2050 and the Future of Infrastructure - Revision history

Editor at 11:48, 21 September 2020

2020-09-21T11:48:27Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 11:48, 21 September 2020
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	= Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki =		= Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki =

−	* Five great things about civil engineering.
	* Autonomous vehicles - do we trust them?		* Autonomous vehicles - do we trust them?
	* Disposable Houses.		* Disposable Houses.
		+	* Five great things about civil engineering.
	* How business can bridge the infrastructure gap.		* How business can bridge the infrastructure gap.
	* Hyperloop One.		* Hyperloop One.

Editor at 11:47, 21 September 2020

2020-09-21T11:47:16Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 11:47, 21 September 2020
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	= About this article =		= About this article =

−	This article was written by Thomas Frey. futurist and author of “[http://www.amazon.com/Communicating-Future-Re-engineering-Intentions-Master/dp/098384710X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1319820085&sr=8-1 Communicating with the Future]”. It is published in collaboration with [http://www.futuristspeaker.com http://www.futuristspeaker.com]. The article was originally published on the [https://futureofconstruction.org/blog/2050-and-the-future-of-infrastructure/ Future of Construction Knowledge Sharing Platform] and the [http://www.weforum.org/agenda/2017/03/elon-musk-innovation-construction-industry WEF Agenda Blog]	+	This article was written by Thomas Frey, futurist and author of “[http://www.amazon.com/Communicating-Future-Re-engineering-Intentions-Master/dp/098384710X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1319820085&sr=8-1 Communicating with the Future]”. It is published in collaboration with [http://www.futuristspeaker.com http://www.futuristspeaker.com]. The article was originally published on the [https://futureofconstruction.org/blog/2050-and-the-future-of-infrastructure/ Future of Construction Knowledge Sharing Platform] and the [http://www.weforum.org/agenda/2017/03/elon-musk-innovation-construction-industry WEF Agenda Blog]

	= Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki =		= Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki =

		+	* Five great things about civil engineering.
	* Autonomous vehicles - do we trust them?		* Autonomous vehicles - do we trust them?
	* Disposable Houses.		* Disposable Houses.
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	--[[User:Future_of_Construction\|Future of Construction]] 15:10, 20 Jun 2017 (BST)		--[[User:Future_of_Construction\|Future of Construction]] 15:10, 20 Jun 2017 (BST)

−	[[Category:~~Projects_and_case_studies~~]] [[Category:~~DCN_Project_Knowledge~~]] [[Category:~~Research_/_Innovation~~]] [[Category:~~DCN_Research,_Development_and_Innovation~~]]	+	[[Category:DCN_Commentary]] [[Category:DCN_News]] [[Category:DCN_Research,_Development_and_Innovation]] [[Category:Projects_and_case_studies]] [[Category:Research_/_Innovation]]

Designing Buildings at 07:27, 22 November 2019

2019-11-22T07:27:52Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 07:27, 22 November 2019
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	* Autonomous vehicles - do we trust them?		* Autonomous vehicles - do we trust them?
	* Disposable Houses.		* Disposable Houses.
−	* ‘Future Roads of Grand Paris’ Exhibition.
	* How business can bridge the infrastructure gap.		* How business can bridge the infrastructure gap.
	* Hyperloop One.		* Hyperloop One.
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	--[[User:Future_of_Construction\|Future of Construction]] 15:10, 20 Jun 2017 (BST)		--[[User:Future_of_Construction\|Future of Construction]] 15:10, 20 Jun 2017 (BST)

−	[[Category:Projects_and_case_studies]] [[Category:Research_/_Innovation]]	+	[[Category:Projects_and_case_studies]] [[Category:DCN_Project_Knowledge]] [[Category:Research_/_Innovation]] [[Category:DCN_Research,_Development_and_Innovation]]

Editor at 10:43, 12 June 2019

2019-06-12T10:43:00Z

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	[[File:2050-infrastructure_cropped.png\|link=File:2050-infrastructure_cropped.png]]		[[File:2050-infrastructure_cropped.png\|link=File:2050-infrastructure_cropped.png]]
		+
		+	= Introduction =

	Much of the world around us has been formed around key pieces of infrastructure. Many see this as a testament to who we are as a society, and part of the cultural moorings we need to guide us into the future.		Much of the world around us has been formed around key pieces of infrastructure. Many see this as a testament to who we are as a society, and part of the cultural moorings we need to guide us into the future.

