OPINION
Automated transport could propel development forward. Can we turn the vision into reality?
our current mobility system: road fatalities, pollution, congestion, time and productivity losses, etc.
Michael M. Lokshin Lead Economist
T
he transport sector has always unleashed the creativity of engineers, inventors, and problem solvers of all kinds. But even the greatest innovations don’t always come to life. After the early excitement of the public and investors, the vast majority (70% to 97%) of new ideas do not survive the “trough of disillusionment,” and only a lucky few end up being widely adopted. This certainly applies to the field of transport automation. Despite impressive
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David Newsom IT Professional
technological strides, attempts to automate transport operations are usually met with reactions that can range from mild skepticism to downright hostility. Yet automated transport solutions could bring significant benefits to both developing and developed countries, including lower operating costs, greater flexibility, and higher safety standards. If we get it right, automation could ultimately make transport “smarter” and address many adverse consequences of
But there is more. The ongoing COVID19 crisis has shown the importance of building stronger mobility systems and minimizing human interaction in certain critical sectors like transport. In light of this experience, automation could be a powerful way to create stronger transport systems and be better prepared to face future shocks. So, where do we stand on automation? What are the key challenges and opportunities that may impact progress in the field? What’s in it for people, countries, and economies? To address these questions, let’s take a closer look at the history of elevators—a great example of an “automation success story.” We will then move on to automated train operations and self-
SEPTEMBER 2020 // Urban Transport Infrastructure
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