A new road revolution is upon us as the reality of autonomous/driverless cars comes ever closer. While the digitalisation, AI and sensors built into vehicles will power this new technology, their ability to communicate with each other and with smart road infrastructure is vital. Therefore, smart mobility covers all parts of the mobility sector: from parking, traffic infrastructure, road safety to traffic management. [1]

Since its origination, automobiles have had their turning points at every evolutionary stage, in terms of technology, comfort, refinement, accessories and much else, before emerging in the present form with all bells and whistles, and connectivity to boot. The evolution and the innovations that made the transition possible has changed people's habits greatly, not always positively perhaps, given the accident statistics and environmental concerns along the way. It is now time to tighten the seat belts in anticipation of another giant leap as the automobile is poised for another technological makeover, in the era of smart everything.[2]

Traffic jams, long commutes, noise, and pollution have become major blights on urban life. As the global population grows and becomes increasingly urbanized, these problems are likely to escalate. Already, 56 percent of the world’s population live in cities; by 2050, nearly seven in ten people will do so. Even cities without projected population growth grapple with transport volumes that put pressure on urban space and infrastructure.[3]

Traffic jams, long commutes, noise, and pollution have become major blights on urban life. As the global population grows and becomes increasingly urbanized, these problems are likely to escalate. Already, 56 percent of the world’s population live in cities; by 2050, nearly seven in ten people will do so. Even cities without projected population growth grapple with transport volumes that put pressure on urban space and infrastructure.[3]

Figure .1 Smart Mobility

Figure 1 shows Smart mobility refers to the integration of various technologies into transportation systems to make them more efficient, safe, and sustainable. This concept involves using data analytics, real-time information, and connectivity to improve mobility services and optimize the use of transportation infrastructure.

Some examples of smart mobility solutions include:

1. Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS):This includes technologies like traffic sensors, cameras, and data analytics to monitor and manage traffic flow.
2. Connected Vehicles:These are vehicles equipped with technology to communicate with other vehicles and transportation infrastructure to optimize traffic flow and improve safety.
3. Mobility as a Service (Maas):This is a transportation concept that allows people to access a variety of transportation options through a single platform, such as a mobile app. Maas can include public transportation, ride-sharing services, bike-sharing, and car-sharing.
4. Electric Vehicles (EVs):EVs are considered a smart mobility solution because they reduce carbon emissions and can be integrated into smart grids to manage energy demand.
5. Autonomous Vehicles: Self-driving cars can be considered a smart mobility solution because they have the potential to improve safety, reduce congestion, and optimize the use of transportation infrastructure.

Smart mobility solutions have the potential to make transportation more efficient, safer, and sustainable. However, their success depends on factors such as public acceptance, government policies, and the availability of infrastructure and technology.

References:

1. https://www.intertraffic.com/news/smart-mobility
2. https://www.industrialautomationindia.in/articleitm/12419/The-Future-of-Smart-Mobility%C2%A0/articles
3. https://www.mckinsey.com/industries/travel-logistics-and-infrastructure/our-insights/infrastructure-technologies-challenges-and-solutions-for-smart-mobility-in-urban-areas

Cite this article:

Janani R (2023),Smart Mobility, AnaTechMaz, pp. 115