The Internet of Things Will Change Transportation
Transportation has already been affected by the IoT but has the potential to experience a complete change thanks to the technology. Data influences every aspect of your life. If not completed already, the technological landscape will be completely data-centric in the near future. The device you are reading this article on probably collects your data to optimize your user experience.Or, you may have been recommended this article based on your reading habits. Even, the self-driving car you use may take data collected from other cars on the road to keep you safe. So, what’s the point?
The technological landscape has ushered in a new ecosystem that not only collects data, but it transfers data to other devices, interprets that data, and makes decisions with that data; all without the need of human to human interaction. Welcome to the Internet of Things.The Internet of Things or IoT for short is an ecosystem that comprises web-enabled smart devices that use embedded processors, sensors, and communication hardware to collect, send and act on data they acquire from their environments. Think of your dream smart home.
Though the IoT system has countless applications at home and in various industries like wearables, telecommunication, smartphone, and energy, today you are going to learn some of the applications of the IoT in the world of transportation. So, strap in.
Safety First
Probably one of the first things that pop into your mind when discussing the impact of the IoT on transportation is safety. An idea that is constantly being brought up in smart cities, vehicles having the ability to communicate with each other in real-time using data could drastically improve the safety of passengers and pedestrians on the road. Using smart sensors, cars or buses could alert other vehicles of potential road hazards, reckless drivers, or even oncoming traffic delays.
While inside the vehicle, cars could help drivers who may be impaired, falling asleep, or those that might be suffering from a medical emergency.
What’s the Fastest Way to Get Home?
Though already in existence thanks to the power of maps, IoT transportation would help you get home even quicker. In a fully connected transportation world, you may receive constant real-time data on traffic, closed roads, and the travel schedule of public transportation.
In a study conducted in the United States, American commuters spend 42 hours a year sitting in traffic, sometimes reaching as high as 80 hours. This number could drop with the IoT tech equipped to vehicles. Getting from point A to point B in IoT transportation will always be a test of efficiency and effectiveness to ensure you get to where you need to go on time.
Logistics and Geo-fencing
Whether managing a small fleet of self-driving trucks or a large fleet of standard shipping trucks geo-fencing will help make logistics significantly easier. With an IoT tool like geo-fencing, logistics managers could see when a package or large shipment may have deviated from the prescribed path.
Geo-fencing could also help manage crowds in cities helping prevent any overcrowding that could cause any slowdowns. Vehicles may be redirected to other regions of the city to avoid pedestrians, quiet areas, and school zones in a city.
Public Transit
If you live in a major city and are like the majority you probably use some form of public transportation as part of your daily commute. Though technology has improved, knowing the reallocation of when your train or bus may arrive is still inconsistent in most places and at times frustrating.
Real-time tracking of vehicles in an IoT ecosystem could help passengers travel at ease and help a city better manage its public fleet. Passengers could receive personalized travel information about unexpected delays or events that could be delaying their commute.
