2024 TECH TRENDS REPORT • 17 TH EDITION

MOBILITY • ROBOTICS • DRONES

 TECH MOBILITY, ROBOTICS & DRONES

FUTURE TODAY INSTITUTE’S 2024 TECH TREND REPORT

Our 2024 edition includes nearly 700 trends, which are published individually in 16 volumes and as one comprehensive report with all trends included.
Download all sections of Future Today Institute’s 2024 Tech Trends report at http://www.futuretodayinstitute.com/trends.

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 TECH MOBILITY, ROBOTICS & DRONES

THE YEAR AHEAD: TECH SUPERCYCLE

The theme for our 2024 re- Institute’s analysis shows that every technology—AR/ VR/ We’ve visually represented the tech supercycle on the
port is Supercycle. In eco- XR, autonomous vehicles, low Earth orbit satellites, to report’s cover, which is an undulating image reminiscent
nomics, a “supercycle” refers name a few—connects to the supercycle in some way. of a storm radar. Vertical and horizontal lines mark the
to an extended period of edges of each section’s cover. When all 16 section cov-
The ramifications are stark and undeniable. As this tech
booming demand, elevating ers converge, the trends reveal a compounding effect as
supercycle unfurls, there will be victors and vanquished,
the prices of commodities reverberating aftershocks influence every other area of
those who seize the reins of this epochal change, and
and assets to unprecedented heights. It stretches across technology and science, as well as all industries.
those who are swallowed whole. For business leaders,
years, even decades, and is driven by substantial and
investors, and policymakers, understanding this tech It’s the convergence that matters. In isolation, trends of-
sustained structural changes in the economy.
supercycle is paramount. fer limited foresight into the future. Instead, the interplay
We believe we have entered a technology supercycle. of these trends is what reveals long-term change. For
In this 17th edition of FTI’s annual Tech Trends report,
This wave of innovation is so potent and pervasive that that reason, organizations must not only remain vigilant
we’ve connected the supercycle to the nearly 700 trends
it promises to reshape the very fabric of our existence, in monitoring these evolving trends but also in cultivat-
we’ve developed. Our research is presented across 16
from the intricacies of global supply chains to the minu- ing strategic foresight—the ability to anticipate future
technology and industry-specific reports that reveal the
tiae of daily habits, from the corridors of power in global changes and plan for various scenarios.
current state of play and lists of influencers to watch,
politics to the unspoken norms that govern our social
along with detailed examples and recommendations de- Our world is changing at an unprecedented rate, and this
interactions.
signed to help executives and their teams develop their supercycle has only just begun.
Driving this seismic shift are the titans of technology strategic positioning. The trends span evolutionary ad-
and three of their inventions: artificial intelligence, bio- vancements in well-established technologies to ground-
technology, and a burgeoning ecosystem of interconnect- breaking developments at the forefront of technological
ed wearable devices for people, pets, and objects. As they and scientific exploration. You’ll see emerging epicenters Amy Webb
converge, these three macro tech segments will redefine of innovation and risk, along with a preview into their Chief Executive Officer
our relationship with everything, from our pharmacists to transformative effects across various industries. Future Today Institute
our animals, from banks to our own bodies. Future Today

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 TECH MOBILITY, ROBOTICS & DRONES

TABLE OF CONTENTS
05 Top Headlines 19 Mass Market Goes Custom 27 CarOS 35 Accelerated Adoption 43 Personal Mobility
06 State of Play 20 Incentive-Driven Investments 28 Scenario: What if expanded 35 General Purpose Robots 44 Humanoid Robots
20 Global Battery Belts vehicle capabilities 36 Robots in the Home 44 Soft Robotics/Getting a Grip
07 Key Events
redefine the nature of home
08 Likely Near Term 20 Battery Recycling ownership? 36 Robots Coexisting with 45 Robot “Eyes”
Developments Creative Applications
21 Better Batteries 46 Scenario: The Evolution of
29 Data Collection Enables Safety
37 Space Robots and Drones Disaster Response Robotics
09 Why Mobility, Robotics 21 Solar Vehicles and Autonomy
& Drones Trends Matter 38 Robot and Drone 47 Taking Cues From Nature
21 Shifts in the Servicing Model 29 Mobility Simulation
to Your Organization Infrastructure
22 Electrification Expands to 47 Quadrupedal Robots
29 Self-Aware Vehicles
10 When Will Mobility, Other Vehicles 38 Robot Compiling and Training
47 Necrobotics
Robotics & Drones Trends 29 Pilot and Passenger
23 Vehicle Charging Scales 38 Robot and Drone Swarms
Impact Your Organization? Observation 47 Using Live Organisms
23 Charging Gets A Roadmap 38 Drone Fleets (Ethically)
11 Opportunities and Threats 30 Mobile Weather Stations
23 Charging Standardization 39 Drone Traffic Management 47 Insect-Like and Animal-Like
30 Mobility Superapps
12 Investments and Actions Designs
23 Redefining the Roadside 40 Scenario: Drone Harvests
To Consider 30 Utilizing Mobility Data
48 Fluid Movement
24 Electrifying Cities 41 Moving People, Pets
13 Central Themes 30 Relying on ADAS
And Objects 49 Moving Across Modalities
24 EVs At Home 31 Pedestrian Concerns
15 Ones To Watch 41 Last-Mile Delivery 50 Scenario: Self-Regulating and
25 Bidirectional Charging 31 AV Viability Repairable Robots
16 Important Terms 41 Expanded Payload Capacity
26 Immersive Vehicles Connect 32 Local AV Regulations 51 Authors
18 Mobility Trends to Other Ecosystems 42 Flying Taxis (eVTOLs)
32 Robotaxi Growth 53 Selected Sources
19 Electrification Transforms 26 Livable Cabins 42 Ocean-Faring Drones
33 Scenario: Personal Everything 58 About Future Today Institute
Mobility Ecosystems 43 Blurring The Human-Machine
26 Simulated Driving Experience Mobility Platforms 59 Methodology
19 Decarbonizing Mobility Line
26 In-Vehicle Connectivity 34 Robotics & Drones Trends 60 Disclaimer
19 Automaker Restructuring 43 Natural Exoskeleton Movement
27 Mobile Entertainment Hubs 61 Using and Sharing the Report
35 Cobots Become Coworkers 43 Superhuman Abilities

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 TECH MOBILITY, ROBOTICS & DRONES

TOP HEADLINES 01 Demand for Customization Outweighs Supply Chain Delays

Even as supply chains bounce back from extreme conditions, customers have indicated
they are willing to wait for what they want, impacting traditional business models.
The mobility, robotics,
and drones industries 02 Vehicles Are No Longer a Private Refuge
While vehicles have traditionally functioned as a utility to get us from point A to point B,
are building on their they are now following and integrating into our digital lives, eliminating one of the last
spaces that was not immersed in tech.
substantial gains
of the past year to 03 Battery Capacity Drives Capability

increase capabilities The expanded capacity and shifting form factors of emerging battery technology are
enabling units to go further, faster and take on a higher compute load to enhance their

and capacity. capabilities and communication.

04 General Purpose, Yet Impressive, Results

General-purpose robots are moving closer to reality. As bots become more capable,
they will be more versatile, able to execute on a variety of different tasks.

05 Cobots Merely Supplement Staff, for Now

Assistive robots promise to help humans be more efficient at their jobs and supplement
a shrinking labor force, but as bots improve, inevitably, they will eliminate the need for
humans to conduct certain tasks.
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 TECH MOBILITY, ROBOTICS & DRONES

STATE While the diverse industries of mobility, robotics, and drones have prominent dif-
ferences impacting each domain, they also have common drivers. Electrification
remains a major driver of change for all of them thanks to the support of consumer

OF PLAY
and ESG (environmental, social, corporate governance) demands, coupled with glob-
al, legislative shifts bringing an electric future to the forefront.

Fully autonomous systems are still on the horizon, especially for automobiles, but
systems are becoming smarter and more alive. A wealth of data is proving to be
foundational for molding these systems, and virtual and simulated testing environ-
ments are increasingly being used to teach them before they are placed in real-world
environments.
Overcoming challenges to Although these systems are getting smarter, they are still fraught with challenges.
electrify and bring about the age There is a vast dichotomy between those that have been successfully testing and
expanding in select US markets, while others have been forced to halt real-world
of smarter, autonomous systems. operations after too many public failures.

Similarly, in the world of robotics, a general purpose, fully autonomous humanoid

robot has long been a dream of many and presented as a holy grail of innovation.
However, while there are early signals of such robots, they are unlikely to fully super-
sede the human workforce any time soon, with most job replacement coming from
functional robots with a limited task set. Contrastingly, drones have already been
successfully impacted by autonomous systems and are seeing annual capability
enhancements across commercial and consumer sectors.

The bifurcation of these industries will likely continue as the world pushes to bring
about electrified replacements for billions of vehicles and impart autonomy to make
vehicles, robots, and drones smart enough to drive real efficiency gains across the
marketplace.

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 TECH MOBILITY, ROBOTICS & DRONES

KEY EVENTS

M AY 2 5 , 2 0 2 3 AU G U S T 1 4 , 2 0 2 3 O C TO B E R 3 0, 2 0 2 3

Ford Teams Up with Tesla Self-driving Cars Block Ambulance Cruise Suspends Robotaxis
The automakers align to use Two autonomous cars prevent an The GM business puts a stop to
the NACS plug, promoting ambulance from getting to a crash operations in Arizona and Texas,
industry standardization for site, delaying an injured pedestrian’s after having to halt operations
charging. transport. in San Francisco.

AU G U S T 0 4 , 2 0 2 3 S E P T E M B E R 1 9, 2 0 2 3

Ukrainian Drone Attack AI Masters Complex Tasks in Hours

A Ukrainian drone with 450kg Toyota Research Institute engineers
TNT hits a Russian Navy base use generative AI to teach robots new
in the Black Sea, damaging a skills quickly and with dexterity.
docked warship.

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 TECH MOBILITY, ROBOTICS & DRONES

LIKELY NEAR TERM DEVELOPMENTS

MORE CERTAINTY IN COMPLEX SYSTEMS Continued Connectedness Supply Chain Disruptions Persist Viability of Drone Traffic Management
In the immediate future, a wave of Automobiles are only becoming more con- Even as the supply of vehicles and chips for The escalating use of drones and eVTOLs has
transformative development is poised nected. This will impact advanced driver robotics stabilizes, manufacturers and sellers necessitated advanced traffic management
to reshape our world across various assistance systems as well as infotainment should still brace for continued supply chain solutions. As various regions have put mea-
domains. From the continued integra- within the cabin. Automobiles will be less disruptions. Additionally, chip nationalism sures in place, the viability of ubiquitous drone
isolating as drivers and passengers seam- and other geopolitical factors will also threat- use will be determined in the short term.
tion of connectivity in automobiles— lessly expand how they connect to their lives en supplies of goods.
fueling advanced driver assistance outside the car.
systems and enriched in-car expe-
riences—to the pressing challenges Challenges to the Grid New Modalities for Robotics Clarity on Robotaxis
facing our electrical grids as we pivot
As we idealistically transition to an all-elec- Researchers have developed many innovative Robotaxis have been the source of much con-
toward an all-electric future and the tric future, many have speculated our elec- modalities for robotics and drones, seeking troversy, as different companies have tested
changing regulatory landscapes im- trical grids will not be able to handle this inspiration from various sources. This innova- their systems with varying success. The near
pacting drones and autonomous sys- adjustment. Others are more optimistic. In tion will continue, with unexpected inspiration future will shed light on long-term feasibility,
time, we will have more certainty. from nature or animals, and some systems especially as regulations shift to account for
tems, these developments underscore
will incorporate several different modalities in recent events and developments.
the dynamic nature of technological their designs.
progress. They collectively signify an
era of both challenge and opportunity, 11 MACRO SOURCES OF DISRUPTION
where adaptability and forward-think-
ing will be key to navigating the dis-
ruptive forces of technology.

Technology Media & Demographics Environment Government Public Health Education Geopolitics Infrastructure Economy Wealth
Telecom Distribution

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 TECH MOBILITY, ROBOTICS & DRONES

WHY BUILT MOBILITY, ROBOTICS & DRONES TRENDS MATTER

TO YOUR ORGANIZATION

A Deluge The “Threat” of New Applications for Optimizing Your Leveraging Last-Mile Dramatic Changes
of Data Decarbonization Robotics-as-a-Service Workforce Delivery to Insurance

Increased connectivity Transportation is one of As businesses explore As collaborative robots The regulatory and As systems become
and semiautonomous the leading contributors ways to enhance continue to advance technological landscapes semiautonomous and
systems have led to a to carbon emissions. The their workforce or and become more for last-mile delivery are fully autonomous,
rise in data collection. regulations are already even automate their sophisticated, businesses evolving. Companies insurance strategies will
This, combined with affecting the industry, operations, it may not have a chance to that can both master need to adjust. This will
information gathered and this trend is expected always be beneficial improve the efficiency the technology and stay impact automobiles,
from fleets, vehicles, or to continue. Although for them to personally of their workforce and ahead of regulatory robotic systems on
bots, can provide valuable many manufacturers own their own fleet of complete tasks quicker. changes will be well- warehouse floors, and
insights for improved have adopted electric robots. A comprehensive By incorporating poised to serve their even employees whose
decision-making and strategies, they still understanding of robots’ collaborative robots, customers effectively, roles change in light
product development. need to take steps to full capabilities can help companies can also providing goods and of collaborative and
proactively offset more of businesses determine safeguard their employees services quickly and assistive robots.
their emissions. whether it is better to own from harsh working efficiently.
the robots themselves or conditions. Keeping up
outsource for the service. with these trends is vital
for optimizing workforces.

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 TECH MOBILITY, ROBOTICS & DRONES

WHEN WILL MOBILITY, ROBOTICS & DRONES DISRUPT YOUR ORGANIZATION?

