Kolman 3 Kw Seattle Wilson 10884365

A transformative transportation technology

June 9, 2014
Driveless vehicles and “smart” infrastructure.

Driverless vehicle technology is regularly in the news these days.

Did you know that the first appearance of this technology was at GM's Futurama exhibit at the 1939 World's Fair in New York?

That exhibit included a vision of what transportation might look like 20 years in the future.

The forecast included self-guided cars that maintained the proper distance from each other and automated highways.

Developments since then, especially in recent years, have brought us closer to GM’s prediction. They have been a number of driverless vehicle technology initiatives, including ones by Google, BMW, Audi and Renault-Nissan, among others.

Among the objectives of such initiatives: development of a range of applications that will result in faster infrastructure repair and maintenance, better emergency-response times and improved incident and congestion management.

Another is development of a communications system that will alert vehicle drivers to hazardous conditions, such as slick pavement or debris on the roadway.

To be sure, driverless vehicles is transformative technology that will fundamentally alter our transportation system.

About the Author

David A. Kolman | Contributor - Fleet Maintenance

Sponsored Recommendations

Ask the Experts: Boost Profitability by Capturing Body Repair Materials Billables

Quality body repairs on medium- and heavy-duty trucks depend on the use of specialized adhesives, sealers, and other allied materials. Unfortunately, many shops face challenges...

Fleet Maintenance E-Book

Streamline your fleet's maintenance and improve operations with the Guide for Managing Maintenance. Learn proven strategies to reduce downtime, optimize in-house and third-party...

Celebrating Your Drivers Can Prove to be Rewarding For Your Business

Learn how to jumpstart your driver retention efforts by celebrating your drivers with a thoughtful, uniform-led benefits program by Red Kap®. Uniforms that offer greater comfort...

Guide To Boosting Technician Efficiency

Learn about the bottom line and team building benefits of increasing the efficiency of your technicians in your repair shop.