Editor at 10:42, 12 June 2019

2019-06-12T10:42:30Z

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	== 10. Our trillion-sensor infrastructure ==		== 10. Our trillion-sensor infrastructure ==

−	In the past six years, we have gone from 10 million sensors—in things like the Nintendo Wii and iPhones—to 3.5 billion. This is why Janusz Bryzek, an executive at Fairchild, organised the Trillion Sensor Summit, which took place ~~last year~~ in Palo Alto. Bryzek is projecting 1 trillion sensors by 2024 and 100 trillion sensors in ~~the~~ mid 2036, along with literally millions of new primary and secondary jobs to manage this emerging sector.	+	In the past six years, we have gone from 10 million sensors—in things like the Nintendo Wii and iPhones—to 3.5 billion. This is why Janusz Bryzek, an executive at Fairchild, organised the Trillion Sensor Summit which took place in Palo Alto in 2016. Bryzek is projecting 1 trillion sensors by 2024 and 100 trillion sensors in mid-2036, along with literally millions of new primary and secondary jobs to manage this emerging sector.

	[[File:2050-infrastructure9.PNG\|link=File:2050-infrastructure9.PNG]]		[[File:2050-infrastructure9.PNG\|link=File:2050-infrastructure9.PNG]]

−	The projects ~~I’ve~~ listed here merely scratch the surface of ~~what’s~~ possible.	+	The projects listed here merely scratch the surface of what is possible.

−	Whether ~~it’s~~ building the Great Pyramids in Egypt, erecting the Great Wall of China, or sending someone to the moon, crazy-big projects have a way of defining our humanity and raising the bar for future generations.	+	Whether it is building the Great Pyramids in Egypt, erecting the Great Wall of China, or sending someone to the moon, crazy-big projects have a way of defining our humanity and raising the bar for future generations.

−	As our capabilities improve, we simply need to set our sights higher and aim for the ~~stars….~~ literally!	+	As our capabilities improve, we simply need to set our sights higher and aim for the stars - literally.

−	By 2050, we will see more changes to core infrastructure than in the combined total in all of human history. The fundamental shifts we will see to the way society functions will be nothing short of breathtaking.	+	By 2050, we will see more changes to core infrastructure than in the combined total of all of human history. The fundamental shifts we will see to the way society functions will be nothing short of breathtaking.

−	~~-----~~	+	= About this article =
−	~~By Thomas Frey. futurist and author of “[http://www.amazon.com/Communicating-Future-Re-engineering-Intentions-Master/dp/098384710X/ref~~=~~sr_1_1?ie~~=~~UTF8&qid=1319820085&sr=8-1 Communicating with the Future]”~~	+

−	This article is published in collaboration with [http://www.futuristspeaker.com http://www.futuristspeaker.com]	+	This article was written by Thomas Frey. futurist and author of “[http://www.amazon.com/Communicating-Future-Re-engineering-Intentions-Master/dp/098384710X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1319820085&sr=8-1 Communicating with the Future]”. It is published in collaboration with [http://www.futuristspeaker.com http://www.futuristspeaker.com]. The article was originally published on the [https://futureofconstruction.org/blog/2050-and-the-future-of-infrastructure/ Future of Construction Knowledge Sharing Platform] and the [http://www.weforum.org/agenda/2017/03/elon-musk-innovation-construction-industry WEF Agenda Blog]
−		+
−	~~This~~ article was originally published on the [https://futureofconstruction.org/blog/2050-and-the-future-of-infrastructure/ Future of Construction Knowledge Sharing Platform] and the [http://www.weforum.org/agenda/2017/03/elon-musk-innovation-construction-industry WEF Agenda Blog]	+

	= Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki =		= Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki =

Editor at 10:35, 12 June 2019

2019-06-12T10:35:09Z

Editor at 10:14, 12 June 2019

2019-06-12T10:14:37Z

Editor at 10:02, 12 June 2019

2019-06-12T10:02:57Z

Editor at 09:47, 12 June 2019

2019-06-12T09:47:54Z

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	[[File:2050-infrastructure.PNG\|link=File:2050-infrastructure.PNG]]		[[File:2050-infrastructure.PNG\|link=File:2050-infrastructure.PNG]]

−	[[File:2050-~~infrastructure1~~.~~PNG\|link=File:2050-infrastructure1.PNG~~]]	+	[[File:2050-infrastructure cropped.png]]

	Much of the world around us has been formed around key pieces of infrastructure. Most see this as a testament to who we are as a society, and part of the cultural moorings we need to guide us into the future.		Much of the world around us has been formed around key pieces of infrastructure. Most see this as a testament to who we are as a society, and part of the cultural moorings we need to guide us into the future.