Forecasted Time of Impact

Transportation Grid management Space exploration All trends will be relevant

Infrastructure development Energy storage

Supply chain management Manufacturing

Energy generation Construction

Warehouse management Health care

Delivery Eldercare

Last-mile delivery

Prosthetics

0-4 YEARS 5-9 YEARS 10-14 YEARS 15+ YEARS

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 TECH MOBILITY, ROBOTICS & DRONES

OPPORTUNITIES & THREATS

Threats Opportunities
OEMs, and other automotive service and parts players, are facing uphill To get more electric vehicles on the road, manufacturers can look for new and
pressures if they fail to adapt to the growing electric market. The longer-term novel partnerships to drive adoption. Partnerships such as ones that assist gig
threat will persist as more customers seek green options and governments workers in leasing EVs can serve as the template for new programs.
phase out fossil fuel-powered vehicles.
Technology companies and startups have a significant opportunity to create
As vehicles gain more ability to observe and control the passengers within seamless experiences across all mobility modalities, providing consumers with
them, the industry is creating entirely new venues for privacy and data multiple options for arriving at their desired destinations with minimal friction.
security concerns. With increased levels of data collection, automobiles are
becoming a more attractive cyber-infiltration point, posing risks for OEMs,
As bidirectional charging becomes more pervasive, the traditional role of
third parties, and customers.
cars is transformed. Vehicles can now be the powerplant that runs a home or
The rapid adoption of EVs could potentially lead to an increase in business in an emergency and could potentially run full time as capabilities
brownouts, electrical surges, or fires resulting from overloading home or and capacities increase.
even commercial electrical systems. As EV adoption scales, real estate is
at a greater risk of damage and increasing insurance premiums, until the When cobots create efficiencies and robotics begin to automate repetitive and
infrastructure modernizes and stabilizes. even dangerous tasks, organizations can upskill their workforce to engage
in more creative and meaningful undertakings, bringing new value to the
As bots become more dynamic and function across multiple modalities, organization.
organizations that fail to adopt general-purpose robotics could be at risk of
falling behind competitors that masterfully incorporate these systems into Training robots and drones in virtual and simulated environments allows these
workflows. systems to learn complex tasks virtually before transitioning to the real world.
Championing this process will place organizations in enviable positions.
While the applications for robots and drones become seemingly endless,
organizations that are slow to conceive and execute new ways of using these
systems risk underserving their customers and their employees.

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 TECH MOBILITY, ROBOTICS & DRONES

INVESTMENTS AND ACTIONS TO CONSIDER

1 2 3 4 5 6
As autonomous systems For transportation industry Consider calculated in- Pilot and passenger ob- Electrification is radically Investing in robot compil-
become more prevalent, leaders, focusing on sus- vestments in collaborative servation technologies changing the transporta- ing and training technol-
data will continue to be tainability is now a basic and assistive robots, which might seem invasive to tion industry, and there will ogies has the potential to
widely available. Business- requirement. However, can supplement strained drivers and passengers, but increasingly be new ways radically accelerate ro-
es can utilize advanced leaders should not become workforces and create investment in this tech can to engage with consumers bots’ abilities to learn and
machine learning and AI complacent in their efforts efficiencies. However, there reduce accidents and save who experience this new to adapt to their environ-
to unlock new insights that and must continue to push is not a blanket call for or- lives. In a future where au- paradigm. Consider new ments in real time. While
can feed into new products for new technologies that ganizations to pursue such tonomous driving becomes products and services as hardware is very import-
and services. This leads to can provide competitive solutions. They will have viable, these systems can passengers wait for their ant to robotics, software
opportunities to surprise advantages, such as better to balance the threat of be transformed to assess charging vehicles, pro- is equally, if not more,
and delight customers and smaller batteries. not acting with the capital and anticipate the wants viding opportunities for important, potentially re-
along their journeys. expenditures required for and needs of passengers, companies outside the sulting in efficiencies that
adoption. providing new ways to traditional transportation compound in time.
reach them. industry.

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 TECH MOBILITY, ROBOTICS & DRONES

CENTRAL THEMES
Electrification Upends the Industry Better Batteries Boost Improvements Expanded Capacity and Capability
As electrification becomes more pervasive in the world Electrification of the broader industry will continue In both automobiles and mobility at large, robotics
of mobility, the entire industry is being drastically to face a “chicken or the egg” dilemma—battery ca- and autonomous systems are growing in their capacity
redefined. While electric vehicles’ range increases, pabilities must grow to drive electrification demand, to do tasks and support payloads, while their overall
spurring more adoption of EVs, the roadside experience and electrification demand must grow to drive battery capabilities are increasing, too. These achievements
is radically changing to include opportunities to en- technology. However, battery development continues are due to advances in both hardware and software. A
gage drivers and passengers in novel ways. The advent to press forward, with capacity improvements, efficien- constellation of vision, audio, and touch sensor sys-
of electrification is having impacts on the traditional cy gains, and shrinking or altering of form factors to tems, including lidar, radar, 2D and 3D cameras, accel-
business models associated with dealerships, forcing make them more relevant and useful. Improvements erometers, gyroscopes, bump sensors, force sensors,
significant restructuring of how business is done. Re- are helping increase the range of vehicles or the oper- and temperature sensors are enabling these devices
pair servicing is at significant risk, as electric vehicles ational time of drones and robots, reducing the “range to better sense the environments around them. Ad-
require less maintenance and different skill sets for anxiety” of consumers and commercial buyers alike. vanced methods for training and modeling, including
making repairs. This shift is affecting supply chains These updates also enable these vehicles and units using virtual elements to simulate training scenarios,
and changing the types of materials needed, forcing to focus more power on their compute abilities either are increasing these systems’ capabilities and helping
manufacturers to make substantial investments in ar- in a trade-off for range or in addition to that extended them achieve new thresholds of what is possible on
eas such as lithium processing. Electrification is also range. This is leading to a new class of devices and even shorter timelines. As these systems become more
having an impact on safety standards, as EVs are less vehicles that are more powerful and capable than ever adept and dexterous, they also benefit from increased
likely to be heard by bystanders. Amid electrification’s before over longer time spans and distances. strength and increased payload capacity. And as they
scaling, stakeholders must fully consider its implica- become more dynamic, they will be better equipped to
tions on the future. tackle new challenges.

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 TECH MOBILITY, ROBOTICS & DRONES

CENTRAL THEMES
Maximizing Connectivity and Communication Mimicking Your Surroundings Tempered Autonomy
The increased capabilities of vehicles, robots, and When it comes to designing complex systems, nature The development of autonomous systems is a major
drones mean they can use their additional sensors and is a meaningful muse for development and execution. driving force for scientific advancement across the do-
software to know more about their environments. This To achieve fluid movement for robots, engineers often mains of mobility, robotics, and drones. Although the
also requires these form factors to collect substantial- find inspiration from the movements of creatures and promise of fully autonomous vehicles has not yet been
ly more data than ever before and, in most instances, plants like jellyfish, caterpillars, and even vines—these fully realized, autonomous driver assistance systems
communicate back to their OEM, a third party, the allow the bots to be dynamic and even reactive based have significantly impacted the automotive industry
end user or owner, and even each other. This is forcing on external stimuli. Organic material also lends it- and provide a strong signal for increased autonomy in
product and vehicle designers to more closely consider self to the material design of robots, where tissues of the future. In the field of robotics and drones, varying
the connectivity needs of these devices and the poten- specific organisms become instrumental in optimiz- degrees of autonomy are required for efficient and ef-
tial partnerships required to enable these higher levels ing the functionality of a bot. Organisms, both living fective operation. The methods for programming these
of communication. As levels of autonomy increase and dead, are increasingly finding themselves as key systems are becoming more sophisticated but are
over time, the compute load will as well, in addition to components of a robotic system, functioning as hands still in the early stages of refinement. As the technol-
the vast amounts of data that will need to be collected or grippers to lift and move objects. Organisms even ogy advances, the level of autonomy in these systems
in real time, and then streamed back and forth to the factor into the training of robotics, as engineers have is expected to continue increasing, leading to more
cloud’s future iteration. used ants as inspiration for enhancing the navigation efficient and advanced robotics and drones. The future
capabilities of robots in challenging terrains. As robot- of these domains heavily relies on the development of
ics design remains challenging, nature will continue to autonomous systems, and the progress made in recent
provide valuable design solutions. years reflects a positive step toward achieving fully
automated systems in the future.

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 TECH MOBILITY, ROBOTICS & DRONES

ONES TO WATCH

Sertac Karaman, associate professor of Martin Nisser, a Ph.D. candidate in the HCI En- Daniel Preston, assistant professor of mechan- Jocelyne Bloch, neuroscientist and neurosur-
aeronautics and astronautics at MIT, for his gineering Group at MIT’s Computer Science and ical engineering at Rice University, for pioneer- geon at Lausanne University, for her work in
contributions in driverless cars, unmanned Artificial Intelligence Laboratory (CSAIL), for his ing necrobotics. functional neurosurgery.
aerial vehicles, distributed aerial surveillance efforts to democratize robotics and hardware by
systems, air traffic control, and certification creating self-configurable and self-assemblable Jensen Huang, founder of Nvidia, for his vision Giuk Lee, associate professor at Chung-Ang
and verification of control systems software. systems that address a diverse functionality of in enabling key components for robotics, auton- University, for his work on assistive exoskele-
needs. omous systems, and AI. tons and wearable robots.
Aaron Becker, associate professor of electrical
and computer engineering at the University of Chris Anthony and Steve Fambro, co-CEOs of Dr. Robert Playter, CEO of Boston Dynamics, Hyung Ju Suh, Ph.D. candidate in electrical en-
Houston, for his contributions to swarm robot- startup Aptera Motors, for working to leverage for pushing the robotics industry forward while gineering and computer science at MIT’s CSAIL,
ics, distributed robotics, medical robotics, and a lightweight chassis, low-drag aerodynamics, pledging to never weaponize technology, and for his work in enabling robots with human-like
motion planning. solar cells, and materials science to provide other efforts to instill public trust. dexterity and intelligence in manipulation.
high efficiency solar electric transportation.
Jonathan How, professor of aeronautics and Dr. Marc Raibert, founder of Boston Dynam- Russ Tedrake, Toyota Professor of Electrical En-
astronautics at MIT, for his role in developing Wei Wang, researcher at the US Energy Depart- ics, for his dedication to the study of dynamic gineering and Computer Science, Aeronautics
algorithms that keep drones from colliding in ment’s Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, moving systems, including robots with legs, and Astronautics, and Mechanical Engineering
midair. for his contributions to using sugar to design simulated mechanisms, and animated figures. at MIT, for his work in combining systems theo-
better flow batteries. ry and robot manipulation.
Bilin Aksun Güvenç, research professor in Henry Liu, professor of civil engineering at the
the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Gill Pratt, CEO of Toyota Research Institute, for University of Michigan, for his contributions Zachary Manchester, assistant professor of
Engineering at The Ohio State University, for his role in using generative AI technology to to the first realistic simulated driving envi- robotics at Carnegie Mellon University, for his
her role in the development of Vehicle-in-Virtu- quickly teach robots new, dexterous skills. ronment based on a “crash-prone” Michigan efforts to enable robotic systems to match
al-Environment testing, which allows testing of intersection. or exceed the level of agility, efficiency, and
driverless cars in a safe virtual environment. JB Straubel and Andrew Stevenson, co-found- robustness demonstrated by humans and
ers of Redwood Materials, for pioneering circu- Manoj Raghavan, CEO of Tata Elxsi, for his animals.
Steven Hartley Collins, associate professor of lar supply chains and recycling pathways for vision in leading a company whose advanced
mechanical engineering at Stanford University, end-of-life EV batteries. sensors and AI algorithms aim to keep individ- Josephine Galipon, associate professor at the
for his contributions to versatile prostheses uals safe from the hazards of driving. Graduate School of Science and Engineering at
and exoskeleton design. Dr. Pisak Chermprayong and Dr. Ketao Zhang, Yamagata University, for exploring the potential
who as researchers at the Imperial College Lon- Michael Smith, postdoctoral researcher in soft benefits of collaborations between robots and
don produced innovative work on 3D printing robotics at EPFL, for his work in developing flexi- living creatures.
with drone swarms. ble, stretchable pumps for soft robotic systems.

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 TECH MOBILITY, ROBOTICS & DRONES

IMPORTANT TERMS
MOBILITY V2G (vehicle-to-grid) • Level 2 LEVELS OF EV CHARGING
Allows bidirectional charging so electric vehicles Partial Automation There are three levels of charging. The higher the
ADAS (advanced driver assistance systems)
can receive electricity from a charging station, or The vehicle has combined automated func- level, the less time it takes to reach a full battery.
Technologies that assist drivers by performing
share their stored electricity with the grid. tions, like steering and acceleration. However,
certain functions in a vehicle, such as blind-spot • Level 1
the driver must always remain engaged and
monitoring, lane departure warning, pedestrian These charging stations use a standard 120v
V2I (vehicle-to-infrastructure communication) monitor the environment constantly.
detection, emergency braking, and traffic sign outlet. The time to charge a vehicle’s battery can
Enables vehicles to communicate with traffic
recognition. • Level 3 take 60 hours or more.
lights, RFID readers, cameras, lane markers, and
other parts of the physical world. Conditional Automation
AMD (assistive mobility device)
A driver is essential. Driver does not need to • Level 2
A mobility aid such as a wheelchair, scooter, walker,
V2V (vehicle-to-vehicle communication) monitor the environment, but must be ready to These are the most commonly available
or orthotic.
Allows vehicles to exchange information with other assume control at any time. charging stations and are used most often for
Bidirectional charging vehicles, sharing data such as speed and location. home charging. The time to reach a full battery
• Level 4 is around 11 hours.
A system that enables an electric vehicle to transfer High Automation
Levels of Automation
electricity back to the grid, as well as to charge The vehicle is capable of performing all driving
The Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) clearly • Level 3
using electricity from the grid. functions under specified conditions. The driver
defines six levels of driving automation: There are two types of rapid charging stations:
has the option to take control. DC Fast Charging and Supercharging. Level 3
EV charging port • Level 0
The connector that supplies power to an elec- No Automation stations can fully charge a battery in under
• Level 5
tric vehicle when it is plugged in. Of the different A human driver manually performs all tasks. 30 minutes and most closely resemble the
Full Automation
connector types the most common in the US is the customer experience of gasoline-powered cars.
The vehicle is capable of performing all driving
• Level 1 Tesla’s standard is Supercharging, and the com-
North American Charging Station, or NACS. Tesla functions under all conditions. The driver may
Driver Assistance pany has the largest network of Level 3 charging
uses it, and more manufacturers are adopting this have the option to take control.
A driver controls the vehicle, but the vehicle stations in North America.
connector.
design may include some driving assistance
ICE (internal combustion engine) features.
An engine powered by fuel combustion, most
commonly gasoline or diesel fuel.

