There is no denying that transportation has drastically changed since the era of the horse and buggy. Every year, the roads become filled with more efficient and technologically advanced vehicles – and that isn’t going to slow down anytime soon. In fact, when it comes to transportation systems and models, the amount of disruption that is going to occur over the next decade is set to exceed that of the last five decades or more. However, much confusion still exists around what exactly future mobility is and what it can do for society.
As we continue down the path of future mobility, it is crucial that the technology is used to enhance individuals’ daily lives. From enhanced safety to flying cars, from the needs of transport systems to a future mobility conference, here are five things to know about future mobility.
1. It isn’t just about flying cars.
When it comes to talking about future mobility, it isn’t just about making flying cars the norm. Instead, it is about finding ways to address the needs of different people by utilizing increasingly tech-savvy and efficient vehicles. Thanks to digitization, individuals are more connected than ever to the world. This increased connectivity plays a significant role in future mobility as it helps to attend to the needs of a municipality with fewer, more well-placed resources.
Connected transport systems are thought to be the answer to many of the negatives of current transportation options. A vehicle that is able to communicate with traffic signals and other types of infrastructure will make the entire transportation experience more enjoyable for everyone involved. The navigation system will be better informed to give up-to-date route planning, as it will be continuously updated based on road conditions and weather emergencies.
2. Safety is of the utmost importance.
The issue of safety is at the center of developments in future mobility. Connected transport systems have the capability to considerably reduce traffic collisions and lower traffic gridlock by providing vital safety information (position, velocity, and direction) among cars within the area. For example, Vehicle-to-Vehicle (V2V) and Vehicle-to-Infrastructure (V2I) communications are relevant safety applications that are explicitly intended to enhance situation awareness and mitigate traffic mishaps.
Moreover, connected transport systems can improve active safety features (like disaster warning or blind-spot exposure), as they will receive the required information for drivers and vehicles to gauge potential accidents. All of these developments are set to dramatically decrease the number of lives lost each year in driving accidents.
3. Autonomous cars are on their way.
It wasn’t so long ago that the notion of driverless cars was more of a far-fetched science fiction dream than anything that fits reality. However, that is no longer the case. Almost every 2018 or 2019 car has some form of connected technology inside it. Nevertheless, there is still a lot of technological development needed before autonomous vehicles become the norm. Some of the most critical related technologies include the Internet of Things (IoT), DSRC & 5G, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and Blockchain.
IoT will enable driverless automobiles to connect and communicate with other devices through the internet. This technology is how they will collect the data necessary for safe, efficient driving. In order for this data to be quickly transferred, DSRC or 5G networks are required, as the current offering of 4G is not able to live up to the demands of so much data. AI will facilitate cars to learn and think for themselves and to identify issues before they occur. Last but not least, Blockchain is required for the safeguarding of data that an autonomous car obtains.
4. A good transport system needs to be accessible, responsive, and economical.
For many young people, the desire to own a car has been lost as they instead believe that shared transportation is the way of the future. Most people agree that car sharing is hugely beneficial to cities, while those living in suburbs and rural areas may still require a personal car. Already, in many cities around the world, car ownership is becoming more and more of a nuisance as it is expensive and damaging to the environment.
Therefore, for many people, the rise of car-sharing apps is proof of a greater transition within the transport industry. In the future, it is predicted that a good transportation system will be accessible, responsive, and economical. In other words, it will be more shared, more on-demand, and less expensive. Cities will work to design transport systems that help to generate more space rather than pushing people to drive their own cars. Moreover, systems will work to integrate all methods of transportation, so that self-driving taxis, trains, buses, bikes, and communal cars will all operate under the same umbrella.
5. Many industries will be affected by our future mobility.
Obviously, the transportation industry is going to be the most heavily affected by the transformation of future mobility. For example, car manufacturers are beginning to focus on autonomous vehicles and sustainable propulsion technologies. Additionally, ride-sharing companies are going to continue to reap the benefits of the shift in society. Also, savvy delivery businesses are going to see a boom as consumers come to expect on-demand delivery which will be made more efficient by autonomous vehicles.
But it isn’t just the transportation industry; it is predicted that the entertainment industry will also see a boost as people regain driving time and use it as free time. Subscriptions will likely skyrocket, and telecom and data companies will behold higher usage by customers. Also, the science and technology industry will become even more critical as IT experts, programmers, automotive technicians, and other professionals will be in high demand.
There is no denying that our future mobility is one of the most exciting and transformative industries at the moment. If you are interested in learning more about the topic, consider attending the upcoming Dubai World Congress for Self-Driving Transport. During this conference, you will learn more about future mobility alternatives, including self-driving vehicles. Everyone will leave with a deeper understanding of the technology involved and how it will enhance lives.
About the Guest Author
Ahmed Bahrozyan is the Chief Executive Officer of the Public Transport Agency – Roads and Transport Authority in the United Arab Emirates which is responsible for providing for the needs of public transport in the city. He is also Chairperson of the Dubai World Congress for Self-Driving Transport organizing committee.