Editor at 13:32, 11 June 2019

2019-06-11T13:32:30Z

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	But here’s where it gets even more interesting. Many other countries won’t be comfortable with Japan having the world’s only expertise in building space-based power stations. Once the first one proves successful, it will become faster and cheaper to launch the next 10, or even 100 of them.		But here’s where it gets even more interesting. Many other countries won’t be comfortable with Japan having the world’s only expertise in building space-based power stations. Once the first one proves successful, it will become faster and cheaper to launch the next 10, or even 100 of them.
−
−

	6. Drone delivery networks		6. Drone delivery networks
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	But more than just manufacturing, there will be a need for drone pilots, drone farming specialists, drone security, drone data analysts, drone mosquito killers, and much more.		But more than just manufacturing, there will be a need for drone pilots, drone farming specialists, drone security, drone data analysts, drone mosquito killers, and much more.
−
−

	7. Mass energy storage		7. Mass energy storage
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	By the next century nearly half of the roughly 7,000 languages spoken on Earth will disappear, as young people abandon native tongues in favour of English, Mandarin, or Spanish. Think of the Global Language Archive as the 'Louvre of Languages' where culture and language collide in a way that all can experience.		By the next century nearly half of the roughly 7,000 languages spoken on Earth will disappear, as young people abandon native tongues in favour of English, Mandarin, or Spanish. Think of the Global Language Archive as the 'Louvre of Languages' where culture and language collide in a way that all can experience.
−
−

	9. Whole Earth Genealogy Project		9. Whole Earth Genealogy Project

	The genealogy industry today consists of millions of fragmented efforts happening simultaneously. The duplication of effort is massive. While significant databases already exist on websites like Ancestry.com, RootsWeb, GenealogyBank, and the National Archives, there is still a much bigger opportunity waiting to happen, an opportunity to automate the creation of our genealogies. What’s missing is a Jimmy Wales-type entrepreneur to turn this project into their life’s calling.		The genealogy industry today consists of millions of fragmented efforts happening simultaneously. The duplication of effort is massive. While significant databases already exist on websites like Ancestry.com, RootsWeb, GenealogyBank, and the National Archives, there is still a much bigger opportunity waiting to happen, an opportunity to automate the creation of our genealogies. What’s missing is a Jimmy Wales-type entrepreneur to turn this project into their life’s calling.
−
−

	10. Our trillion-sensor infrastructure		10. Our trillion-sensor infrastructure
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	This article was originally published on the [https://futureofconstruction.org/blog/2050-and-the-future-of-infrastructure/ Future of Construction Knowledge Sharing Platform] and the [http://www.weforum.org/agenda/2017/03/elon-musk-innovation-construction-industry WEF Agenda Blog]		This article was originally published on the [https://futureofconstruction.org/blog/2050-and-the-future-of-infrastructure/ Future of Construction Knowledge Sharing Platform] and the [http://www.weforum.org/agenda/2017/03/elon-musk-innovation-construction-industry WEF Agenda Blog]

−	~~= Find out more =~~	+	= Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki =
−		+
−	=== Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki ===	+

	* Autonomous vehicles - do we trust them?		* Autonomous vehicles - do we trust them?
	* Disposable Houses.		* Disposable Houses.
		+	* ‘Future Roads of Grand Paris’ Exhibition.
	* How business can bridge the infrastructure gap.		* How business can bridge the infrastructure gap.
	* Hyperloop One.		* Hyperloop One.

