Transport automation considers the range of technologies and control systems that can be implemented for transportation modes such as automobiles and trucks, but also at terminals such as ports, airports, and distribution centers. While automobile automation has received a lot of attention, the automation of other modes (particularly trucks) and terminals can be far-reaching in consequences as well.
The concept of using low-pressure or vacuum tubes as part of a transport system has a long heritage. The Crystal Palace pneumatic railway in London used air pressure to push a wagon uphill (and a vacuum to drag it back down) in 1864. The 'vactrain' developed by Robert Goddard in the early twentieth century is another predecessor to the Hyperloop. Since then, many similar ideas have been proposed. Interest in the concept was reignited by Elon Musk’s 'Hyperloop Alpha' paper published in August 2013, which explored how a modern system could work and how much it could cost.
Subscription is needed for the access to the full article.
Key Acronyms
EVs (all-electric vehicles) are powered only by one or more electric motors. They receive electricity by plugging into the grid and store it in batteries. They consume no petroleum-based fuel while driving and produce no tailpipe emissions.
EVSE (electric vehicle supply equipment) delivers electrical energy from an electricity source to charge a PEV’s batteries. It communicates with the PEV to ensure that an appropriate and safe flow of electricity is supplied. EVSE units are commonly referred to as “charging stations.”
Subscription is needed for the access to the data.
In the best-case scenario, there will be very little incentive for people to own a car, as vehicle ownership will take a back seat to Mobility as a Service (MaaS). Ride-hailing vehicles will more frequently be shared by multiple passengers at the same time, leading to the emergence of semi-public transport systems. Congestion will be relieved: MIT estimates autonomous vehicles could reduce the demand for private vehicles by 80%. Energy demand and GHG emissions could be greatly reduced depending on the rate of adoption of autonomous and electric vehicles.
Subscription is needed for the access to the data.
Smart grids are electricity network that use digital technologies, sensors and software to better match the supply and demand of electricity in real time while minimizing costs and maintaining the stability and reliability of the grid.
The potential benefits of the technologies discussed in the report are tremendous—but so are the challenges of preparing for their impact. If business and government leaders wait until these technologies are exerting their full influence on the economy, it will be too late to capture the benefits or react to the consequences. While the appropriate responses will vary by stakeholder and technology, we find that certain guiding principles can help businesses and governments as they plan for the effects of disruptive technologies.
Despite the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, renewable energy set a record in new power capacity in 2020 and was the only source of electricity generation to register a net increase in total capacity. Investment in renewable power capacity rose, although slightly, for the third consecutive year, and corporations continued to break records for sourcing renewable electricity. More countries shifted towards renewables for the electrification of heat.