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 TECH MOBILITY, ROBOTICS & DRONES

IMPORTANT TERMS
ROBOTICS Quadrupedal robot Drone • Drone swarm
A four-legged robot. An unmanned vehicle that can operate in the air, on Fleets of networked drones capable of coordi-
Cobot
land, or in the sea: nated operations and communication.
A collaborative robot built for interaction with
Robotics
human workers, assisting with certain tasks, often • Fixed-wing drone • eVTOL (electric vertical take-off and landing)
The use of a physical, mechanical device capable
those that are repetitive or harmful to humans. A drone with one rigid wing, resembling an air- An electric-powered drone that has the ability to
of performing tasks at various levels of complexity,
either on command or via preprogrammed instruc- plane. It is typically capable of remaining in the take off and land vertically, as well as hover.
Exoskeleton
tions. air longer and flying longer distances than other
A rigid, mechanical robotic structure that encases • Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)
drone types.
the human limb, or envelops the body, and assists Drone operators are required to comply with FAA
DRONES
the wearer in motion-based activities, such as • Fixed-wing hybrid VTOL rules. There are a multitude of airspace restric-
walking or lifting. AGV (automated guided vehicle)
A drone with a rigid wing, and rotors that are at- tions as well as FAA-Recognized Identification
A robot that follows specific lines, lanes, or other
tached to either side, enabling vertical takeoffs Areas (FRIAs). In a FRIA, a drone operator may fly
Microrobotics markings, often used in industrial settings.
and landings. their device without Remote ID.
A field of robotics that develops miniature robots,
typically smaller than 1 mm (or .001 meters) in size. AUV
• Single-rotor drone • UAV
Autonomous (or uncrewed) underwater vehicle.
A drone with a single rotor on top, much like a Unmanned aerial vehicle.
Nanobot
helicopter.
A field of robotics that develops robots at the scale BVLOS (beyond visual line of sight)
of a nanometer (or 10-9 meters). Operating an UAV outside of the visual line of sight • Multi-rotor drone
of the operator. A drone with multiple rotors. The most common
Necrobotics
multi-rotor drone is a quadcopter, which has
A field of robotics that utilizes biological material,
four rotors.
such as insect cadavers, as robotic components.

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 TECH MOBILITY, ROBOTICS & DRONES

MOBILITY
TRENDS

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 TECH MOBILITY, ROBOTICS & DRONES

ELECTRIFICATION TRANSFORMS MOBILITY ECOSYSTEMS

Decarbonizing Mobility lenges for European cities, which significant- ments in an electric future, with plans and School districts are replacing traditional bus-
In the US, the transportation sector gener- ly contribute to these emissions; to support announcements from the late 2010s now es with electric models to reduce emissions
ates the largest amount of greenhouse gas them in this effort, the EU is offering help becoming reality. Western automakers are and save on fuel costs, with potential orders
emissions—primarily from burning fossil fuel creating Sustainable Urban Mobility Plans. even investing in lithium mining companies up to $1 billion over the next five years. Blue
for cars, trucks, ships, trains, and planes. In However, various obstacles, including gover- to ensure a stable supply of this key com- Bird has opened a new Electric Vehicle Build-
efforts to mitigate climate change, this in- nance issues, need to be addressed. Addi- ponent of EV batteries, committing billions Up Center in Georgia to meet the increased
dustry is a prime candidate for impact. Some tionally, the Council of the European Union of dollars to secure the resource. General demand for electric school buses, and aims to
states offer proactive examples. California has recently passed a new regulation aimed Motors has invested $650 million in Lithium increase production from 100 to 5,000 electric
allocated more than $50 billion in funds to at facilitating EV travel across the continent Americas to develop the Thacker Pass Mine buses annually. Blue Bird will assemble its
address climate change and move away from while mitigating the impact of greenhouse in Nevada and has entered into supply agree- “Vision” and “All American” buses, each with a
the use of fossil fuels. In the area of trans- gas emissions. The regulation mandates the ments with lithium companies like Livent. 155 kWh battery providing 120 miles of range.
portation, the state is implementing regu- installation of fast charging stations that Ford has arranged lithium supply deals with
offer a minimum of 150 kW of power at a Chilean supplier SQM, Charlotte-based Albe- Mass Market Goes Custom
lations to reduce toxic freight pollution and
accelerate the deployment of zero-emission maximum distance of 60 km (37 miles) from marle, Nemaska Lithium in Quebec, and the During the COVID-19 pandemic, the shortage
trucks; officials are also allocating emergency each other along the Trans-European Trans- Argentina mining company Rio Tinto. of semiconductor chips caused significant
funding to ensure the safety of public transit port Network (TEN-T) highway system by the supply chain constraints. The lack of chips,
year 2025. As more electric mobility technol- Ford and Uber are collaborating through the
riders and workers, in hopes of persuading used in automotive parts such as operating
ogy is adopted, cost structures and opera- Ford Drive program to provide flexible leases
more people to choose that form of transpor- systems, cameras, sensors, and entertain-
tions will continue to change. The mobility of EVs to Uber drivers. The goal is to support
tation. California also enacted a Low Carbon ment systems, led to a decline in production,
industry, including vehicle manufacturers, Uber’s efforts to convert more drivers to EVs
Fuels Standard to ensure that it aligns with resulting in a shortage of vehicles. Dealers
is already feeling the impact and rethinking and reduce emissions, while Ford will benefit
climate and environmental justice priorities. had little to no stock on their lots and were
business models. from expanding the presence of its Mustang
In Europe, the transportation sector is also a forced to operate as showrooms, where some
Mach-E EVs. The initial pilot program offers
major contributor of greenhouse gasses, and customers placed orders for a custom vehi-
Automaker Restructuring one- to four-month leases in San Diego, Los
officials are aiming for a 90% reduction to cle with a longer lead time. While supplies
Angeles, and San Francisco.
meet the EU’s target of carbon neutrality by Major car companies and transportation are slowly and tortuously improving, CEOs of
2050. This transition poses significant chal- platforms are making significant invest- major car brands anticipate that inventory

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 TECH MOBILITY, ROBOTICS & DRONES

ELECTRIFICATION TRANSFORMS MOBILITY ECOSYSTEMS

levels will never go back to where they were Policy reveals that a total of $860 billion will to purchase EVs, the Inflation Reduction Act expects to be producing batteries for electric
pre-pandemic. But this window has revealed be invested globally by 2030 toward the tran- has unexpectedly complicated the practice. vehicles and aims to accelerate the produc-
that customers will wait and pay for their sition to EVs. In the US, investments are ex- In August 2023, the law restricted the $7,500 tion of electrified Hyundai and Kia vehicles in
dream car, with the ability to pick their de- pected to total $210 billion—almost a quarter tax credit to only EVs assembled in North North America. But despite this push by US
sired color, features, and accessories. Conse- of the entire investment. Amid this spending America. As a result, automakers that can no companies to produce more batteries, most
quently, build-to-order purchases will likely increase, some of the benefits are trickling longer incentivize new car buyers this way production is still dominated by China. Last
continue to increase and render big vehicle down to consumers. Increased plant capaci- are encouraging consumers to lease EVs. year, China refined approximately 95% of the
inventories less necessary. Ford is extending ty, production scaling efforts, and improved world’s manganese, around 70% of cobalt and
this schematic to its Mustang Mach-E, offer- battery material costs are enabling Ford to Global Battery Belts graphite, two-thirds of lithium, and over 60%
ing a $1,000 discount in some instances for reduce the prices of its F-150 Lightning elec- Major players in the automotive and battery of nickel, all of which are vital components
customers who pre order. This trend is likely tric truck models by up to $10,000 to incen- chemistry industries are investing in US bat- in the production of lithium-ion batteries. In
to continue as more production lines shift tivize sales. The base F-150 Lightning Pro will tery production. States that attract electric time, that could change, especially with the
to increased EV manufacturing. Such a shift be priced at $49,995. Elsewhere, Geely an- vehicle manufacturing and battery plants 2023 discovery of lithium in a US volcano
does have tremendous implications for the nounced the Galaxy E8 sedan (about the size highlight the job opportunities these in- along the Nevada-Oregon border, which could
industry, changing the nature of dealerships of a Honda Accord) will be on sale in the Chi- vestments create, not only within the plants result in a stable and sustainable source of
and impacting current commission and nese market for under $25,000. Automakers themselves but also in the surrounding the metal for the US for decades to come.
profit-sharing structures. Both the industry are also taking advantage of tax incentives supplier and logistics sectors. The growth in
and consumers will have to adjust to such associated with EV production. The state of EV manufacturing is especially prominent in Battery Recycling
restructuring, and adequately prepare for Georgia has offered Rivian $1.5 billion in tax the Battery Belt: The area, which runs from The debate surrounding the sustainability of
impending shockwaves. incentives for the company to build a $5 Detroit to Georgia, offers lower electricity EVs versus internal combustion engine vehi-
billion factory east of Atlanta. There, Rivian costs and strong manufacturing employ- cles (ICEs) revolves around the environmental
Incentive-Driven Investments plans to produce 400,000 electric vehicles ment growth, driving industry expansion. As impact caused by the mining of lithium and
Many vehicle manufacturers and battery annually and provide 7,500 new jobs after an example, Hyundai Motor Group and LG En- cobalt, which are crucial materials for batter-
makers are investing heavily in the devel- officially getting the green light to move ergy Solution announced a joint investment ies. However, by using recycled battery com-
opment of electric vehicles and their future forward with production. While tax credits of $4.3 billion in a new electric battery plant ponents, the need for new mineral mining can
success. A recent analysis by Atlas Public have been effective at enticing consumers in southeast Georgia. By late 2025, the plant be reduced, leading to a more environmentally

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 TECH MOBILITY, ROBOTICS & DRONES

ELECTRIFICATION TRANSFORMS MOBILITY ECOSYSTEMS

friendly EV market. Currently over 80 compa- Better Batteries in Mitra Chem to use iron-based cathodes $250,000 Lightyear 0 solar car. After raising
nies worldwide are engaged in the recycling Electric vehicle manufacturers and their to make battery technology more accessible more capital, the company will try again with
of electric vehicles, with over 50 startups partners are working hard to improve batter- and cost-effective. Researchers at Pacific a more affordable Lightyear 2, which has a
receiving at least $2.7 billion in funding from ies by exploring new battery types, designs, Northwest National Laboratory have devel- starting price of $40,000. First revealed as a
corporate investors such as automakers, bat- and materials. The development of sol- oped a breakthrough in flow battery technol- concept, Kia’s EV9 SUV features solar panels
tery manufacturers, and mining companies. id-state batteries and other innovative bat- ogy by using a solution based on sugar to to supplement its 100-kilowatt-hour battery;
Industry insiders predict that by 2040, up tery solutions will make batteries smaller, lead in the development of low-cost, long-du- the company started taking reservations for
to 40% of the battery materials used in new safer, and capable of providing longer rang- ration energy storage systems, which could the EV9 in late 2023. In contrast to a large SUV,
electric vehicles could come from recycled es, much like the Harvard John A. Paulson impact the source of energy for charging EVs. California-based Aptera Motors focuses on
sources. A prominent player in this space, School of Engineering and Applied Sciences Startup Ample is taking a different approach, producing ultra-efficient EVs through aerody-
Redwood Materials, has partnered with Ford (SEAS) research that developed a new way focusing on battery swapping as a means to namics and weight savings. Its three-wheeled
and Volvo to establish responsible disposal to make solid-state batteries with a lithi- keep EVs on the road. EV, the Aptera, boasts a highly aerodynamic
and recycling pathways for end-of-life EV bat- um metal anode. Beyond the obvious safety design with a drag coefficient of 0.13, offering
teries. They are also going beyond EVs and col- Solar Vehicles up to 400 miles on a single charge, which can
and range benefits, enhanced batteries will
laborating with Rad Power Bikes to conduct provide greater versatility in terms of bat- Solar-powered EVs require less frequent be supplemented through included solar pan-
the same process for retired e-bike batteries. tery shape, which will allow for more options charging and can increase efficiency. A els. While solar vehicles will not eliminate the
Ascend Elements has secured $542 million in different mobility platforms and provide recent study found that solar-powered cars need for charging any time soon, their integra-
in Series D funding along with $480 million more cabin space in vehicles. QuantumS- can travel between 11 and 29 kilometers per tion will help the industry move toward more
in earlier Department of Energy grants for cape is striving to make solid-state batteries day using solar energy, reducing the need sustainable transportation.
recycling lithium batteries into black mass to available to the public as early as this year. for frequent charging. These solar cars have
be reused in other materials. Additionally, Nth the potential to make electric transportation Shifts in the Servicing Model
This technology will allow EVs to travel up
Cycle has secured a focused Series B funding to 400 miles on one charge and recharge in cleaner and more affordable by minimizing While the mobile service model is not new,
round of $50 million, and Green Li-ion has only 15 minutes. Toyota plans to be using pollution from electricity production. Dutch it’s increasingly impacting the mobility and
received $20.5 million in funding to support solid state batteries by 2028, reducing the startup Lightyear saw the advantage of automobile industry. Now, mechanics can
its recycling initiatives. size, cost, and weight of its EV batteries by solar, but despite its efforts, was declared travel to meet customers in their physical lo-
50%. General Motors is investing $60 million insolvent in 2023 shortly after releasing its cations, and over-the-air updates can, in some

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 TECH MOBILITY, ROBOTICS & DRONES

ELECTRIFICATION TRANSFORMS MOBILITY ECOSYSTEMS

instances, resolve digital-based issues. As the Electrification Expands to Other Vehicles the other end of the spectrum, China has un-
model takes hold, this presents a significant The rise in electrification of vehicles is veiled its first battery-electric container ship,
threat to traditional dealership/servicing extending beyond consumer cars. Deliv- the 700 TEU, which has a capacity of carrying
models, and companies are racing to adapt. ery carriers like Amazon and the US Postal 700 20-foot containers. Even micro mobility
Rivian plans to repurpose large commercial Service are investing in the technology: is becoming electrified, as the e-bike compa-
Amazon vans to function as mobile service Amazon aims to deploy 100,000 electric ny Cowboy introduces a more affordable Core
vehicles for its consumer and commercial delivery vehicles by 2030, and the USPS says line of its e-bikes and startup AtmosGear
vehicle fleet. These electric Rivian Service it will buy over 66,000 electric vehicles by has unveiled electric inline skates featuring
Vans will offer maintenance, repair, and ve- the end of 2028. When it comes to aviation, a 20-mile range on a full charge.
hicle-to-vehicle charging. Ford is recognizing ZeroAvia has successfully flown the world’s
the need to enhance the vehicle service ex- largest hydrogen-electric aircraft as part of
perience and is moving to expand its remote the HyFlyer II project, a government-funded
service offerings. The company will be provid- initiative aimed at making small passen-
ing complimentary pickups and deliveries of ger planes more environmentally friendly.
its vehicles and mobile repair options to more Magpie Aviation, a California company, has
of its customers. Startups are also taking proposed using electric aircraft as towing
advantage of this shift. On-demand car care planes to connect with passenger or cargo
startup Spiffy has acquired $30 million in planes that have sufficient battery power
funding to aid car dealerships in expanding for takeoff, landing, and flight to alternative
its mobile service offerings. Through sales airports. Electric boating is impacting both
of its software and van upfits, Spiffy plans small and large-scale initiatives. BMW and
to help dealerships and repair shops provide Tyde have launched the ICON electric boat, a Amazon Prime electric delivery vans built by Rivian
mobile brake maintenance and oil changes. 43-foot eco-friendly vessel powered by hydro- on the street in Seattle.
Repair servicing is really beginning to go the foils, six BMW i3 batteries, and two electric
extra mile to win customers and foster and motors. It has a range of more than 50 nau- Image credit: 400tmax/istock.com
enhance relationships. tical miles and a max speed of 30 knots. On