← Older revision		Revision as of 10:35, 12 June 2019
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	== 4. Micro colleges ==		== 4. Micro colleges ==

−	In ~~March~~, when Facebook announced the $2 billion acquisition of Oculus Rift, ~~they~~ not only put a giant stamp of approval on the technology, but ~~they~~ also triggered an instant demand for virtual reality designers, developers, and engineers.	+	In 2014, when Facebook announced the US$2 billion acquisition of Oculus Rift, it not only put a giant stamp of approval on the technology, but also triggered an instant demand for virtual reality designers, developers, and engineers.

−	Virtual reality professionals were nowhere to be found on the list of hot skills needed for 2014, but they certainly ~~will be for 2015~~.	+	Virtual reality professionals were nowhere to be found on the list of hot skills needed for 2014, but they certainly are today.

−	The same was true when Google and Facebook both announced the acquisition of solar powered drone companies Titan and Ascenta respectively. Suddenly we began seeing a dramatic up-tick in the need for solar-drone engineers, drone-pilots, air rights lobbyists, global network planners, analysts, engineers, and logisticians.	+	The same was true when Google and Facebook both announced the acquisition of solar-powered drone companies Titan and Ascenta respectively. Suddenly, we began seeing a dramatic up-tick in the need for solar-drone engineers, drone pilots, air-rights lobbyists, global network planners, analysts, engineers and logisticians.

−	Bold companies making moves like this are instantly triggering the need for talented people with skills aligned to grow with these cutting edge industries.	+	Bold companies making moves like this are instantly triggering the need for talented people with skills aligned to grow with these cutting-edge industries.

−	Whether its Tesla Motors announcing the creation of a fully automated battery factory; Intel buying the wearable tech company Basic Science; Apple buying Dr. Dre’s Beats Electronics; or Google’s purchase of Dropcam, Nest, and Skybox, the business world is forecasting the need for radically different ~~skills than~~ colleges and universities ~~are preparing students for~~.	+	Whether its Tesla Motors announcing the creation of a fully automated battery factory; Intel buying the wearable tech company Basic Science, Apple buying Dr. Dre’s Beats Electronics, or Google’s purchase of Dropcam, Nest, and Skybox, the business world is forecasting the need for skills that are radically different to those taught to students by colleges and universities.

−	In these types of industries, ~~it’s~~ no longer possible to project the talent needs of business and industry ~~5-6~~ years in advance, the time it takes most universities to develop a new degree ~~program~~ and graduate their first class. Instead, these new skill-shifts come ~~wrapped in~~ a very short lead-time, often as little as ~~3-4~~ months.	+	In these types of industries, it is no longer possible to project the talent needs of business and industry five or six years in advance, the time it takes most universities to develop a new degree programme and graduate their first class. Instead, these new skill-shifts come with a very short lead-time, often as little as three to four months.

−	With literally millions of people needing to shift careers every year, and the long drawn out cycles of traditional colleges being a poor solution for time-crunched rank-and-file displaced workers, we will be seeing a massive new opportunity arising for short-term, pre-apprenticeship training in the form of ~~Micro Colleges~~.	+	With literally millions of people needing to shift careers every year, and the long, drawn-out cycles of traditional colleges being a poor solution for time-crunched rank-and-file displaced workers, we will be seeing a massive new opportunity arising for short-term, pre-apprenticeship training in the form of micro colleges.

	[[File:2050-infrastructure7.PNG\|link=File:2050-infrastructure7.PNG]]		[[File:2050-infrastructure7.PNG\|link=File:2050-infrastructure7.PNG]]

−	5. Space-based power stations	+	== 5. Space-based power stations ==

−	Earth’s appetite for power continues to grow. Since the ~~1960’s~~, power consumption has quadrupled around the globe, with many countries opting to build large oil and coal plants to meet the demand.	+	Earth’s appetite for power continues to grow. Since the 1960s, power consumption has quadrupled around the globe, with many countries opting to build large oil and coal plants to meet the demand.

−	But for Japan, a burgeoning economy without large oil and coal reserves, after the Fukushima disaster occurred, an in-depth review concluded the most viable long-term strategy was to focus on spaced-based power systems.	+	But for Japan, a burgeoning economy without large oil and coal reserves, after the Fukushima disaster occurred, an in-depth review concluded that the most viable long-term strategy was to focus on spaced-based power systems.

	For this reason, the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) recently announced its 25-year plan to build the world’s first 1-gigawatt power plant in space.		For this reason, the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) recently announced its 25-year plan to build the world’s first 1-gigawatt power plant in space.

