Post on 13-Apr-2017
How the Internet of ThingsOptimized Transportation
Created by Venkat Janapareddy
CarsToday, cars such as the Tesla S
electric sedan, there are many "smart
cars" on the road. These "smart cars"
offer many features such as advanced
navigation, running on electric instead
of gas, autopilot that helps you drive
and park, and sensors to detect if you
are falling asleep or need to slow
down. The Tesla constantly sends data
back to the company's engineers so
that they can improve the product all
the time. New technologically
advanced cars such as this one are
coming out on the market all the time.
RoadsSensors, which are powerful,
compact, low-power, and wireless,
are also being installed in our roads.
They are measuring things like
changes in temperature, traffic
volume, humidity as well as other
traffic and weather conditions. All
of this data will allow authorities to
provide real time information about
traffic and road conditions to
drivers. All of these little, what
seem like insignificant sensors, will
make our lives safer and easier.
PlanesAirplanes are currently equipped with many sensors and
smart devices to help maintain the plane. Sensors on planes
collect data on fuel efficiency, altitude, location, and
maintenance issues. This data is wirelessly transmitted to
both the pilots and workers on the ground so that they can be
ready to service the plane in whatever way is necessary even
before the plane lands. As a result, flight delays and
cancellations have been significantly decreased.
TrainsAs with planes, many trains are
being installed with sensors to tell
workers if the train needs
maintenance or are in threat of a
nearby landslide or flooding. In
New York City, sensors have been
installed on the tracks so that we
know exactly where trains are,
which means that the gaps
between trains don’t have to be as
large. This allows more trains to
run on the busy route- up to 26 per
hour, instead of only 15.
BoatsShipping is also hopping on the IoT bandwagon. Trucks used to
have to wait around at busy ports for the ships with their
cargo to get in. Now, many of the 9 million containers moving
through ports transmit and constantly update their precise
arrival times so that trucks can plan to be there just in time.
Another system allows trucks to even book a parking spot, so
they don’t have to drive around searching for one.
The Internet of Things has significantly improved our
transportation in the last few years. With every
transportation industry starting to implement these
technologies more and more we will see even better
improvements in our transportation. Our everyday
movement from place to place will become safer, easier
and more efficient right before our eyes.