know there's always things going wrong"

It means making the “parts delivery system” work better. The goal is to get the right materials to the right place at the right time, with fewer delays.

Term

artificial intelligence

"[822.5s] manufacturing driving which is a huge thing automated driving relies a lot on artificial"

AI is computer software that can learn from information and make decisions. In cars, it helps the car understand what’s happening and respond appropriately.

Term

software defined vehicle

"[828.0s] intelligence and the software defined vehicle but the onboard diagnostics too"

A software-defined vehicle is a car where software controls many important functions. That can let the car improve over time, but it also means the software has to be secure and trustworthy.

Term

onboard diagnostics

"[830.1s] intelligence and the software defined vehicle but the onboard diagnostics too"

Onboard diagnostics are the car’s self-check systems. If something starts going wrong, the car can detect it and warn you so you can get it fixed.

Term

check engine light

"[835.2s] right now your car will throw a light at check engine light and boy you better get that checked"

The check engine light is the car telling you it found a problem. It’s usually best to get it checked soon because the issue may get worse if you ignore it.

Term

cyber security

"[917.7s] and the people to to implement these changes and you know cyber security is always a big"

Cyber security is about keeping the car’s computer systems safe from hackers. As cars rely more on software and connections, security becomes more important.

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