Robot Roadbuilders of the Future

In 1958, it seemed all but inevitable that giant tree-chomping, asphalt-pouring machines would roam across the countryside leaving gleaming interstate highways in their wake.

1 minute read

December 17, 2011, 1:00 PM PST

By Tim Halbur

Artist Arthur Radebaugh projected this vision of future infrastructure-building robots in a newspaper comic strip he inked called Closer Than We Think. Matt Novak of PaleoFuture quotes the text of the original comic strip:

"The forward section of such a road-builder would be a variant of the new jungle-smashing LeTourneau 'tree-crusher' combined with a grader. The middle section would pour concrete in a never-ending flow, with the rear portion leveling the still soft pavement. A line of freighter helicopters would be on hand to feed the behemoth with the material necessary to keep it moving across any type of country."

Novak points to Disney's Magic Highway U.S.A. as a clear influence on Radebaugh:

FULL STORY: Giant Automatic Highway Builders of the Future

Friday, December 16, 2011 in PaleoFuture

Infrastructure Technology Transportation United States Robots Walt Disney Magic Highway U.S.A. View More

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Start Learning

Advertise with us

Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools

This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.