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 TECH MOBILITY, ROBOTICS & DRONES

VEHICLE CHARGING SCALES

Charging Gets A Roadmap made by BMW, GM, Honda, Hyundai, and Major automakers including Ford, Rivian, Redefining the Roadside
The electric vehicle revolution is well under- Mercedes. Improvements to existing infra- Fisker, GM, Honda, Volvo, Jaguar, Nissan, The rise of EVs is transforming our roadside
way, but a key bottleneck remains a concern: structure are also underway with Tesla prom- and Mercedes-Benz have pledged to adopt experience. Extended charge times have led
charging infrastructure. Rural and suburban ising 40% faster charging through its V4 Tesla’s NACS connector or offer NACS adapt- retailers like Walmart, Ikea, and Macy’s to
consumers alike have had their desire to technology, companies like EVgo launching ers, making standardization one step closer integrate charging tech, turning wait times
adopt EVs hampered as a result of “range initiative’s to “renew” existing stations, and in the US. Tesla has also begun to expand its into retail opportunities. Tesla’s drive-in-diner
anxiety”—the fear of running out of charge navigation services like Waze integrating “Magic Dock ‘’ superchargers in several US concept provides culinary and film experienc-
mid-journey. Recognizing this anxiety, regu- charging locations into its navigation tech states, adding CCS compatibility in much es while EVs charge, while Juxta offers autono-
lators in the US have approved $5 billion for to improve peace of mind in trip planning for the same way it has had to in Europe. These mous stores at traditional charging hubs.
EV charging projects over the next five years EV adopters. two developments have not only moved
global charging capacity closer to universal With the surging EV demand, innovative
and recently allocated an additional $2.5
Charging Standardization compatibility but have instigated a renewed solutions are addressing infrastructure gaps.
billion for community chargers. Europe has
One of the lingering issues in the develop- incentive for further charger development. Ample swaps batteries in just five minutes.
gone even further, mandating fast charging
ment of the EV market has been fragmen- EV Safe Charge is piloting robots to charge ve-
stations within every 60 km length of major
As EV adoption and universal compatibili- hicles in non-equipped garages. SparkCharge
highways by 2026. tation of charging standards. Globally, the
ty increases, the need for charging station delivers on-demand charging where fixed
Combined Charging System (CCS) has been
The private sector is stepping up its efforts, capacity intensifies. This opens up a new infrastructure is lacking.
the prevailing standard, but the North Amer-
too. Automakers have gotten closer to con- vector of competition throughout the indus-
ican Charging Standard (NACS)—commonly
try where vendors, partnerships, and enter- Even in emergencies, adaptations are evident.
vergence on charging standards with several known as the Tesla connector—has become
tainment offerings at charging stations may Apple’s new satellite function broadens the
top manufacturers adopting the Tesla con- the standard in North America with Tesla’s
dictate station utilization rates, and inno- coverage for roadside assistance in low-signal
nector for their vehicles. Major brands like overwhelming EV market share. This diver-
vations like real-time pricing could allow areas. Meanwhile, AAA assists stranded EVs
Walmart, Sam’s Club, Comcast, Ikea, Marriott, gence has become more complicated since
for solar-powered stations to out-compete with mobile charges and is exploring electric
and Hilton have committed to build tens of Tesla began open-sourcing its NACS connec-
traditional stations during fluctuations in tow trucks for green, on-the-go recharging.
thousands of new chargers across all of their tor design at the end of 2022, but progress
properties, in addition to tens of thousands solar availability.
has been made toward cross-compatibility.
in combined charging station commitments

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 TECH MOBILITY, ROBOTICS & DRONES

VEHICLE CHARGING SCALES

Electrifying Cities Electreon to install wireless charging on its with initiatives from automakers to try to
Accelerating frequency and severity of cli- roadways, and the US recently earmarked bring chargers to the home. Hyundai, for
mate events, along with rising electric vehicle $25 billion to expand community charging example, has pushed promotions that would
adoption, has seen cities push their electri- capacity. These actions underscore what is provide a free EV charger and a reduction in
fication strategies to the top of their agenda. becoming a global shift toward a sustain- installation costs to every new customer.
On the grid, decentralized energy systems able and resilient urban future, ensuring
cities remain powered, efficient, and ready These efforts to transform have paved the
have been a consistent theme. Public utilities
for the next era of electrification. way for more widespread adoption, but the
like Vermont’s Green Mountain Power are in-
swift transition has also uncovered poten-
stalling batteries in customers’ homes to en-
EVs At Home tial challenges for EVs at home. Surveys by
sure power resilience during outages and to
the Electrical Safety Foundation indicate
optimize costs by utilizing stored resources As the EV market has matured, a significant
that the electrical systems of over half of
during periods of low supply or peak demand. shift has been taking place in the home. On
US homes may be unable to safely carry the
In North Carolina, a residential community the heels of California’s 2020 mandate for
continuous load that EV charging demands.
called Heron’s Nest is being developed to solar installations in new homes, Illinois has
If the rapid adoption of EVs leads to an
include a microgrid independent of the larger passed laws requiring new and renovated
increase in brownouts, electrical surges, or
grid. Each home includes a solar energy sys- properties to have at least one EV-capable
fires resulting from overloading home elec-
tem contributing to a collective network that parking space for each residential unit that
trical systems, more stringent regulations
not only powers the community but ensures has dedicated parking by 2024. A proposal
may become more popular for concerned
its resilience and sustainability. under consideration by New Mexico legis-
local governments and homeowners asso-
lators would go even further, mandating all
In transportation, cities like New York City ciations. Still, forward-thinking communi-
new homes be constructed with a solar-pow-
and Los Angeles have considered requiring ties may use the opportunity to collaborate
ered system and EV charger. In Germany, a
on more communal solar arrays or shared Electric vehicles taking advantage of chargers on
rideshares to run completely on EVs by 2030. grant to help fund home-charging installa- city streets.
To cope with rising demand for charging in charging stations, presenting an efficient
tions was tapped out in one day, with over
cities, governments are racing to expand and cost-effective solution.
33,000 people applying just hours after it
capacity. France, for example, is working with went live. These regulatory efforts coincide

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 TECH MOBILITY, ROBOTICS & DRONES

VEHICLE CHARGING SCALES

Bidirectional Charging al charging. GM has gone a step further,
Electric vehicles with bidirectional charging declaring that by 2024, vehicle-to-home
capabilities present an exciting frontier. (V2H) charging will be a standard feature
These vehicles can not only consume energy in its vehicles. Other industry leaders like
but also supply it for other applications, BMW, Volvo, and Porsche are actively testing
transforming the traditional role of cars. No this technology. Even Tesla, which initially
longer merely used for transportation, bidirec- seemed skeptical, has announced plans to
tional EVs now have the potential to energize incorporate bidirectionality in all its vehicles
homes, businesses, and entire communi- by 2025.
ties. With bidirectional charging, owners
Municipalities are recognizing the value of
can strategically charge their cars overnight
this transformative technology in energy
using affordable grid energy and then utilize
management. Utrecht, a prominent city in
the EV’s stored energy during high-demand
the Netherlands, stands out in its adoption,
daytime periods, ensuring efficient use of
actively installing bidirectional charging
resources. Growing challenges such as the
stations that allow shared vehicles to con-
energy crises linked to geopolitical events
tribute energy back to the grid. In the US,
in Ukraine, escalating climate disruptions
California is at the forefront, contemplating
across the globe, and widespread concerns
legislation to make bidirectional charging
around outdated infrastructure and cyberse-
mandatory for new EVs. The possibilities are
curity only underscore the timely importance
vast, and the trajectory suggests a future
of this technology.
where our vehicles play an integral role in a
The automotive industry has been quick to sustainable energy ecosystem.
embrace this innovation. Ford, Genesis, Hyun-
dai, Kia, Mitsubishi, Nissan, and Volkswagen
Rendering of the Nissan Vehicle to Home (V2H) System concept
have all rolled out vehicles with bidirection-
Source: Nissan

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 TECH MOBILITY, ROBOTICS & DRONES

IMMERSIVE VEHICLES CONNECT TO OTHER ECOSYSTEMS

Livable Cabins system. This connected experience will sync ing drivers of auditory and even touch-based sound and feel just like their gas-powered
Auto manufacturers are revolutionizing the with calendars and smart home data, handle feedback they are accustomed to. This also counterparts, while the inclusion of these sim-
way we experience our vehicles. Rather than a driving tasks within designated areas, and affects bystanders. The lack of noise from ulations is primarily about keeping people safe.
car solely serving as an uninspired vessel to even offer wellness and fun features, like electric cars contributes to their high rate
meditation and in-car games. But the prolif- of accidents: EVs are 40% more likely to hit In-Vehicle Connectivity
get us from one location to another, manu-
facturers are emphasizing enhancing cabin eration of large and clunky screens is being a pedestrian than a normal car, and for the The role of high-speed, low-latency connectiv-
environments. Now, they’re not just for driving sharply criticized, as they have impacts on visually impaired population, this number ity is becoming a prominent factor impacting
but also for riding, relaxing, working, and ergonomic, safety, and aesthetic factors. jumps to 93%. the performance of the vehicle along with the
playing. In many instances, automakers at- If they continue to grow unchecked, they in-cabin experience. While internet access in
could ultimately be challenged by regula- Toyota is adding audible features to its
tempt to transform these landscapes through cars is not new—Starlink currently provides
tors. Despite these concerns, as personal electric cars—including a simulated gear
the increased use of screens. In a Peugeot connectivity for Subaru—carriers such as
mobility is enhanced with longer ranges and stick and artificial “noise” simulating a
concept called Inception, a screen-supported AT&T and Verizon have ambitions for exe-
increased implementation of autonomous combustion engine—aimed at drivers who
human-machine interface replaces the tra- cuting on this modality. AT&T, in particular,
driving features, auto manufacturers will prefer a more traditional driving experience.
ditional steering wheel and displays control sees 5G connectivity in conjunction with edge
continue to improve comfort within vehicles This simulated manual transmission expe-
information. Continental is also capsulizing computing as a way to enable new functions
and engage customers through new onboard rience might even come with the possibility
on the screen-infused future with its ultraw- and services through this network and cloud
touchpoints, impacting how we’ve tradition- of stalling in order to retain the charm and
ide In2visible: a touchscreen that spans the convergence. This framework will not only sup-
ally engaged with roadside attractions and enjoyment of driving a manual transmission
full length of the dash resulting in a high-in- port the safety and mission-critical functions
amenities. car. Hyundai and Dodge are also exploring
tensity driving experience. Ultimately, such of the car but also intelligent transportation
sound design in the execution of their EVs,
interfaces are intended for fully integrated systems, teleoperations,and autonomous
Simulated Driving Experience not just for preference reasons but because
digital experiences. Chrysler has given its driving, along with onboard infotainment
the addition of artificial engine noise is also
view of a fully electric future where the cock- Electric vehicles are known for being in- systems. More tactically, Verizon launched the
a safety standard, alerting pedestrians to
pits of its vehicles integrate Stellantis-brand- credibly quiet, and some view this as prob- Connected Car by Verizon, which offers select
the presence of electric vehicles. Ultimately,
ed software, including the STLA Brain oper- lematic. Specifically, EVs don’t make the BMW models features such as voice, data, and
some manufacturers are hoping that drivers
ating system, STLA AutoDrive Level 3 driver typical shifting noise that drivers are used to unlimited Wi-Fi hotspot connectivity through
are more likely to adopt electric cars if they
assist, and STLA Smart Cockpit infotainment hearing, and this can cause issues by depriv- subscription. With regards to more tech

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IMMERSIVE VEHICLES CONNECT TO OTHER ECOSYSTEMS

demonstrations or spectacles, General Motors and video games. While Apple and Mer- in its vehicles. The service connects to the which directly integrates Google services with-
collaborated with Etisalat to host a gaming cedes-Benz have enabled spatial audio in cloud to access an extensive gaming library. in the vehicle. Brands like Chevrolet, Renault,
tournament that took place entirely within vehicles, Jaguar Land Rover is turning to While the use of these technologies is limit- Volvo, Polestar, and Honda are set to showcase
connected Chevrolet and GM cars equipped haptics to enhance the music experience. ed for safety, inevitably, these technologies features like YouTube available in cars with
with in-vehicle Wi-Fi. The tournament fea- Its “Body and Soul Seat” technology, dubbed are intended for broader adoption as we Google Built-in, gaming with GameSnacks,
tured 10 gamers who participated in a 12-hour BASS, features headrest-mounted mem- inch closer to an autonomous driving future. conferencing with Cisco, Microsoft Teams,
event covering 450 km of roads in the United branes and transducers that provide haptic Ultimately, these new platforms intend to and Zoom, and further integration with Google
Arab Emirates, organized by OnStar. Cradle- feedback in response to lower frequencies simplify content discovery and enhance in- Assistant. General Motors is indexing sig-
point partnered with The University of New in music—and even offer health benefits car entertainment. nificantly on Google, and in the process is
South Wales for the Bridgestone World Solar through integrated wellness programs. Auto- ditching Apple CarPlay for Android Auto in
Challenge race, by providing 5G/LTE wireless makers are continuing to add features to be CarOS its upcoming electric vehicles. Relating to
network edge solutions for the Sunswift 7 enjoyed by passengers while they’re com- As cars become even smarter and offer OEMs, Swedish EV manufacturer Polestar has
solar race car and support vehicles. This tech- muting or charging their EVs. Xperi and BMW more immersive experiences, navigational teamed up with Xingji Meizu to develop an
nology allowed the team to remotely monitor have collaborated to use TiVo’s video media and entertainment systems will continue to operating system for its cars in China, as part
the car’s performance and telemetry data. As platform in cars to offer customers access evolve, necessitating a holistic and central- of Geely Group’s strategy to tailor vehicles for
connectivity becomes more reliable, more to various video content providers, including ized operating system. In the current market, the Chinese market. The new system, based on
subscription services like Verizon’s Connect- linear and on-demand streaming services, many options are available, developed by Flyme Auto, will connect with in-car apps and
ed Car are inevitable, much to the disappoint- covering country-specific content such as both OEMs and technology companies. While mobile phones, and use the latest smart tech-
ment of most consumers. news, movies, and media libraries. Polestar’s tech companies have taken a lead in years nologies. Jaguar Land Rover is set to release
most recent software update, P2.9, includes past, some OEMs are attempting to regain its new electrical/electronic (E/E) architecture,
Mobile Entertainment Hubs the addition of YouTube for streaming videos control. Google is making progress in the au- EVA Continuum, with the help of Continental
Vehicles are becoming increasingly equipped during vehicle charging and a revamped tomotive industry through Android Auto—an subsidiary Elektrobit for running its software
with multiple entertainment options for version of Apple CarPlay that allows Maps app that operates on the user’s smartphone platform and operating system. This move
passengers and drivers, including technolo- to be projected onto the instrument cluster. and wirelessly sends navigation, parking, enables faster development and over-the-air
gies such as immersive audio, large screens, Polestar is also the first automaker to offer media, and messaging to the infotainment software updates, a strategy that other auto-
and the ability to stream movies, TV shows, Nvidia’s cloud gaming service, GeForce NOW, system of the vehicle—and Google Built-in, makers are also beginning to adopt.

