The Automated Future Of Transportation

"A remarkable study into the way millions of people will travel in the future reveals a world where cars drive themselves, people could be tagged so they are constantly monitored, and nearly all modes of transport can be run by computers rather than people."

"Transport Communications, a new book on the future of transport by two New Zealand professors, brings hope that nanotechnology, satellite communications, computer chips - and sleeping pills - could put an end to problems such as congestion, the threat from terrorism and increasing fuel prices. The study also reveals new concerns, ranging from 'Big Brother' fears of a surveillance society to whether there will be an increasing 'obesity time bomb' because homes, vehicles and even clothes will do everything for us."

"Satellites could help the computers guide cars on roads and fly planes or pilot ships remotely, the book says. Nanotechnology could also be used to develop 'clever clothes' for humans, enhancing their abilities to walk or run, carry heavy loads or even 'fly like birds'."

"It could be used to build goods locally, reducing the need for mass freight. Remaining items would be transported around the world in huge submarines without crews -'behemoths gliding silently beneath the oceans' - where they could be stacked on busy shipping lanes and would not battle the waves."

"Professor Chris Kissling, one of the authors, said congestion for every type of transport and the threat of climate change from burning fossil fuels mean it is no longer possible to rely on traditional solutions."

"Airports, ports and shipping routes are struggling to cope with the biggest modern planes and ships, which puts constraints on designing even larger modes of transport. '[We're] trying to help people look into the future: what changes are coming, because more of the same, we think, is limited.' Much of this could happen in 50 years, he said."