Effective and sustainable transportation systems are essential to facilitate urban growth, ease traffic, and improve air quality as cities of the future will inevitably expand. The new era of transportation, one that will be fueled by a combination of artificial intelligence (AI), autonomous driving, electric vehicles (EVs), smart transportation infrastructure, and mobility services, is just the beginning.
Over the next ten years, we can expect changes in the mobility ecosystem, with the use of private vehicles declining and the focus shifting to micro-mobility and AI integration.
In today’s article, we explore the impact of the AI-powered future of transportation and mobility on economic, social, and social development.
The use of AI and other developments in transportation infrastructure
There is no doubt that economic progress depends on having effective transportation systems that facilitate trade (both domestically and internationally), open up access to global markets, and ease the flow of products and services.
Better supply chain reliability, lower transportation costs, and increased foreign investment are all benefits of an efficient transport infrastructure, which includes ports, airports, railroads, and roads.
Various technological advances in the management of transportation infrastructure, such as the use of AI, can help to make it more robust and resilient.
Here are just a few examples:
- Intelligent traffic management systems can forecast congestion, optimize traffic, and improve safety for both drivers and passengers, which is not only useful for cargo shipments but also crucial for public transport.
- Rapid transit systems provide effective urban transport that reduces road traffic and its negative effects on the environment.
- Smart transportation systems use GPS and sensors to share information in real time, increasing efficiency and improving future planning.
- Self-driving technology makes use of AI to assess complex traffic situations and make informed decisions that can protect both road users and passengers.
- 360-degree visual assessment of the car’s condition can be carried out using machine learning algorithms.
Automatic vehicle inspection
Autonomous vehicles (AVs)
These vehicles are equipped with various cameras, sensors, light detection and ranging (LiDAR), and even AI that allows them to drive on public roads without human intervention. Companies that are investing in autonomous driving include Waymo, GM Cruise, and Tesla.
One example is the roboshuttle, a shared autonomous mini-bus with four to eight seats which is already being tested.
WeRide Robobus
According to experts, AVs will become “ordinary” by 2030, bringing a drastic transformation to daily commutes and road infrastructure. As for self-driving trucks, these can benefit from logistics that allow the delivery of items 24/7.
However, a number of valid concerns have emerged with regard to self-driving vehicles which are mostly related to cybersecurity, data privacy, and job losses that may arise from the increased use of self-driving vehicles.
See also: 5 jobs that Artificial Intelligence could soon replace
Electric vehicles (EVs) and sustainability
Led by the desire to minimize carbon emissions and reduce reliance on fossil fuels, EVs are currently leading the way in the transition towards zero-emission mobility. With battery costs plunging and charging networks being developed, EVs are achieving cost and convenience equilibrium with conventional cars. A number of car manufacturers such as Volvo expect their range to be fully electric by 2030.
In addition to EVs, the transport industry will witness an increase in the popularity of electric trucks, buses, bikes, and scooters.
Smart infrastructure and IoT
The term ‘smart infrastructure’ refers to the sensors and connectivity that are integrated into roads, bridges, and traffic systems to allow for real-time monitoring and condition-based responses.
Smart roadways, for instance, can warn oncoming traffic of potential dangers. Smart streetlights can also help traffic at nighttime by adjusting the brightness. As for smart parking systems, these can help to direct drivers to available spaces.
These smart infrastructure technologies have the potential to simplify traffic flow, improve road safety, and reduce accident rates when combined with navigation apps and autonomous vehicle coordination. Singapore and Dubai are among the nations that already have integrated smart highway technology.
Mobility-as-a-service (MaaS) and micromobility
MaaS and micromobility solutions provide more individualized, effective, and flexible travel choices. Today, the use of e-scooters, e-bikes, and ridesharing (such as Uber and Lyft) is increasing as these are practical alternatives to conventional modes of transport, particularly in highly populated areas.
MaaS apps provide booking, payment, and ticketing capability for travel on public transport as well as ridesharing, scooters, and bike shares. Such technology has the potential to change urban mobility with an increasing number of people choosing to shift from using their own vehicles to e-bikes and e-scooters.
Final word
The synergy of electrification, autonomy, connectivity, and sustainability is shaping the mobility and transportation landscape of the future. We can anticipate major changes in the way we commute as these technologies develop further, with a focus on lowering environmental impact, improving safety, and increasing access to mobility options.
