Using technology seems to become more seamless than ever. More people use interconnected devices, via Cloud or Wi-Fi for example. The Internet of Things (IoT) will only contribute to this, becoming increasingly important in the future. It has the ability to disrupt everything you are so used to right now. These ‘things’ (i.e. devices) will be connected to each other, communicating without human contact. Or more specifically : “IoT refers to the networked interconnection of everyday objects, which are often equipped with ubiquitous intelligence” (Xia et al., 2012). An interesting field for users as well as companies is traveling. Not only cars, but also public transportation, flights or even walking will be disrupted. How could the future of cars be changing?
In the automotive industry the disruption is already taking form. Drivers use Apps as navigation system, cars have integrated smart technologies such as remote valet assistants and blind spot technologies to shift lanes. Tesla’s CEO, Elon Musk, revealed in January 2017 that Tesla’s cars would move from ‘enhanced autopilot’ to ‘fully self-driving’ in 3 to 6 months (Reese, 2017). Now, Tesla is still tweaking its technology but is successfully exploring possibilities. With enhanced autopilot, the cars can alter their speed to traffic conditions, merge on and off highways, change lanes and park by themselves (Muoio, 2017).
How could the Internet of Things increase this even further?
IoT collects and aggregates data using sensors, in order to take action in real-time. Street sensors could send information to cars, indicating free parking spots in real-time. Consequently, this would make user experiences even more seamless. In addition, it would decrease traffic congestion in cities since drivers are not looking for spots anymore. IBM actually demonstrated such a system on their blog which lets connected cars communicate, respond to emergency messages, inspect terrains, etc. (usiddiqui, 2016; Underwood, 2016).
Source: https://www.ibm.com/blogs/bluemix/2016/05/smart-traffic-management-with-watson-iot-and-bluemix/
Challenges
With every new way of using technologies, challenges arise for multiple parties. Important issues will arise, including privacy and data security (Amyx, n.d.). When IoT sensors collect data, they could be able to follow and store data of individuals as well. Regulations could prevent the system to reach its full capacity. In addition, power consumption (Amyx, n.d.) could increase drastically since the number of active sensors and devices would increase using IoT. Thirdly, geographic dead zones with low density of IOT could make the system less valuable in those areas. However, it is assumable that individual parts of the system should be instructed to work even when the system is not there to back it up with information. After all, our rational way of thinking should not be hindered while relying on so many computerized devices.
How do you think the way of transportation by car will change? How can sharing a car be incorporated in to this vision of the future? Or should it not be incorporated at all? There are numerous ways of how technologies could shape the future of using cars. I am interested to hear your opinions and visions!
References
Amyx, S. (n.d.). Why the Internet of Things Will Disrupt Everything. Retrieved from: https://www.wired.com/insights/2014/07/internet-things-will-disrupt-everything/
Muoio, D. (2017). Tesla’s new Autopilot is getting a big update this weekend — here’s everything you need to know. Retrieved from: http://www.businessinsider.com/tesla-enhanced-autopilot-system-self-driving-features-2017-6?international=true&r=US&IR=T#enhanced-autopilot-is-made-possible-thanks-to-a-suite-of-new-hardware-that-tesla-has-been-integrating-into-vehicles-since-october-2016-for-examplenew-tesla-cars-now-have-eight-cameras-that-provide-360-degree-visibility-and-250-meters-820-feet-of-range-instead-of-one-camera-1
Reese, H. (2017). Tesla to release ‘fully self-driving’ mode in 3-6 months: What it means. Retrieved from : http://www.techrepublic.com/article/tesla-to-release-fully-self-driving-mode-in-3-6-months-what-it-means/
Usiddiqui (2016, 23 May). Smart traffic management for connected cars using Watson IoT and Node-RED on Bluemix. Retrieved from: https://www.ibm.com/blogs/bluemix/2016/05/smart-traffic-management-with-watson-iot-and-bluemix/
Underwood, M. (2016, 31 May). Smart Car, Meet the Smart City. Retrieved from: https://www.thedailybeast.com/smart-car-meet-the-smart-city
Xia, F., Yang, L. T., Wang, L., & Vinel, A. (2012). Internet of things. International Journal of Communication Systems, 25(9), 1101.
Hi Marieke,
Self-driving cars and especially Tesla have got my attention for quite some time now. They are trying to surprise us time after time, it almost looks like Tesla is trying to get ahead of itself. Saturday someone tweeted to Elon Musk that “it would be cool to get in my car and ask it to take me somewhere”. I would not have expected him to have a look at this tweet at all, but he took the time to amaze us once again and stated that “It won’t even need to ask you most of the time”, implying that his self-driving cars will not have to be told where to go, but instead will predict your destination. So yes, I think IoT an AI have definitely a lot more to offer for self-driving cars and I am curious how long it takes before Musk proves his cars can actually predict where I want to go!
Great article Marieke!
I find your question about the future of car sharing really interesting as well. I believe car sharing market will definitely continue to grow and be an important part of transportation by car in the future. I think this is largely due to younger generations being more open to sharing rides as opposed to owning their own vehicle. When talking to my parents or people of older generations, owning a car is often considered the norm or a necessity, while I personally do not see any value in it. Public transportation and car sharing services fully satisfies my needs at the moment and I’m curious to see how it develops in the future, especially with regards to autonomous driving.