Driverless cars and intelligent transport systems are no longer the thing of dreams. While this technology has been talked about regarding the transport of the future for some time – that future is soon to become reality.

With global trends towards lowering emissions and incorporating artificial intelligence in infrastructure, there have been massive investments in electric and automated vehicles, and associated technologies. This is now driving developments to create the intelligent infrastructure needed to support them.

Will the UK lead the way?

Reports are that the UK Government aims to be at the forefront of technology with regards to developing industry and infrastructure. But to do that they need to find solutions to managing an aging society, consider the future of mobility, find ways to incorporate Artificial Intelligence and data, all the while ensuring that whatever growth happens, is achieved through clean technologies that reduce effects on the climate and environment.

It is clear that to forge ahead, government will need to develop partnerships with key private sector companies and organisations that can contribute their skills, knowledge and technology to the process. Herein lies the opportunity for thought leaders to make their mark on the industry.

What is needed for future transport and infrastructure?

The number of commuters is increasing exponentially and developing efficient future transport facilities to meet this demand will need some innovative thinking. With more people on the roads and using rail, how does one increase capacity while maintaining and improving safety? And this safety not only relates to delivering commuters from A to B, but also health and environmental factors such as emissions, noise and air pollution.

Already there is a lot of development happening in the field of electric cars and automated transport systems with the aim of reducing reliance on fossil fuels and using instead cleaner renewable energy sources. Tech and engineering companies are finding ways to use data to make transport systems and facilities more efficient. Integration of smart systems and Artificial Intelligence is the way of the future.

Driverless cars and car chains are proposed as one of the solutions, however, there are concerns over safety and how these systems will be managed. Innovation will be required to come up with solutions that not only meet commuter’s needs but also ensure transportation remains safe and efficient no matter what route it takes.