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SCENARIO YEAR 2038

What if expanded vehicle capabilities redefine the nature of home ownership?

As younger generations grapple with lower real income, higher housing prices, and an expanded tolerance for
remote work, connected vehicles became the new starter home of yesteryear. Risks associated with pandemics,
crime, and higher rates of depression drove people out of cities and closer to nature, and their vehicles stepped
in as an invaluable resource. Mesh networks of 5G and satellite-enabled internet allow people to work, consume
entertainment, and connect with others virtually in the comfort of their vehicle—no matter where it’s located.
Vehicle cabins are redesigned around sleeping, working, and relaxing, while new features that enable cooking,
food storage, and waste management become popular add-ons. AI allows vehicles to assist passengers with
daily tasks like cooking food or supporting work, while providing security, health monitoring, and the ability to
contact emergency services or autonomously drive the vehicle to receive help during situations of duress.

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DATA COLLECTION ENABLES SAFETY AND AUTONOMY

Mobility Simulation cars, while the University of Michigan has sion sources, allowing vehicles to reach as Pilot and Passenger Observation
Simulation has become an increasingly begun running simulations on historically much as 1,000 horsepower while maintain- Technological advancements have enabled
ubiquitous component across several areas crash-prone intersections to try and reduce ing equilibrium to prevent risks like disin- detailed monitoring of both driver and pas-
of mobility and will be a defining characteris- incidents. Globally, the Indian city of Chennai tegration. Indian technology company Tata senger behaviors, significantly enhancing
tic in the development of its future. Tesla, for is now using traffic simulation to study and Elxsi is developing technologies that would safety and operational efficiency within vehi-
example, has been relying on its Dojo super- improve congestion within its borders; while alert automobiles to approaching emergency cles. Safety sensors and equipment are now
computer to simulate billions of miles of driv- academics in Egypt and Brazil are relying vehicles, and indicate slippery roads, dan- being built to detect distraction, drowsiness,
ing for its autonomous driving software since on simulation to test and demonstrate new gerous curves, and potholes or roads under and substance influence. Smart Eye’s Driver
choosing to rely purely on cameras and neural innovations in traffic signal technology. As repair so that they can appropriately adapt Monitoring System, for example, gauges driver
nets to provide its vehicles with self-driving data abundance exponentially expands, to the approaching conditions. Honda and attentiveness, providing real-time feedback to
capabilities. Mercedes has also made simu- simulation will increasingly be at the heart Sony’s Afeela cars are being designed to prevent mishaps. Similarly, Magna’s advanced
lation more central to its strategy, forming a of mobility design. “feel” their driver’s moods and allow them to driver assistance systems use cameras and
partnership with Nvidia that only underscores express themselves and interact with others interior mirrors to identify distracted behav-
Self-Aware Vehicles on the road via external screens on the front
this trend. Leveraging Nvidia’s Omniverse ior and try to reduce accidents. In the US, the
Generative AI platform, Mercedes hopes to im- Vehicle connectivity is changing the land- of their cars. Ford has even patented self-re- government is pushing to require in-vehicle
prove its vehicle designs and craft enhanced scape of mobility. The abundance of sensors, porting technology that allows cars to lock breathalyzers by 2026 so that drivers under
driving algorithms by simulating countless monitors, computing power, and network out drivers, disable features like air-condi- the influence cannot take the wheel until the
potential real-world scenarios, to create ve- availability has enabled vehicles to provide tioning, restrict driving to only certain hours vehicle confirms their capacity to wield it
hicles that respond optimally across various information and, in some cases, act on it or locations, and to even utilize self-driving responsibly. As vehicles gain more ability to
conditions. in ways that would have once been consid- to return cars to an impound lot. As vehicles observe and control those within them, entire-
ered unprecedented. For example, this year, continue to get more connected and aware, ly new privacy and data security concerns are
Universities like Ohio State and the Universi- Goodyear tested its SightLine tires, which mobility will look strikingly different from emerging. With monitoring systems becoming
ty of Michigan have brought mobility sim- can measure tire-road friction, wear, load, the modern day mobility environment as we more common in standard vehicle require-
ulation to academia as well. Ohio State, for inflation pressure, and temperature. Soft- know it. ments and designs, a balanced framework
example, uses simulated environments to ware-enabled vehicles can integrate with that addresses both safety enhancements
test the safety and aptitude of real driverless and monitor multiple powertrains or propul- and privacy concerns will become crucial for

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getting the best out of these technologies. As drones, cameras, sensors, meteorological ers invaluable data that enhances the user like Uber and Lyft to leverage mobility data
instruments, particle detectors, mobile net- experience in addition to providing insights to pinpoint underserved areas and identi-
Mobile Weather Stations working, and high precision GPS technology that can inspire better urban planning, pub- fy burgeoning potential for new markets or
The Mobile Weather Station (MWS) has be- continue to improve, expect to see the MWS lic transit, and infrastructure decisions by services. This data can also help automakers
come a crucial instrument for the real-time become more ubiquitous across the US. local governments. Companies across Asia and municipalities identify optimal locations
monitoring of weather and environmental and the Middle East have already proven the for charging stations or micromobility docks,
conditions, offering granular insights crucial Mobility Superapps viability of superapps, but now US mobility to effectively spread charging capacity and
for sectors like transportation, agriculture, Superapps are emerging as a powerful and technology companies are striving to achieve optimal utilization. Richer mobility
and emergency response. While universities force, amalgamating various transportation be the first to make superapps the norm data can also lead to improved regulatory
across the United States, along with com- services into a singular mobile platform, domestically. efforts. For instance, data insights can help in-
panies like Verizon, are creating some of and subtly changing the mobility landscape form regulations for autonomous vehicles and
the technologies that enable the stations, for governments, businesses, and con- Utilizing Mobility Data ride-sharing frameworks, and potentially be-
several states and municipalities are using sumers alike. They embody a convergence Mobility data has become a pivotal asset in come the catalyst for standardizing data-shar-
them to bring about improvements across where ride-hailing, public transit, and even modern transport dynamics. Real-time mon- ing protocols among mobility providers. As the
their domains. For example, in New York non-transportation services harmonize, itoring and analytics, combined with geo- investment in and availability of mobility data
City, the FloodNet Initiative utilizes MWS to offering a seamless user experience. Lead- spatial data, enables companies to harness continue to grow and the sources for collect-
monitor water levels, predict flooding events, ing this transition are companies like Uber spatial information to create and enhance ing the data expand, a future where mobility
and optimize drainage systems to minimize and Grab. For example, Uber’s ambition products and services across the mobili- solutions are seamless, efficient, and tailored
potential damage to the metropolitan area. extends beyond ride-hailing; in the UK, its ty spectrum. New open map data sets like to individual needs will start looking like the
In California, MWS is being used to detect app integrates bikes, scooters, trains, buses, what are provided by the collective efforts of norm.
early indicators of potential wildfires and and even planes, aspiring to set a precedent Amazon, Microsoft, and Meta add to the map
changes in algae levels that can ultimately in global mobility solutions. They’re not just data already offered by Apple and Google; Relying on ADAS
save lives and preserve ecological health. In about consolidating services for consumer this additional competitive pressure will As the auto industry continues to push toward
Connecticut, MWS was introduced to gather convenience but also about orchestrating a likely lead to further innovation across the fully autonomous self-driving, advanced driver
air pollution data to ensure public health and smarter, sustainable urban mobility frame- space. More widespread availability of data assistance systems (ADAS) are giving drivers
enforce breaches in regulatory compliance. work. And with every transaction, Uber gath- and analytics has also allowed companies a glimpse of what that future might look like.

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DATA COLLECTION ENABLES SAFETY AND AUTONOMY

New vehicles are increasingly coming with these kinds are the standard and hopefully These real-world incidents have spurred a omously change speeds, change lanes, and
automated technology to monitor blind spots, driving is safer, more accessible, and eco- mix of public, regulatory, and commercial take advanced actions like parallel park are
stay within lanes, parallel park, and trigger nomically beneficial as a result. responses. In California, legislation requiring becoming increasingly common. Mercedes
automatic emergency braking (AEB). The driv- safety operators on autonomous trucks was has begun to test Level 3 autonomous driving,
er’s experience is evolving, with ADAS reduc- Pedestrian Concerns a notable step toward ensuring safer road in- and more major auto manufacturers are slat-
ing the manual load, creating a more relaxed The advent of autonomous vehicles (AVs) teractions, but in San Francisco, the expan- ed to begin testing their Level 3 vehicles in the
yet controlled driving environment. Estimates and micromobility solutions like e-scoot- sion of driverless taxi services has prompted coming years. Some AV software developers
suggest that ADAS implementation has the ers and e-bikes in urban landscapes has protests by city officials and civic groups. have been testing robotaxi services in select
potential to prevent up to 250,000 deaths triggered a cascade of pedestrian concerns. Commercial entities are also pitching in; municipalities, with some going as high as
between 2021 and 2050, not only saving lives In Austin, Texas, complaints are rife about Cruise officials in Austin have been training Level 4 autonomy. Meanwhile, several auto
but likely also reducing insurance and health dangerous encounters with AVs, one nota- first responders to foster safer interactions manufacturers have started adding features
care costs . On the regulatory front, regulators ble incident being a Cruise vehicle veering with their AVs. As AVs and micromobility and services to their vehicles to facilitate pro-
are already proposing stricter requirements off-road into a small building. Similarly, in solutions continue to meld with urban mo- ductivity and entertainment for passengers
for AEB to mitigate high-speed collisions San Francisco, robotaxis have been report- bility, addressing pedestrian safety con- in anticipation of autonomous driving freeing
and better protect pedestrians and drivers. ed blocking traffic, obstructing emergency cerns through a combination of legislation, up drivers’ attention. Yet several major hurdles
Looking ahead, ADAS applications will con- vehicles, and causing nuisances. The micro- community engagement, and technological remain for Level 5 autonomy. Some friendly
tinue to expand. Advancements like adaptive mobility sphere isn’t devoid of issues either; advancements will be paramount. legislators have resisted pressure from stake-
cruise control and intersection assist can e-scooters and e-bikes have been associ- holders like truckers and pedestrians, giving
further mitigate risks and improve traffic ated with injuries, like in incidents report- AV Viability AV manufacturers some breathing room to
flow. Several collaborations are taking place ed where riders navigate recklessly amid Autonomous vehicles are making major begin testing and rolling out their vehicles.
across the industry to make these systems a pedestrian traffic or lose control, leading to strides in capability and level of adoption, But federal legislation to address the topic
reality. Porsche and Mobileye, for example, are accidents. Research from the US Consum- but full self-driving still remains far out of has been stuck in Congress for six years with
pushing the boundaries, developing systems er Product Safety Commission shows that reach. Most come standard with autono- no signs of life. With challenges that include
capable of full collision avoidance and other micromobility incidents increased by 21% mous features that keep them in lanes and safety concerns, cybersecurity threats, insur-
sophisticated functionalities. Such advance- year over year in 2022, as e-bikes, e-scoot- cause them to brake automatically, and ance liability risks, and questions regarding
ments portend a future where features of ers, and hoverboards grew more popular. features that allow automobiles to auton- infrastructure readiness, privacy protection,

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and ethical frameworks to dictate how AVs state governments control their local streets, miles, the initial results are encouraging. the testing phase will influence whether the
make decisions in trade-off situations, full but the federal government regulates sur- Yet, challenges persist. Cruise, projected pioneering companies can achieve substan-
implementation faces many major hurdles. rounding highways; for autonomous vehicles to incur over $2 billion in losses in 2023, tial testing benchmarks to draw meaningful
That’s why Ford, for example, stopped devel- to become ubiquitous and practical, Ameri- has been striving to extend service hours comparisons with human drivers, and the
oping full self-driving in favor of nearer-term ca’s roads would need to be interoperable. and geographic coverage to bolster revenue time frame required to reach this goal.
goals like Level 3 and Level 4 autonomy. and meet the high demand. The rollout of
What’s clear is that whether it’s full self-driv- Robotaxi Growth robotaxis in Texas and California has also
ing or not, autonomy is here to stay. Robotaxis are undergoing significant test- spurred public protests, especially follow-
ing and deployment across numerous US ing a series of incidents relating to traffic
Local AV Regulations cities, with 23 states having enacted laws congestion and safety. And despite a string
As vehicles become more sophisticated, add- permitting companies to do so. Moreover, of approvals to expand service in California,
ing semi- or full-autonomous features, local at least eight other countries in Europe, the state’s DMV recently moved to suspend
governments must determine when and how Asia, and the Middle East have embraced Cruise’s permits following a number of new
to authorize their use within city limits. Many the robotaxi revolution through testing and incidents. Concurrently, a lawsuit challeng-
local governments and business communi- operations. Operating up to Level 4 auton- ing the regulatory body overseeing robotaxi
ties eye autonomous vehicles as an engine omy, robotaxis primarily function within deployments in the state has started to gain
for economic growth. Cities and states are geofenced urban areas that are well-mapped, traction, and federal authorities initiated a
exploring new ways to integrate autonomous characterized by slower speed limits, and probe into Cruise’s safety practices during
vehicles into their longer-term planning. Phoe- highly trafficked, which provides ample its operational rollout. To achieve broader
nix and Los Angeles, among other cities, are data for system refinement. Robotaxis have public acceptance, autonomous vehicles will
developing innovative approaches to design- now amassed several million miles, and need to demonstrate markedly better safety
ing, building and testing autonomous vehicle over 100,000 users wanting to experience a outcomes when compared to human drivers.
systems. Several states and cities are consid- robotaxi service are still on Waymo’s waitlist The enthusiasm from manufacturers and
ering legislation to help bring the technology alone. Although assertions that robotaxis are municipalities to expedite robotaxi adoption
to market. But regulations intended to spur safer than human-driven vehicles may be globally is palpable, yet public apprehen-
development could hit a roadblock—city and premature pending more extensive service sions and the accident incidence rate during

