Toward a Science of Autonomy for Physical Systems: Transportation

TL;DR

This paper discusses how advances in information and communication technologies are enabling autonomous transportation systems, which could revolutionize speed, safety, efficiency, and societal benefits across various sectors.

Contribution

It highlights the emerging scientific framework for autonomous transportation and its potential societal and economic impacts.

Findings

Autonomous transportation promises significant improvements in safety and efficiency.

Technological advances are transforming transportation systems rapidly.

Potential societal benefits include enhanced safety, efficiency, and quality of life.

Abstract

Transportation systems are currently being transformed by advances in information and communication technologies. The development of autonomous transportation holds the promise of providing revolutionary improvements in speed, efficiency, safety and reliability along with concomitant benefits for society and economy. It is anticipated these changes will soon affect household activity patterns, public safety, supply chains and logistics, manufacturing, and quality of life in general.