Articles
Transport in 2030 will look very different from how it does today. In the lead up to that time, the shift from traditional transport models to intelligent mobility will continue to be driven by a digital revolution.
Encompassing everything from autonomous vehicles to seamless journey systems and multi-modal modelling software, intelligent mobility will see wireless communications, smart devices, open data, the Internet of Things and artificial intelligence come together to transform the transport industry into an integrated mobility system, creating immense potential for innovation for industry players.
The move towards intelligent mobility has already begun, with the Transport Systems Catapult (TSC) recently announcing that it expects market spend to soon move away from traditional transport to service models akin to mobile phone contracts. In February, the first £20 million of the government’s £100 million Intelligent Mobility Fund was awarded to eight new projects, including driverless shuttles in pedestrianised areas, and smart infrastructure that can talk to autonomous cars to be installed on 40 miles of urban roads, dual-carriageways and motorways.
But if players in the industry aren’t careful, many warn that the move towards intelligent mobility could slip away. That’s according to the TSC’s Technology Strategy for Intelligent Mobility, in which it argues that the UK could fail to capture a big enough share of a potential £900 billion global intelligent mobility market if its response to radical developments in the sector is slow and uncoordinated.
Currently, the UK is well placed to take advantage of recent advances in technology and service models. With a shared vision, many believe that driving innovation and boosting business competitiveness in this shifting industry landscape can have a positive impact on the economy. But to create a people-centred, smart, sustainable and safe travel system, the transport industry needs to prepare for the opportunities ahead and aspire to be at the forefront of innovation.
A more coordinated approach towards competing in the changing global transport industry is therefore vital. This will come from embracing change, collaborating and focusing investment towards areas where there is the best chance of capturing a significant share of the intelligent mobility potential.
Emerging technology will provide an opportunity for players to make transport a more sustainable, reliable and end-to-end user-centric experience. It will also make the transport of people and goods quicker, leading to numerous possibilities for innovation and therefore profit.
If industry parties do not embrace this potential, the future of transport may look very different.