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SCENARIOS

SCENARIO YEAR 2028

Personal Everything Mobility Platforms

While superapps were ubiquitous in Asian countries as early as the 2010s, they didn’t gain momentum in North
America until the mid-2020s. The movement began when Elon Musk pushed for X to become the everything
platform, but his vision did not come to fruition after the company failed due to advertising conflicts and us-
ers abandoning the platform. Instead, where everything platforms began to gain traction was in the travel and
mobility industries. While there’s still competition among these platforms to avoid antitrust laws, one particu-
lar platform has risen to prominence: OmniMoble, which successfully aggregated many major touchpoints and
access points for an individual’s comprehensive mobility needs. By fully integrating into users’ schedules, the
platform removes most frictions, frustrations, and hurdles that present themselves in the tediousness of every-
day life. Now, when a user is told to go on a business trip, OmniMoble will recommend, unprompted, available
livery, flight, and hotel options, accounting for both her personal preferences and company allowances. Once
she’s presented with options meeting those criteria, the user can make her selections with minimal effort. On
the day of travel, she boards her flight with ease. However, while on her flight, she realizes she didn’t pack a belt
for her business attire. From the plane, she consults OmniMoble, and it provides available options closest to her
hotel from her favorite designers. Before landing, the belt is delivered to the hotel.

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ROBOTICS
& DRONES
TRENDS

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COBOTS BECOME COWORKERS

Accelerated Adoption tion is also being driven by major players, as
Cobots serve to supplement or even replace Amazon seeks to expand its robotics oper-
workforces, especially those constrained by ations at fulfillment centers with updated
labor shortages. This evolution is already sorting machines, robotic arms, and mobile
happening in Japan, which is in the midst robots. This new system, Sequoia, is intend-
of a significant demographic shift, as the ed to work in collaboration with humans and
working-age population begins to decline. The is expected to increase delivery fulfillment
resulting extreme labor shortages are caus- speed by 25%. Amazon contends that this
ing industries in Japan to turn to increased increase in speed will not be at the cost of
cobot usage, but the country is also able to eliminating humans from the workforce.
undertake this endeavor because of a highly Whether or not that turns out to be true, the
computer-literate workforce. With a strong inclusion of new bots in the workforce will
knowledge base for mechanical and control likely have at least one positive outcome for
systems and IT skills to manage the cobots, human workers: They increase safety and
companies are supplementing more work- reduce human injuries.
places with these bots—and also improving
General Purpose Robots
productivity in the process. In one example,
Fujita Works has successfully incorporated Versatile, general purpose robots are the holy
cobots in welding processes, reducing the grail of robotics, promising bots that do not
time required to master welding techniques. have to be limited or pigeonholed into single
In a broader geographic lens, cobots are categories but can be used for vast and di-
expected to have a tremendous impact on verse purposes without requiring extensive
the future of work. According to Grand View calibration between disparate tasks. Sev-
Research, the collaborative robot market is eral robots are in the works that may bring
expected to grow by more than 30% by 2030, this kind of general purpose robot closer to A “Digit” robot working in an Amazon fulfillment center.
reaching a value of $11.04 billion. Cobot adop- reality. One, from startup Figure, is a versa-
Source: Amazon

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tile, bipedal humanoid robot that can per- robotic arms and learn to perform different robot, is bridging the emotional gap for of what robots can offer in the home. As tech-
form a range of tasks, from manual labor to tasks. RoboCat’s approach accelerates robot- seniors, offering friendly interaction and nology continues to evolve, the role of robots
eldercare. Figure has raised $100 million and ics research by reducing the need for human ensuring their safety. The robot proactively is set to expand, heralding a future where our
hired top talent from leading tech companies, supervision, bringing us closer to versatile, engages in conversation, offers medication domestic companions are not just helpers but
including Boston Dynamics, Apple, Google, general purpose robots. reminders and issues emergency alerts; friends who share in our daily lives.
and Tesla. Its plan includes an unveiling of these aren’t just features but a leap toward
the robot this year, with a starting focus on Robots in the Home combating loneliness among the elderly. Robots Coexisting with Creative Applications
warehouse and retail applications and poten- The landscape of domestic robotics is Robosen’s Grimlock transformer toy similar- The field of robotics continues to demonstrate
tially a robotics-as-a-service (RaaS) leasing transforming homes into hubs of automa- ly provides companionship, but for kids and how possibilities are endless for application.
model. Tech startup Sanctuary AI is pursuing tion, easing daily chores and offering com- young adults. Their toy not only transforms In Switzerland, AI-powered robots are now
a similar model, and has created a humanoid panionship. For instance, robotic vacuum but is capable of understanding a variety acting as security guards where their sur-
robot named Phoenix that can perform a va- cleaners have become household staples, of commands and can communicate with veillance capabilities and real-time response
riety of workplace tasks. Standing at 5’7” and tirelessly navigating living spaces to keep those who play with it. In what is maybe the mechanisms are improving safety without
weighing 155 pounds, Phoenix is equipped them dirt-free. Similarly, robotic lawn mow- most extreme example of robotic compan- the need for human intervention. South Korea
with advanced sensors and human-like ers now keep lawns well-trimmed without ionship, individuals known as iDollators witnessed a remarkable blend of art and
hands with haptic sensors that enable it to the sweat, while robotic pool cleaners keep are even using AI-augmented synthetic robotics with EveR 6, a robot conductor that
carry out precise tasks. The robot is powered swimming areas sparkling day or night. As dolls to form sexual relationships at home. fuses music and technology, broadening the
by Sanctuary’s AI control system, Carbon, artificial intelligence has permeated these And with new ideas like Bopeep’s robotic horizon of what robots can achieve in what
which can be trained to learn new tasks either robotic devices, their ability to recognize furniture—carefully designed to overcome are typically viewed as human-centric creative
by simulation or human demonstration. But voice commands, integrate with smart home robots’ typically overbearing presence—or old domains. In the US, robots designed to handle
in order for general purpose robots to suc- ecosystems, and operate with minimal ideas brought to life like Prosper Robotics’ hazardous materials were able to execute a
ceed, real-world and simulated training data human intervention has made a significant robot butler, efforts are underway to blend mission to safely dispose of chemical weap-
is necessary to teach bots to adapt to various stride for at-home robotics and automa- household capabilities and companionship ons, reflecting a crucial application in high
tasks. RoboCat, a self-improving AI agent for tion. More recently, however, robots at home together. The fusion of AI with robotics is risk environments. In education, hundreds of
robotics, attempts to do just that. In as few are becoming hubs for companionship. For blurring the lines between the mechanical kindergarten classes are now using a small
as 100 demonstrations, it can operate various instance, ElliQ, an AI-powered companion and the emotional, pushing the boundaries robot named KeeKo, which tells stories, poses

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logic problems, and reacts with facial ex- them to focus on more critical, human-cen- arms with the goal of creating an autono-
pressions when students master content. tric activities. While most people know about mous labor force for the moon and Mars to
Scientists at MIT are using a teddy bear robot NASA’s Mars Rover, NASA’s Ingenuity drone reduce space labor costs. Further extending
named Tega to improve the language and has been testing off-earth flight, recently the capabilities of space robots, NASA’s
literacy skills of 5 and 6-year-olds, and have registering one of its longest flights. There Goddard Space Flight Center is developing
so far seen positive results. While these are are also several recent examples of new OSAM-1, a satellite repair robot aimed at pro-
just a few disparate examples among many, applications for space robotics and drones longing the operational lifespan of satellites.
the versatility of robotic applications already being developed for space. On the orbital This initiative heralds the onset of in-orbit
appears endless, and the plethora of possible front, ClearSpace, a Swiss space company, is servicing and manufacturing, which could
uses for the technology will likely only grow pioneering efforts to mitigate space debris. revolutionize space infrastructure manage-
from here until robots become ubiquitous With its ambitious ClearSpace-1 project, the ment. The various projects and technologies
across our everyday experience. company is building a claw-like spacecraft in the realm of space robots and drones
capable of capturing and deorbiting space exhibit a confluence of robotics, aerospace
Space Robots and Drones junk, marking a significant step forward in engineering, and collaborative endeavors,
Space exploration has long been an area cleaning up Earth’s orbital environment. At driving forward the frontier of space explo-
that has embraced robots and drones. This MIT, researchers are testing modular lu- ration and habitation enabled by advances
technology is central to space exploration’s nar robots, equipped with flexible robotic across drones and robotics.
mission; without them, exploration of harsh arms resembling worms, showcasing how
and distant environments would be impossi- innovative approaches are being adopted
ble. Currently, NASA’s Astrobee smart robots, to navigate and interact with extraterres-
operating aboard the International Space Sta- trial terrain. Another project by ETH Zurich
tion (ISS), underscore the role of robotics in has been exploring how quadruped ANYmal
ETH Zurich’s modified quadruped ANYmal robots.
aiding scientific research and routine main- robots have the potential to exhibit robotic
tenance in space. These cube-shaped robots, teamwork in executing lunar missions, such Source: ETH ZURICH / TAKAHIRO MIKI
capable of free flight within the ISS, allow as material harvesting for base construction.
astronauts to offload mundane tasks, freeing Similarly, GITAI is building robotic rovers and

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Robot Compiling and Training ciently in virtual space. They can even help displays, their breadth of applications have facilitating the management of high loads of
Virtual training harnesses the power of AI, train robots to pack objects into tight spac- significantly expanded. The US and Chinese time-sensitive data. As the technology over-
simulation, and digital twins to propel the es, as was shown by MIT, which developed governments have shown a keen interest in comes these technical hurdles and continues
capabilities of robots and drones to new a technique to use virtual environments to using drone swarms across their militaries, to capitalize on emerging applications for
heights. Nvidia, in particular, has been a lead- improve robots’ ability to optimize space uti- leveraging them for surveillance, tactical the technology, drone swarms are poised to
er in this space. The company’s Isaac Sim and lization. In anticipation of robots and drones engagements, and logistical support. The have a transformative impact across various
Isaac Gym platforms simulate 3D physics in working together in reality, Nvidia’s robot agricultural sector stands to gain too, with domains.
video game–like environments, allowing for simulator recently gained the ability to sim- promising applications in pest control,
ulate human co-workers as well, mimicking monitoring, and harvesting, which are ripe Drone Fleets
parallel training sessions across numerous
virtual realms, thus significantly reducing real-world scenarios to improve robot-hu- for disruption by drone swarms. The technol- Drone fleets are steadily gaining traction as
robot and drone training time. A collaboration man interactions. This evolution in digitally ogy is also expected to highly impact emer- companies seek to enhance operational effi-
from Nvidia, UPenn, Caltech, and the Universi- enabled training not only promises a future gency response: sensor-equipped swarms ciency, reduce delivery times, and minimize
ty of Texas at Austin known as Eureka show- of highly skilled robots and drones but also can offer invaluable real-time information human intervention. Amazon, for instance, has
cases this by making use of OpenAI’s GPT-4 to hints at a paradigm shift in how training and assistance during natural disasters or been testing prescription deliveries via drones
design and refine training goals. It then runs and development in the field of robotics and search-and-rescue missions. However, the in College Station, Texas, with turnaround
through parallel simulations in virtual envi- drones are approached and the potential for path to wider adoption faces challenges. times guaranteed to fall within an hour. This
ronments to help robots learn complex tasks much more rapid development across the Real-time data processing, communication, venture not only expedites delivery times
virtually before transitioning to the real world. space in the future. and decentralized control algorithms limit but also caters to immediate medical needs,
Toyota’s AI robot recently showcased the current drone swarms to applications with marking a leap toward on-demand health
Robot and Drone Swarms limited need for adaptability due to the cur- care services. Similarly, Uber unveiled plans to
ability to master complex tasks in a matter
of hours, again highlighting the accelerated Drone swarms, made up of groups of drones rent requirement for extensive preprogram- deliver Uber Eats orders via drone, though not
learning curve that comes from virtual train- functioning as a collective unit, unlock ca- ming to effectively use them. The research direct to customers’ homes but to designat-
ing. Digital twins are also being used to help pabilities far beyond the reach of individual community is actively tackling these issues. ed locations for final delivery by drivers. This
autonomous robots and drones improve their drones. Despite their first commercial use- The University of Houston is exploring algo- hybrid model could significantly reduce meal
path-planning by navigating through various case coming in the field of entertainment rithms for better swarm control, while MIT delivery times. Wing, a subsidiary of Alphabet,
environmental conditions safely and effi- as a fireworks alternative for complex light is developing WiSwarm, a novel algorithm is on a trajectory to handle tens of millions of

