What comes to your mind when imagining our way of life in the future? Autonomous vehicles? Controlling devices with an eye blink? A kitchen made entirely out of plastic? Thankfully, only the first two are now a reality (we’ll discuss the plastic kitchen later).
Introduction of Autonomous Vehicle Law
The National Transport Commission (NTC) in collaboration with the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts (DITRDCA) recently released a regulatory framework for autonomous vehicles. The purpose of the papers is to consult the public, particularly in areas that require more development. Specifically, the report is requesting feedback on:
- – remote operation of automated vehicles
- – additional measures for repairers, maintainers and modifiers
- – consumer understanding of automated vehicle capabilities
- – obligations for human users when an automated driving system is engaged
- – managing the risks of automated vehicle deployment ahead of the regulatory framework
The framework will sit under the Automated Vehicle Safety Law which is an addition to the Road Vehicle Standards Act 2018. In most countries, including Australia, autonomous vehicles are not yet legal. The cause for delay is not just regulatory. Due to the intersection of complex roadways, pedestrian and other vehicle traffic make autonomous driving more difficult than on airplanes. Currently, most passenger and heavy vehicles have some form of autonomy, such as advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS). Examples of these include laneway keep and assisted braking technologies. According to Barry Nilsson, we could see the first autonomous vehicles on the road as early as 2026.
Concept to Construction
Not so long ago, autonomous vehicles were a fanciful futuristic idea of the 1960s. In fact, this year marks 60 years since the 1964 World’s Fair. The international exhibitions were a chance to showcase technical, scientific and cultural innovations and aspirations of the time period.
Due to the proliferation of the internet and globalisation, the need to bring people together to showcase exciting ideas is a bit redundant. Today, the easiest way to experience a curation of the same exciting ideas and innovations in one place is a Pinterest board.
That being said, World’s Fairs often projected dreams of what the future would look like. In 1964 the General Motors Futurama II exibit offered a glimpse into vehicles of the future:
Lunar exploration and occupation was a prevalent theme given the current space race between the USA and USSR. The GM Firebird IV concept was a gas powered car that would convert into an autonomous mode for the highway and revert back to regular manual driving in urban areas. I’m not sure attendees of the fair would have been excited to learn the modern day equivalent turned out to be a LPG powered Toyota Corolla with cruise control.
Fortunately, other prototypes of the 60s like the Monsanto House of Tomorrow did not come to fruition. Designed by Disney and MIT, the home showcased a glimpse into modern day living. A key design element was a kitchen made almost entirely of plastic. The dishes, cups, countertops, walls, floors, ceiling, tabletops, shelves and cabinets.
Implications of Autonomous Vehicles
Returning to our central theme, the impending arrival of autonomous vehicles signals a significant advancement in our trust in technologies like advanced driver assistance systems. Many of the passenger and heavy vehicles we drive today are equipped as standard or installed as an aftermarket solution. These form the basis for the software needed to power autonomous vehicles.
Using the reduction in road incidents ADAS equipped vehicles have, it’s safe to suggest autonomous vehicles would make our roads safer. However, it’s worth noting that even if AVs are introduced as early as 2026, there would still be some time before full adoption takes place. The price of these vehicles may produce a disparity divide for road users.
But what financial impact would a fully autonomous vehicles have on other sectors such as the transportation industry? A good example to use is road freight. As demand for transportation and logistic services increases, many trucking companies are facing parallel concerns of driver shortages and higher operating costs. An autonomous fleet of trucks may have less or no restrictions on driving hours. It would also remove the need to attract talent resulting in increased profit margins. However, the implications on road congestion and loss of jobs may be more detrimental overall.
The Next Stop In Our Autonomous Journey
As we stand on the cusp of a new era in mobility, it becomes imperative to engage in thoughtful discourse and collaborative efforts to ensure that the deployment of autonomous vehicles aligns with our societal values and addresses potential challenges effectively.
With the promise of increased safety, efficiency, and convenience, coupled with the complexities of regulation, infrastructure adaptation, and workforce transition, the journey toward widespread adoption of autonomous vehicles presents both opportunities and obstacles that merit careful consideration and strategic planning. When navigating this transformative landscape, it is essential to remain vigilant, adaptable, and inclusive in our approach, thereby shaping a future where autonomous vehicles contribute positively to our lives and communities.