SpaceXs Falcon Heavy launches, sending a Tesla Roadster with "Starman" toward Mars orbit. Autonomous landing of all three boosters proves dual-engine control.

An Uber self-driving test vehicle strikes and kills a pedestrian in Tempe, Arizona. The incident pauses AV testing industry-wide and drives safety reforms.

GDPR takes effect. AI-powered profiling and automated decision-making face the first real legal constraints. "Right to explanation" becomes a design requirement.