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ROBOT AND DRONE INFRASTRUCTURE

deliveries for millions of consumers, show- Drone Traffic Management and real-time communication capabilities,
casing the potential scale possible with drone The escalating use of drones necessitates are poised to diminish communication lags
delivery services. The collaboration between advanced traffic management solutions and effectively oversee drone operations.
Wing and Walmart to offer 6-mile drone deliv- to ensure safe and efficient operations. In Initiatives are also underway in New York,
eries over Dallas is a testament to drones’ po- the US, the Federal Aviation Administration, Oklahoma, and the UK to designate specific
tential to revolutionize retail logistics. FedEx, partnering with NASA and other bodies, is airspace corridors exclusively for drone oper-
too, is exploring autonomous drone cargo pioneering Unmanned Aircraft System Traffic ations. Notably, the UK’s Project Skyway aims
transports, hinting at a future where intercity Management (UTM) initiatives to oversee to establish a 265 km UAV corridor by 2024,
cargo transport could be drone-driven. On a low-altitude drone operations. In 2023, they marking a significant stride towards BVLOS
larger spectrum, Saildrone and the National unveiled a UTM implementation plan that in- drone operations. Concurrently, MIT has de-
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration cludes, in the short term, devising essential veloped an algorithm centered on real-time
have collaborated to deploy sailboat drones to protocols and infrastructure, alongside long- path planning, which could be assimilated
monitor climate change’s effects on oceans; term goals like enabling real-time airspace into UTM systems to help drones dynamically
this kind of use unveils a broader scope of status updates and achieving full operation- adjust their paths, avoiding midair collisions.
drone applications beyond aerial vehicles. The al capability for routine beyond visual line Collectively, these advancements highlight
infusion of drones in these diverse domains of sight (BVLOS) drone operations. In India, the evolving realm of drone traffic manage-
underscores a promising potential for au- the rise in drone activities has fueled the ment, each contributing uniquely to foster-
tomated, efficient, and perhaps, more envi- need for sophisticated UTM systems, leading ing safe and proficient drone operations.
ronmentally friendly operational frameworks to a goal of managing a daily drone fleet of
that could come from the use of drone fleets. 10 million by 2030. Conventional aviation
As regulatory landscapes evolve to accom- traffic management, dependent on commu-
modate drone operations, the horizon seems nication between pilots and air traffic con- Rendering of Altitude Angel’s ARROW technology
expansive for drone fleets, potentially altering trollers, is inadequately equipped to handle enabling the UK’s Project Skyway.
the traditional contours of service delivery the burgeoning drone traffic. In contrast,
and environmental monitoring. UTM systems, with their digital interfaces Source: Altitude Angel

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SCENARIO YEAR 2035

Drone Harvests
Over the years, drones aided precision agriculture by planting seeds, assessing crop health, and using targeted
pesticides. These integrated units have worked remarkably well to boost crop yields. But now, drones are even
able to manipulate the weather. During the early 2020s, researchers discovered that drones could target specif-
ic clouds and use lasers to trigger rainfall by forcing water droplets to pool in the air. By the turn of the decade,
this practice gained awareness, and precision ag startups began experimenting with it. Through such systems,
farmers gain even more control of the crop harvesting process by manipulating the weather with drones after
conducting health analyses on crops. They also benefit by being able to supplement irrigation systems and re-
duce associated costs. But, not surprisingly, much controversy has surrounded this new practice, as regulators
are concerned with the possible larger implications this process has on the environment. While these concerns
persist, there’s currently no effective way to limit the activity, and regulators are working diligently with preci-
sion ag startups and farmers to better monitor its use.

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MOVING PEOPLE, PETS AND OBJECTS

Last-Mile Delivery to make drone delivery a key component of Expanded Payload Capacity ments. The FAA recently granted licenses for
Delivery robots and drones are significantly its last-mile delivery strategy. The regulatory Increasing payload capacities and extending unmanned commercial drones to operate
altering the logistics paradigm for last-mile landscape is also evolving to make drone de- flight distances are pivotal in accelerat- beyond a pilot’s sight, opening the door for
delivery. Companies like Uber Eats have forged livery a more tangible reality. The FAA’s BVLOS ing the adoption of drones across sectors. more commercial attempts to push the limits
partnerships with Serve Robotics to begin initiative allows for drone delivery operations In last-mile delivery, Alphabet’s Wing has of drones. Attempts include Valmont’s joint
bringing autonomous food delivery into the under specific conditions at seven test sites. increased its drone’s capacity to carry up trial with T-Mobile, where Valmont’s drone set
mainstream, though not without hurdles. Re- As these regulatory frameworks coalesce, to 7 pounds, a significant upgrade from its a record for a BVLOS operation, covering 237
cent incidents of vandalism against delivery the ensuing cost advantages and sustain- flagship drone’s original 2.5-pound capacity. miles in a single flight. In the military domain,
robots highlight the operational challenges ability benefits are making drone delivery an In the heavy-lift area of drone development, Iran recently unveiled a long-range drone, with
and financial implications faced by ventures attractive proposition for a variety of indus- Elroy Air has showcased plane-like drones the ability to cover distances of 1,240 miles
diving into this arena. However, the convic- tries. Food delivery companies like Uber Eats, capable of transporting up to 700 pounds of and up to 24 hours of operation—double the
tions of several people for incidents caused DoorDash, Domino’s, Starbucks, Taco Bell, cargo across 300 miles. This development distance of the Mohajer-6 drone, which the US
to delivery robots in LA, along with Serve’s Papa Johns, Wendy’s, and KFC have all begun could redefine how goods are transported, has accused Iran of supplying to Russia in its
claimed 99.9% delivery success rate, give rea- exploring the technology; retailers like CVS, especially in remote or disaster-stricken ar- war with Ukraine. While Iran claims its new
son for hope. On the aerial frontier, drone de- Amazon, Walgreens, GNC, Walmart, T-Mobile, eas where conventional delivery systems are drone is the longest range drone in the world,
livery enterprises Zipline and Wing have built and Tesco have begun testing or forming unviable. In China, Northwestern Polytech- that’s unlikely to be the case: Drones publicly
sophisticated delivery systems indicating an partnerships in the space. Even parcel deliv- nical University has built bionic drones that known to be in operation by the US, including
operational readiness to tackle the US market. ery companies like UPS have started drone can fly continuously for over three hours. Ultra LEAP and and Global Hawk, have shown
The trajectory of commercial drone deliveries delivery trials. The ongoing exploration by And while their exact range of expansion an ability to fly for over two days straight, and
is notable. As of the first half of 2023, approx- mainstream retailers, combined with emerg- capabilities is still an open question, hydro- experiments conducted by the US Army using
imately 500,000 commercial deliveries have ing regulatory standards, is not only pushing gen fuel storage systems being developed Airbus’ Zephyr 8 drone have been able to stay
already been made, and progress doesn’t the envelope for what’s possible in last-mile for drones through a collaboration between in flight for up to 62 days straight using solar
appear to be slowing down. Walmart, for ex- delivery but setting the stage for an exciting Honeywell and the US Department of Energy energy to sustain operation. These develop-
ample, has established drone-delivery hubs era where drones and robots could become hold the potential to dramatically increase ments collectively showcase the vast poten-
across seven US states, partnering with com- a regular facet of the logistics and delivery capacity. Regulatory frameworks are also tial for drone technology, where increased
panies like DroneUp, Flytrex, Zipline, and Wing industry. evolving to accommodate these advance- payload capacity and longer flight durations

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can push the boundaries of what’s possible in announced plans to introduce eVTOLs to Commercially, Yara Birkeland is a pioneering development and procurement of ocean-far-
both existing as well as unexplored domains. the UAE by 2025, and Paris is gearing up to project developed in Norway by Yara Interna- ing drones can be substantial, their long-term
introduce the world’s first electric air taxi tional and Kongsberg Gruppen, pushing the benefits are compelling. Reduced human risk,
Flying Taxis (eVTOLs) network for the 2024 Olympics in partner- boundaries in autonomous shipping. Their operational cost savings, and the ability to
The realm of urban air mobility is buzzing ship with Groupe ADP. Meanwhile, China’s vessel is designed to operate initially with conduct missions in challenging or previously
with the promise of electric vertical takeoff Ehang gained approval to start operating its a reduced crew, gradually transitioning to inaccessible environments underscore the
and landing (eVTOL) aircrafts, often referred EH216-S autonomous air taxi, capable of car- fully autonomous operations using sensors, transformative potential of these autonomous
to as “flying taxis” or “air taxis.” Like heli- rying two passengers or 600 pounds of cargo radar, and cameras, paired with artificial maritime assets. As the technology matures
copters, these vehicles are capable of taking over a flight range of 18 miles at speeds up intelligence. On the scientific front, innova- and regulatory frameworks adapt, the hori-
off and landing vertically, but unlike their to 80 mph. As the regulatory frameworks tive projects like the University of Bremen’s zons of what’s achievable on and beneath the
predecessors, they leverage electric power, evolve and public acceptance for the tech- TRIPLE (Technologies for Rapid Ice Penetra- world’s oceans are set to expand significantly,
significantly reducing their environmental nology grows, the skies of urban landscapes tion and subglacial Lake Exploration) are heralding a new era of maritime exploration,
footprint. Companies and governments are may soon be dotted with eVTOLs, heralding using AUVs to probe beneath Antarctica’s ice commerce, and security.
undertaking several initiatives throughout a new era of urban air mobility. The collab- shelves and potentially explore even alien
the US and the globe to make this new form orative efforts among aviation companies, marine ecosystems on icy moons like Jupi-
of transportation a reality. New York, Califor- regulatory bodies, and city administrations ter’s Europa and Saturn’s Enceladus. Mili-
nia, and Utah have all begun projects in this are fueling the momentum toward making taries are also exploring these technologies.
space. In partnership with Delta Air Lines, Joby air taxis a reality, promising a blend of inno- The US Marine Corps, for instance, is testing
Aviation is building vertiports to support a vation, convenience, and sustainability in a drone boat designed to transport loitering
future where passengers transfer from flying urban transportation. munitions for precision strikes and act as
taxis to their flights at New York’s JFK airport a reconnaissance platform for surveillance
and Los Angeles’ LAX airport. Utah released a Ocean-Faring Drones and intelligence. Recently, ocean-faring
report outlining plans for the rollout of verti- Ocean-faring drones, comprised of both drones have even been utilized by Ukraine
ports across the state, leveraging underuti- unmanned surface vessels (USVs) or autono- to target military ships and Russian naval
lized parking lots as potential vertiport sites. mous underwater vehicles (AUVs) are chang- bases throughout their military conflict.
Meanwhile, globally, Archer Aviation recently ing the nature of exploits across the seas. While the upfront costs associated with the

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BLURRING THE HUMAN-MACHINE LINE

Natural Exoskeleton Movement the patient’s thoughts to his legs and feet ments, and recommended actions. While affect hand function. DROVE is equipped with
For individuals hampered by limited mobility through a second implant on his spine, and these technologies can be used to ease the a wheelchair-mounted digital camera system,
or injuries, exoskeletons can help. This past movements were assisted with an exoskele- burden of repetitive tasks associated with the NeuroNode interface, and home sensors
year, the FDA cleared Wandercraft’s Atalante ton. This, in conjunction with smaller exo- the logistics, construction, and health care for precise navigation, enabling users to move
exoskeleton for stroke rehabilitation in the skeletal form factors, provides innovative industries, some worry that corporations independently within their homes. Labra-
US. The self-balancing and battery-powered solutions for improving conditions for those might use the devices to exploit workers dor Systems, a California-based technology
device assists in gait training and helps with limited mobility. with increased output and working hours. company, recently launched a new product
individuals regain their walking abilities. Besides job-related tasks, researchers from named Labrador Retriever. It’s an autonomous
Superhuman Abilities Chung-Ang University in Seoul, South Korea, personal robot that can assist individuals
Ekso Bionics, which has been optimizing
exoskeleton bionic devices since 2005, used Exoskeletons can not only enhance worker have developed a wearable exoskeleton that with mobility impairments in carrying items
its technology to assist a paralyzed commu- performance in industrial settings but also enables runners to run 0.97 seconds faster around their homes. Users can place items
nity college graduate from Virginia to walk impact athletic performance. Researchers at by assisting with acceleration and hip exten- on the robot, and instruct it to move to spe-
across the stage at his graduation ceremony. Virginia Tech’s Department of Industrial and sion through electrical motors. cific locations through a touchscreen or voice
While exoskeletons have traditionally been Systems Engineering are looking into the commands. They can also program it to navi-
effectiveness of exoskeletons in real-world Personal Mobility gate between predefined “bus stops” located
large and bulky, researchers at the Swiss
Federal Institute of Technology are turning to construction applications, postulating that Robotics has the opportunity to be an in- within the house. Researchers from Stanford’s
fiber-like pumps that employ high-pressure they have the potential to significantly re- credible democratizer, capable of support- Biomechatronics Laboratory are taking more
fluidic circuits that can be woven into fibers duce the risk of back injuries and shoulder ing, supplementing, and enabling mobility of an assistive approach, having developed
and maybe even into future clothing. This problems. The robotic exoskeleton startup for individuals with mobility impairments. an exoskeleton that provides personalized
form factor would allow for less cumbersome German Bionic has showcased two products: Control Bionics is an Australian compa- assistance to improve limited mobility. The
textile-based exoskeletons that can enable the Apogee and the Smart SafetyVest. The ny that specializes in advanced assistive exoskeleton is not designed to walk for the
muscular support, thermoregulation, and Apogee assists workers by offsetting up to technology. It recently developed a wheel- user. Instead, it helps to decrease resistance
haptic feedback. In an alternative fashion, re- 66 pounds of load on the user’s lower back chair module called DROVE, which uses AI and friction, thereby enhancing walking speed
searchers at Lausanne University used brain while the Smart SafetyVest can monitor the to enhance mobility for individuals who and energy efficiency. In testing, users report-
implants to assist a paralyzed patient with wearer’s movements and body position- cannot use traditional steering systems, ed a 9% increase in walking speed with a 17%
walking. The implants wirelessly transmitted ing, providing ergonomic insights, assess- such as joysticks, due to conditions that decrease in energy used. Ultimately, these

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BLURRING THE HUMAN-MACHINE LINE

types of applications empower users by giv- jects. Amazon has also entered this domain, ply too much force, making them unsuitable
ing them back their independence, comfort, having tested Agility Robitic’s Digit robot to for human replacement. But increasingly,
and control. work in its warehouses; it is capable of high soft robotics have been used for their ability
reach, carrying heavier loads, and interacting to gently grab and pick up objects, making
Humanoid Robots with humans. Besides these more obvi- them ideal for use in warehousing and distri-
Various companies and startups have made ous applications, Shanghai-based Fourier bution. Advances in both materials and com-
significant advancements in developing Intelligence is developing its GR-1 humanoid puter vision are enhancing the efficacy of
robots that mimic the abilities and activi- robot to address the increase in demand for soft robotics. Researchers at MIT’s Computer
ties of humans. While initially rudimentary health care services precipitated by an aging Science and Artificial Intelligence Labora-
in execution, these humanoid robots are population. The robot is envisioned as a tory have developed a robotic system called
becoming more capable and graceful by caregiver, therapy assistant, and companion Series Elastic End Effectors, which uses soft
virtue of advancements in computer vision, for the elderly. More contrastingly, scientists bubble grippers and embedded mapping
machine learning, and more power-dense at Arizona State University have developed cameras to grasp tools and apply the appro-
batteries. In most instances, these robots the Advanced Newton Dynamic Instrument priate amount of force for various tasks. The
are intended to address the challenges of robot to study the impact of extreme heat on system is adept enough to write with a pen
labor shortages and high turnover in many humans, much like a crash-test dummy is or wipe up liquid spills. Researchers from the
different industries. Tesla is recognized for used to measure the impact of car crashes. University of California, San Diego developed
its early renderings of humanoid robots and Whether using humanoid robots in labor a 3D printing method that produces soft
recently updated its associated program, Op- situations or for testing extreme conditions, robotic grippers that only require a bottle
timus, showing improved abilities in walking, there are both the clear benefits for protect- of high-pressure gas as their power source,
picking up, and identifying objects. Intel has ing humans and the perceived risk of reduc- rather than actual robotics, and is a prime
invested significantly in Figure, an AI robot- ing available menial jobs. candidate for handling delicate materials
Figure’s humanoid robots.
ics company whose general purpose Figure such as fruits and vegetables. Soft robotics
01 robot is being developed to accomplish Soft Robotics/Getting a Grip are now also able to account for weight, in Source: Figure
tasks including walking up and down stairs, Traditionally, robots have not been nimble addition to delicate touch. Researchers at
opening doors, and picking up small ob- enough to handle delicate objects: They ap- the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and

