Data on wheels: the global potential of emerging tech in transport
By 2030, nearly half of all new cars will have some level of automation, marking a significant transformation in how we travel.
However, this advancement brings to light several competing factors, which all have to be reconciled to ensure safe and secure travelling for all.
The global landscape of emerging transport tech
Emerging technologies are prevalent across the transport sector, with different implementations across different geographical regions, including:
Electric scooters/bikes have become a mainstay in European cities like Paris and Berlin. However, they have faced slower adoption in some US cities due to regulatory and infrastructure challenges.
Self-driving vehicles have seen advanced testing in the US and China, but are hindered in regions with strict regulations or less AI investment.
Connected vehicle technologies: there is rapid adoption in tech-forward nations like South Korea and Japan, slower in countries with less developed tech infrastructures.
Drones for delivery services are widely used in spacious countries like Australia, but facing regulatory hurdles in dense European cities.
Ride-hailing apps: there is a global reach and appeal of services like Uber and Lyft as a means of easily getting around at the touch of a button.
The wider implications of emerging tech in Transport
Balancing privacy with technological progress, market demands, regulatory compliance, and infrastructure integration remains challenging. Public opinion reflects these complexities.
A 2019 AAA survey found that 71% of Americans were apprehensive about autonomous vehicles, mainly due to safety concerns.
A Pew Research Center survey indicated that 63% of Americans were wary of riding in autonomous vehicles, with younger adults more open to the idea.
Privacy is also a consideration. Since many of these emerging vehicles are like 'data on wheels', there is the potential misuse of user data, including sensitive biometric information. Companies like Tesla and Waymo have emphasised enhancing data encryption in autonomous vehicles. However, there sometimes can be difficulties to embed privacy practices with efficient and smarter systems - some studies have shown that protecting locational privacy could compromise service efficiency with ride-hailing apps.
This dynamic public perspective and the range of different considerations underscores the need for a balanced approach. The future of transportation requires the balance of privacy, safety, and convenience. This involves advocacy for transparent policies, user consent in data collection, and the development of privacy-enhancing technologies.
The evolution of transport technology has the potential to drastically transform how we get around and poses exciting prospects for the future. The industry must balance technological advancement with privacy, safety, and regulatory demands. Policies have to be transparent to ensure user consent, rigorous standards for safety and testing, and the integration of privacy-enhancing technologies to harmonise these needs.