MODULE FIVE "Emerging Technology". "Communication and Transport"

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In the previous Module "1" we looked at the evolution of technology through history and looked at the impact it has made on mankind and to society. In this module we will look at a past technology "telecommunications" and see how this is becoming an emerging technology in the transport sector. This new technology has been developed from the telecommunication revolution. This has changed the way we think about transport and our reliance on technology.

Early man using simple technology and communication.
Picture taken at MOTAT Auckland.

We have come a long way since the early days of communication and language so much so our ancestors would not recognize the world we live in today. Communication is the tool which mankind has exploited beyond recognition creating the world we live in today. 

Our first long distance communication devices were still linked by copper wires.
Picture taken at MOTAT Auckland

The telecommunications evolution has had a dramatic impact on our daily lives and has seen the demise of previous technology's. 

This has lead to the rapid expansion of communication technology  enabling mankind to interact with the world in real time.

Early telephone exchanges used electro- mechanical technology.
Picture taken at MOTAT Auckland.

Modern day communication systems are far more complex and can run at higher speeds allowing our world to move at a faster rate than in early times. The modern day world has used technology to improve society in a similar way early mankind used there technology to help us get to ware we are now.

The development of the microprocessor has changed the way our world interacts with every day life including communication and transportation.

The transport sector has been no exception in using communication technology to improve its reliability fuel consumption and safety. There is an exciting emerging technology on the horizon that has created s storm, this technology could have a dramatic effect on society and communities "The Self Driving Car".Google have been developing this technology and has been excepted by three states in the US since September 2012. Google states  " We are using advanced computer science to try and make driving safer and more enjoyable" posted August 8th 2012 this statement from the official Google blog suggests they are passionate about this technology and are determined to see it proceed to the market. These experimental cars have now completed 300,000 miles on the public highway with out any accidents and human intervention a big breakthrough for the transport industry. 

New and emerging technology takes time to hit the market.
Image from: circuitstoday.com 

This technology has been installed into hybrid cars and relies on complex systems to control all functionality therefore it is still emerging. The technology is termed as "artificial intelligence software" using infrared radar and Google street map technology and satellite positioning. The hybrid and electric car is still to see market penetration before we see this technology becoming main stream. Google pride themselves as being socially responsible and state in their blog safety is paramount. They also go on to say "more than 1.2 million lives are lost every year in road traffic accidents" and believe their technology will help reduce this number by half.. They also go on to say they have always been optimistic about how technology can improve society therefore advanced computer science can help achieve a safer transportation model for the future.The vehicles are quipped with about US$150,000 of on board equipment making each vehicle out of reach for all but a few motorists. Google hope to perfect this technology and collaborate with automotive manufactures however at this stage Google have no plans to make this technology commercially available.    

Vehicle safety has taken center stage in the development of  every vehicle leaving the production line.
Image from: trialx.com

  

 This emerging technology will have a remarkable outcome on the vehicles of the future although we already have a high level of sophistication in vehicles of today. The safety aspect will play a major role on this technology, manufactures by default will continue to build safer vehicles to comply with Government legislation. There will be wide spread collaboration to develop this technology past the initial trial as there are many benefits to society. The Google video clip above clearly demonstrates the power of this technology being used for the vision impaired  this enabling mobility for someone who otherwise would be restricted. The obvious safety aspect in saving lives due to the faster reaction times of computer controlled systems against human reaction times will see further developments happening. This is a emerging technology that will continue to develop and will see part of the current system being utilized within the next 5 years.The current culture within Google will keep this project running, as this could one of the big emerging technology's for the vehicle industry this decade.   

The vehicles of the future will be a new beast.
Image from: dotson.com

We will see this technology being implemented in the more expensive brands (Executive vehicles) as has been the case with other emerging technology's of the day eg ABS, SRS, TCS etc. This will give the motoring press and public time to get adjusted to the next generation of technology and publish the benefits of improved safety and drive ability. This will eventually gain support by the public for its benefits and long term development seeing further investment in research and development from vehicle manufactures. This technology will see the reduction of green house gases and congestion in our overcrowded city's around the world. Governments will eventually raise the benchmark for vehicle standards as is already happening however this is a slow process. This will support the eventual inclusion of this emerging technology in whatever form it evolves into. Governments strongly support research and development by way of tax breaks allowing new and emerging technology's to come to market.

New Zealand showing the world lean and green transportation.
Image from: dotson.com

The motoring public of the future will be themselves the drivers of technology and will be the "petrol heads" of the future. Perhaps they will be termed "Safety heads" the fossil fuels of today will be a thing of the past and vehicles will be governed by new legislation covering safety, economy and vehicle speed. This legislation will also affect public transportation making our city's around the world more habitable and Eco friendly. The environment will be a better landscape for the introduction of this emerging technology and also fits into Government aspirations.In the New Zealand context this technology will go a long way in supporting our lean green image that has held us strong as a Nation for generations.