What’s happening right now:
As the cities of the world are rapidly transforming into congested spaces, the future of the world would significantly depend on how they deal with issues of congestion and provide a sustainable living experience to the people. According to a World Bank study, the urban population is expanding at more than six percent in most of the rapidly developing countries. It is expected that megacities of the world would more than double within a generation. The urban planners are, thus investing into the concepts that would enable them to deal with the twin problem. Driverless electric taxis, or the personal rapid transit system (PRT), are seen by many as a possible solution to problems discussed here.
Trends:
1) OPTI Concept:
The OPTI concept has been developed by designer Paul Piliste as an eco-friendly driverless taxi for the city of London. The lithium-ion batteries will enable it to travel for 50 miles when fully recharged and, moreover, it can be recharged wirelessly. It will be equipped with satellite navigation system, parking sensors and proximity lasers. The users will have to hire this taxi from various hiring points in the city. Then they can select their destination on a touch screen and the taxi will automatically navigate them to that place. It is expected to be launched in London by 2025.
2) AXI Robot Taxi:
The AXI Robot taxi has been designed by Kubik Peter. It will run on battery-powered electric motors attached to the rear wheels of the taxi. Built from lightweight materials, this robot taxi can run for upto 20 miles on a single recharge at the speed of upto 90 miles per hour. It has been primarily designed for congested urban spaces. Two persons with minimum luggage can enjoy a ride on this evironment friendly driverless taxi.
3) Heathrow Taxi pod
The four-seater Heathrow Taxi pod has been designed by Professor Martin Lowson as the first PRT of the world. It is currently used at the Heathrow airport for taking passengers from Terminal 5 to the parking lot of the airport. This bubble-shaped vehicle runs on battery and can reach the speed of upto 25 miles per hour. Passengers have to select their destination on a touch screen inside the pods while the sensors buried under the surface of road direct it towards the destination.
4) ATNMBL
The ATNMBL has been designed as autonomous taxis which passengers can hire through phone calls. This taxi features modular-seating that includes a couch, side chair and a table for giving the passengers a feel of their living room. The electric motors of this vehicle will be powered by solar-panels mounted the roof.
The Concept:
The driverless, compact and eco-friendly taxis are expected to be a defining feature of the congested roads in 21st century. These taxis will run within within the pedestrian zones and will be equipped with modern technologies for accident-free navigation. They will be controlled from a common station and can be availed by the passengers through phone calls.
The proposed advantages include:
1. Increase in the capacity of existing roads.
2. Allowing passengers to use their travel time for other fruitful purposes, without worrying for driving and navigating chores.
3. Lesser road accidents
4. Better management of traffic flow
5. Providing an environmentally friendly alternative to existing transport systems.
6. Decrease in the number of personal vehicles and control over rising fuel prices.
The impact:
The driverless electric taxis can change the way we commute. Countries like Germany, UAE and UK have begun experimenting this futuristic, eco-friendly system in small measures. However, the real impact could be judged only after testing in a real congested city. Also, it may not be a completely ‘green’ alternative as the developers would have to worry about the sources for recharging batteries and meeting demands of a megacity.
