5 Ways IoT and Automated Transportation Will Shape the Future Mobility
The Internet of Things (IoT) and the location-based technologies such as Global Positioning System (GPS) have made automated transportation and logistics possible. However, other components in the transportation system must be able to work simultaneous and cooperatively to make this happen. For example,
1.The transportation system must be uniformly equipped with charging stations to power cars, buses and trucks or redistribute power on the network;
2.Logistics networks should be equipped with sensors capable of transmitting to factories, warehouses, wholesalers, retailers and users of accurate data on logistics flows that affect their value chain;
3.Storage and physical goods transportation need to be standardized to exploit the entire logistics system in the same way that information flows easily and effectively on the canvas; and
4.To optimize operations, thousands of warehouses and distribution centres should be able to set up cooperatives information sharing systems for operators to fill unused spaces and offer carriers the opportunity to ensure their deliveries using the path best suited to their destination.
The entire logistics system will be automated
To realize an automated logistics system, the IoT platform should be able to provide logistics data in real-time on the pickup and delivery schedules, weather, traffic and breaking news for storage capacity warehouses. With Big Data and data analytical tools, algorithms and applications can be created to automated distribution to ensure efficiency optimization throughout the logistics routes, which will productivity and reduce marginal costs of each delivery.
Goods movement by driverless trucks
By 2025, goods could be delivered via driverless trucks powered by electric or fuel cell. In addition, the increasingly sophisticated analytical tools and algorithms will greatly optimize operations, increase productivity and virtually make no labour costs generated by shipping the goods.
The vision of mobility will change
Automated transportation will totally change our vision of mobility. Although it is still in its infancy stage, it already allows the young generation today to take advantage of mobile technology and GPS guidance to get in connection with drivers in car-sharing services. The future generation will prefer “access to mobility” rather than buying a vehicle. We can expect that in the era of automated and intelligent mobility, the next generation may never be vehicle owners.
Vehicle emission will reduce
It is estimated at least one billion cars, buses and trucks are currently circulating in the transportation system around the world. They consume a lot of gasoline, generate large amounts of greenhouse gases, and contribute significantly to global warming. Vehicles with internal combustion engine formed the centerpiece of the second industrial revolution and mass production has devoured much of the natural resources of the planet. In the automated transportation era, a large number of vehicles currently in service will disappear and will be replaced by widespread adoption of carpooling by the next generation. We will only see electric vehicles powered by renewable energy travelling on an intelligent and automated highway system.
The business model in the transportation industry will change
Automated transportation will radically change the business model of the transportation industry. Automakers around the world are expected to produce fewer vehicles in the next three decades. They will reposition themselves from product provider to service providers and offer transportation and logistics management services.
The automated transportation relies on the IoT infrastructure. This new digital platform significantly changes the way we manage and operate transportation, and are changing the economy through many value chains and networks that make up the global economy.