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BLURRING THE HUMAN-MACHINE LINE

Technology developed a soft robotic gripper navigation system that takes inspiration
consisting of a woven structure capable of from ants and helps robots navigate chal-
lifting objects weighing more than 100 kilo- lenging terrains. They created an algorithm
grams. As soft robotics become more dexter- that mimics the brain processes ants use
ous, they will also become stronger. during navigation; when it’s implemented
on hardware that simulates brain compu-
Robot “Eyes” tations, the algorithm has outperformed
As with many advanced technological sys- state-of-the-art computer vision systems
tems, a constellation of disparate technol- in navigation tasks. The robotics company
ogies is required to enable the effective CynLr (Cybernetics Laboratory) uses visual
and efficient use of the technology. When it cognition and tactile feedback and action to
comes to robotics, an advanced constellation empower bots to “see.” CynLr created a visu-
of tech is required to help the robots “see.” al object intelligence platform that functions
While robots are not literally able to see their with robotic arms to achieve universal object
surroundings, vision, audio, and touch sensor manipulation, which enables the bot to pick
systems, including lidar, radar, 2D and 3D up unrecognized objects without needing
cameras, accelerometers, gyroscopes, bump to recalibrate hardware. Ultimately, these
sensors, force sensors, and temperature technologies have numerous potential ap-
sensors, are needed to help robots success- plications for systems requiring navigation,
fully navigate their surroundings. This phe- including autonomous cars.
nomenon is also known as sensor fusion. In
addition to sensor fusion, other approaches
are impacting the way robots sense the world
around them. Researchers from the Univer-
sity of Edinburgh have developed a robot CynLr’s CLX1.

Source: CynLr

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SCENARIOS

SCENARIO YEAR 2035

The Evolution of Disaster Response Robotics

When imagining how robotics would impact the world of disaster response, one might have envisioned giant,
bulky, transformer-like robots that could be sent to a disaster site and push around debris in their path with
brute force. However, this approach could actually make rescue efforts more complicated. Robotics company
TechNex Robotics has been fine-tuning its MorphGuard robotics line, which consists of a swarm of tiny, shape-
shifting soft-robots measuring 3” x 3” and each weighing around 2 pounds, which employ fluid movements to
help those in distress. Taking cues from nature, researchers determined that a swarm or collection of smaller
bots could actually be greater than the sum of its parts. While not as comparably strong as their natural coun-
terpart of the ant, these small units can still lift six times their weight, and researchers are diligently working to
increase this individual capacity over time. While individually, this may not seem like much, true power comes
from the collective unit. When 50 or 100 bots are used in concert, they can deliver meaningful results. But before
they are able to lift or transport an individual to safety, they must first locate the victim. By employing fluid and
shape-shifting movements, the bots can navigate various terrains and burst through pockets of debris. Small-
er, modular bots have proven immeasurably more effective for disaster response than single-unit, bulky robots.
From these learnings, researchers are discovering additional applications for this divergent approach.

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TAKING CUES FROM NATURE

Quadrupedal Robots robots, boasting more realistic movements of this activity has not all been auspicious. gineering, John Dabiri of Caltech, and Janna
Companies such as Boston Dynamics and and the perception to understand and in- Stian Rice and James Tyner at Kent State Nawroth of the Helmholtz Pioneer Campus
Unitree have popularized quadrupedal robots teract with users. While Boston Dynamics University published a scathing critique of have collaborated to create a “medusoid,” a
that can be used for a variety of purposes, uses this function to transform its bots into the practice in the journal Human Geography creature that uses rat muscle tissue attached
including security, monitoring, inspection, talking tour guides, such signals can begin called “Along came a spider … and capitalism to a silicone polymer to produce an undulat-
and data collection. As this type of robot gets to fuel our terminator-driven AI doomsday killed it.” In it, they bemoan the act of con- ing jellyfish-like robot. Besides using animal
more popular, it becomes more agile and scenarios. verting death into “useful, productive labor,” tissue in the construction of robots, some re-
used for new applications. Researchers at going so far as to say that the acts “portend searchers are using living organisms in their
Necrobotics a deepening of necrocapitalism and the robot applications. Dr. Josephine Galipon and
Carnegie Mellon University’s Robotics Insti-
tute have used a reaction wheel actuator sys- In 2022, Rice University researchers trans- violence of science.” While necrobiotics may her team at Japan’s Tohoku University have
tem to enable quadruped robots to walk on a formed a deceased spider into a robot, giving lead to the creation of low-cost, eco-friendly developed a robotic system that uses wood
narrow balance beam, making the bot more rise to a new field called necrobotics. In this substitutes for existing robotic systems, lice and chitons to serve as the effectors or
versatile and nimble. DEEP Robotics aims process, they manipulated the legs of the Rice and Tyner raise important ethical con- hands of robotic arms. While both examples
to democratize ownership of quadrupedal spider carcass with a puff of air from a sy- cerns as we continue to navigate technologi- differ at their foundation in their use of organ-
robots through its Lite3 series, with its most ringe, exploiting the spider’s natural hydrau- cal innovation. ic matter, they both call into question ethical
affordable model targeted toward technolo- lic system for opening and closing its legs. concerns that arise from this type of techno-
Over the course of the experiment, the spider Using Live Organisms (Ethically) logical experimentation. Regardless, they are
gy enthusiasts and more advanced versions
catering to research purposes and opportuni- carcass lifted over 130% of its body weight in Researchers have built applications that valuable explorations of how organic material
ties. The Lite3 bot also boasts improvements more than 1,000 open-close cycles before the use organic and biological compounds has the potential to improve robotics in ways
with the ability to perform horizontal jumps, joints degraded beyond usability. The results and now even specimens themselves for unachievable through artificial materials.
high jumps, and front flips. Researchers at inspired other research teams to further robotic applications. Robotic engineers are
explore the use of insects in robotics. Since increasingly incorporating living tissues Insect-Like and Animal-Like Designs
ETH Zurich have their sights on sending these
bots to the moon, having tested their ANYmal the experiment, the Rice University research- into traditional robotics in order to achieve As robots become more capable and sophis-
robots in simulated lunar activities. Boston ers have been recognized for ushering in complex behaviors that would be limited by ticated, engineers are turning to living organ-
Dynamics and Unitree have incorporated the era of “necrobotic” design, having been artificial materials. Kit Parker of Harvard’s isms for inspiration for overcoming even more
GPT-based technologies in their quadrupedal awarded a 2023 Ig Nobel Prize. But reception Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired En- complex challenges. The US Navy is using

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Gecko Robotics’ wall climbing and AI-powered is intended for studying soft robots, making dality in another unique way, researchers at
bots for building digital models of its vessels use of 3D models of various animals, such Northwestern University have created a soft
to reduce maintenance time and keep vessels as panda bears, fish, sharks, and caterpil- quadruped robot that could be used in haz-
out of drydock. ETH Zurich has taken inspi- lars, to ultimately determine the best config- ardous situations: it can sense damage and
ration from geckos but also spiders for its uration for a soft robot’s shape. By using na- autonomously repair itself before resuming
Magnecko, which employs electro-permanent ture as a muse, engineers are creating more movement. The robot, which is shaped like
magnet modules on its feet to walk on walls capable and adaptable artificial creatures. the letter X and powered by compressed air,
and ceilings, supporting 2.5 times its weight. has a layer of self-healing sensors on its
Caterpillars are the muse for researchers Fluid Movement top surface. The sensors are made of trans-
at North Carolina State University, whose Fluid movement enables robots to work in parent rubbery material, and if one is cut, it
robots mimic the movement of the specimen diverse environments, which holds prom- can chemically react to fuse back together.
through a system of silver nanowires that use ise in fields like medicine and machinery Researchers at the University of California,
Miniature metal shapeshifting robot liquefies itself
heat to control their movement. Jellyfish have repair. Researchers at the Soft Machines Santa Barbara have developed a vine-like
and reforms to escape a cage.
inspired researchers at the Indian Institute of Lab at Carnegie Mellon University along robot that can detect and move toward heat
Technology, while researchers at the Univer- with scientists from Sun Yat-sen University sources. The robot is also capable of mov- Source: Carnegie Mellon University
sity of Notre Dame have studied the forms of and Zhejiang University in China are mak- ing around simple obstacles and bending
sea turtles, mimicking the organism’s propul- ing breakthroughs in shapeshifting robots backward to ward off heat and could be
sion with front flippers for forward movement that are capable of moving from solid and used for search-and-rescue and firefighting
and smaller hind flippers for changing direc- liquid states through the control of mag- missions.
tion. And it’s not just real animals: Research- netic fields. This phase change allows the
ers from Tampere University in Finland have robots to accomplish feats such as jumping,
taken inspiration from mythical folklore with climbing, and even escaping from a cage.
its fairy-like robots made of stimuli-respon- Researchers envision these robots could
sive polymers capable of flight, which could be used for tasks including targeted drug
be used to pollinate crops. MIT researchers delivery, circuit assembly, or the creation of
have developed a platform called SoftZoo that universal screws. To capitalize on this mo-

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TAKING CUES FROM NATURE

Moving Across Modalities technique called Miura-ori. OrigaMechs,
Robotics are no longer limited to a single developed by researchers at the University of
modality or simple movements. They are California, Los Angeles add data processing
becoming more complex in their operation capacity to the concept of origami robots.
and maneuverability, capable of driving, The researchers have embedded flexible
jumping, crawling, and even mimicking ori- and electrically conductive materials into a
gami. Caltech is working on a versatile robot precut, thin polyester film sheet, resulting in
called the Multi-Modal Mobility Morphobot fully flexible robots that can perform various
that can switch between various modes, complex tasks without reliance on semicon-
including four-wheeled movement, crouching, ductors. As robots begin to function in mul-
climbing steep slopes, standing upright with tiple modalities, they become better suited
propellers, and turning into a flying quad- for extreme environments and are imbued
copter. Such characteristics make it a prime with new abilities for sensing, deciding, and
candidate to assist in search-and-rescue responding.
missions, as it is able to cover very diverse
terrains. Researchers at MIT have created tiny
soft-bodied robots that can be controlled by
a simple magnetic field, enabling them to
walk, crawl, and swim and making them ideal
for tasks in confined spaces and suitable for
transporting delicate cargo. Researchers at
the University of Washington have created
small robotic devices known as microfliers.
These devices can change how they descend
by folding themselves, using an origami University of Washington’s microflier.

Source: Mark Stone/University of Washington

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SCENARIOS

SCENARIO YEAR 2045

Self-Regulating and Repairable Robots

QuantumSync Robotics has emerged as a trailblazer in the field, redefining the traditional boundaries in both business and
manufacturing landscapes. It’s enabled a world where robots not only perform tasks efficiently but also possess the capability
to diagnose and fix issues autonomously, leading to a new era of self-healing machines. By applying the Robotics-as-a-Service
(RaaS) business model, QuantumSync can offer customers a full suite of robotics applications from the ground up, or supple-
mental robotics that just perform the diagnostic and repair functions for a preexisting robotics system.

Robots equipped with QuantumSync’s central nervous system, known as AdaptiveMind, become highly self-aware of themselves
and the robots integrated into their ecosystem. As a robot carries out its designated tasks, such as a manufacturing component
or warehousing task, sensors and advanced diagnostics constantly evaluate its condition. When a robot detects a deviation from
optimal functioning or predicts an impending failure, it notifies the network of a self-repair protocol. The system calculates the
severity of the maintenance or repair and assigns a nearby robot with the task of resolving the issue, whether this be a simple
calibration or something more involved such as printing and extruding replacement parts. While this will affect overall perfor-
mance in the moment, such an approach reaps meaningful returns in the long run. Capable operations will be able to continue in
real time while addressing pressing issues with urgency and prioritization. By applying new business models with novel robotics,
QuantumSync Robotics continues to revolutionize a more fully automated manufacturing future.

50 © 2024 Future Today Institute. All Rights Reserved.

 TECH MOBILITY, ROBOTICS & DRONES

AUTHORS &
CONTRIBUTORS

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 TECH MOBILITY, ROBOTICS & DRONES

AUTHORS & CONTRIBUTORS

NICK BARTLETT Contributor

Director MATT HERMAN

Nick Bartlett is a Director at the Future Today Institute and leads our
Insurance practice area. Chief Executive Officer
AMY WEBB
Before FTI, he held positions in corporate strategy and insights
generation roles, serving as a partner to senior leadership at multiple
Managing Director
Fortune 100 financial services companies. Throughout his career, he
MELANIE SUBIN
has specialized in framework design, corporate innovation, strategic management, and insurance.
Creative Director
Nick has an extensive background in developing strategic insights across a variety of industries (e.g.,
EMILY CAUFIELD
manufacturing, transportation, construction, energy) and subject matter areas (e.g., small business,
mobility, robotics, platforms & ecosystems), in addition to the shifting nature of business and consumer
Editor
preferences. He has deep experience developing and implementing trend modeling and signal iden- ERICA PETERSON
tification for large organizations. Nick has also led the design and establishment of internal foresight
and scenario development capabilities across multiple institutions. Copy Editor
SARAH JOHNSON
He is a coach in the strategic foresight MBA course at the NYU Stern School of Business. Nick holds an
MBA and a Bachelor of Arts in Public Relations from Quinnipiac University. Director of Operations
CHERYL COONEY

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SELECTED
SOURCES

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