Guest blog: Tech Unlocking the Future of Mobility 

Among all industries, the transport sector remains one of the top contributors and biggest threat to net zero. The sector is flourishing into a growing market by harnessing ever-evolving emerging digital technologies such as: artificial intelligence; smart infrastructure leveraging 5G fast connectivity; data-driven Internet of things providing efficient means of transportation converting into smart cities thereby mitigating greenhouse gas emission and improving lives.  

Applying Artificial Intelligence (AI) to drive  

AI brings in great benefits and has been put in the spotlight as one of the emerging technologies transforming the sector. The market is forecast to experience rapid growth in the coming years with the global market forecast of $3.87 billion by 2026 (AI In Transportation Market | Size, Share, Growth | 2022 to 2027).  

With the use of AI, transportation companies can create intelligent systems that allow a vehicle to self-drive itself, reducing labour costs while staying ahead of competitors. Similar to an autopilot system in a flight, autonomous cars will soon become a reality in other modes of transportation. Imagine booking a flying taxi within three years, rushing into major cities and resolving traffic problems.  

Autonomous cars rely on sensors, complex algorithms, machine learning systems, and powerful processors to execute software making the entire system more reliable and robust. Some of the use cases of AI in this sector are: 

• Autonomous or self-driving vehicles attaining level 5 automation whereby completely removing the need for a human driver. 

• Electric and low emission vehicles – intelligent charging infrastructure.  

• Vehicle design, testing and predictive maintenance. 

• Manufacturing equipment: AI-powered robots to build custom cars. 

Aside from the above solutions, AI is also helping the sector curtail its carbon footprint leading to a more sustainable and eco-conscious future. Electrically powered autonomous vehicles are helping to create cleaner and smarter modes of transportation.  

Internet of Things (IoT) improving transportation 

IoT is a key enabler to driving efficiencies and offers unique opportunities for end-to-end connectivity, optimisation and smart solutions that are scalable, reliable, and secure. By 2030, forecasts suggest that the Global IoT market size in the transport sector will reach $495.57 billion (IoT in Transportation Market Statistics | In-depth Analysis – 2030). 

IoT-connected devices and the use of the 5G network is increasing data-transfer allowing IoT devices to communicate and share real-time data faster than ever. Vehicle-to-Vehicle (V2V), Vehicle-to-Infrastructure (V2I) and Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) as part of smart infrastructure ecosystem exchanges data packet generated from sensors, digital cameras, and communication systems. This wirelessly transmitted data helps in sharing the information related to traffic condition, speed and position of the vehicle, road conditions to avoid the crashes and traffic congestion. 

IoT technology will massively benefit the mobility industry by applying several use cases such as: 

• Smart parking- real-time monitoring of parking open spots. 

• Smart traffic management. 

• Fleet management - track-and-trace for logistic companies on their shipments.  

• Vehicle breakdown and infrastructure faults. 

• Driver’s safety. 

Role of Big Data in transportation 

With the advancement in the transport sector leveraging IoT, smart sensors and smart infrastructure, the data is continuously growing at a significant pace. Automakers are using big data to analyse the patterns and trends related to consumer behaviour, helping in enhanced services, improved operational efficiency, and developing new business models. 

Many applications of AI depend on large volumes of data for better analysis. The future of fully autonomous cars will rely on data gathered from GPS, sensors, as well as cameras on the vehicles themselves to properly navigate the roads. 

Conclusion 

The disruptive technologies and their application are pushing innovation in all forms of transportation revolutionising opportunities for demand forecasting, traffic management, autonomous and connected vehicles contributing to the objectives of sustainable mobility planning to tackle climate change while making customer experience more convenient and less stressful. The effects of automation might be slow at a macro level of the sector and would require people and technology to work together to realise its full potential. 

Author:

Bhupender Tuteja,  Programme Director | Product Management at HCL Technologies UK Limited as a part of techUK's Future of Mobility Campaign Week

To read more from Future of Mobility Campaign Week check out our landing page here.