Insights · November 10th, 2010
Driving in 2020: Commuting Meets Computing is an article that Glen wrote in the September-October 2000 issue of the The Futurist about the future of cars and technology. So far we’ve made it halfway to 2020 and his predictions don’t seem to be too far off. I think the auto industry may be a bit behind the curve, but the popularity of hybrid cars has been on the rise as Glen expected. Fuel cell technology may not be as practical as Glen predicted by now, but my best friend bought a VW Jetta that runs on biodiesel a couple of years ago and still loves it.
Technology has been keeping up with Glen’s predictions better than the auto industry. My dad doesn’t like to drive anywhere without turning on his in-dash GPS system, even if he knows where he’s going. And I see TV screens in backseats all over the place (they only scare me when I see them in front of the driver too!). Many cars already include backup sensors that can sound an alarm or show you exactly what is behind your car. I don’t know if it’s possible yet to show the full 3-D view around your car that Glen talked about, but if not, we are certainly not far off.
Advertisers have a ways to go before they can show virtual displays on your windshield like in Glen’s story, but you know if you’ve used Google or Amazon recently that they can track what you’ve been looking at and advertise accordingly. As far as the sensors instead of toll booths on the highways that Glen talked about, many cities are there already and Seattle will be joining them shortly.
Personally, I prefer to take public transportation whenever I can. It was much easier in Boston than in Seattle, but I still try to make it a priority to track down a bus on the King County Metro site to get me where I need to go. Although if cars really do become as environmentally friendly as Glen expects, I will likely drive more often, or at least drive with a less guilty conscience.
Writer: Catherine Otten was a Program Manager and Administrator for Futurist.com.