−	The vision of harvesting solar power from space and beaming it to earth has been around ever since Dr. Peter Glaser first proposed it in 1968. After considerable research in the ~~1970’s~~, ~~scientist~~ concluded it ~~wasn’t~~ a viable concept just yet because technology ~~hadn’t advance~~ enough. The materials were far too heavy, and it would have required over 100 astronauts working with thousands of crude robots to create it.	+	The vision of harvesting solar power from space and beaming it to earth has been around ever since Dr. Peter Glaser first proposed it in 1968. After considerable research in the 1970s, scientists concluded it was not a viable concept just yet because technology had not advanced enough. The materials were far too heavy, and it would have required over 100 astronauts working with thousands of crude robots to create it.

	Since then, technology has advanced in countless ways, not only making it doable, but for Japan, making it the best available option for controlling its own destiny.		Since then, technology has advanced in countless ways, not only making it doable, but for Japan, making it the best available option for controlling its own destiny.

−	What most people ~~don’t~~ realise is that solar panels in space are 10 times more efficient than those on earth because there are no day-night cycles, seasonal variations, or weather issues to contend with.	+	What most people do not realise is that solar panels in space are 10 times more efficient than those on earth because there are no day-night cycles, seasonal variations or weather issues to contend with.

−	But ~~here’s~~ where it gets even more interesting. Many other countries ~~won’t~~ be comfortable with Japan having the world’s only expertise in building space-based power stations. Once the first one proves successful, it will become faster and cheaper to launch the next 10, or even 100 ~~of them~~.	+	But here is where it gets even more interesting. Many other countries will not be comfortable with Japan having the world’s only expertise in building space-based power stations. Once the first one proves successful, it will become faster and cheaper to launch the next 10, or even 100.

−	6. Drone delivery networks	+	== 6. Drone delivery networks ==

−	According to the Association for Unmanned Vehicles International, once drones get okayed for commercial use, the first 3 years will produce a multi-billion dollar industry ~~employing~~ hundreds of thousands of new manufacturing jobs.	+	According to the Association for Unmanned Vehicles International, once drones get okayed for commercial use, the first three years will produce a multi-billion dollar industry creating hundreds of thousands of new manufacturing jobs.

	But more than just manufacturing, there will be a need for drone pilots, drone farming specialists, drone security, drone data analysts, drone mosquito killers, and much more.		But more than just manufacturing, there will be a need for drone pilots, drone farming specialists, drone security, drone data analysts, drone mosquito killers, and much more.

−	7. Mass energy storage	+	== 7. Mass energy storage ==

	We are now entering the early growth stages of what will surely become a huge global industry – energy storage. It will both support and compete with conventional generation, transmission and distribution systems.		We are now entering the early growth stages of what will surely become a huge global industry – energy storage. It will both support and compete with conventional generation, transmission and distribution systems.

−	Over the coming decade as the industry evolves, it will lead to new business models and the creation of new companies that make, apply and operate storage assets to help the grid work more reliably and cost-effectively, while decreasing unwanted environmental impacts.	+	Over the coming decade, as the industry evolves, it will lead to new business models and the creation of new companies that make, apply and operate storage assets to help the grid work more reliably and cost-effectively, while decreasing unwanted environmental impacts.

	[[File:2050-infrastructure8.PNG\|link=File:2050-infrastructure8.PNG]]		[[File:2050-infrastructure8.PNG\|link=File:2050-infrastructure8.PNG]]

−	8. Global language archive	+	== 8. Global language archive ==

−	For most of us, the language we speak is like the air we breathe. But what happens when we wake up and find that our air is ~~going~~ extinct? Researchers estimate that over the ~~last~~ 500 years, half of the world’s languages, from Etruscan to Tasmanian, have vanished.	+	For most of us, the language we speak is like the air we breathe. But what happens when we wake up and find that our air is becoming extinct? Researchers estimate that over the past 500 years, half of the world’s languages, from Etruscan to Tasmanian, have vanished.

−	By ~~the next century~~ nearly half of the roughly 7,000 languages spoken on Earth will disappear, as young people abandon native tongues in favour of English, Mandarin, or Spanish. Think of the Global Language Archive as the 'Louvre of Languages' where culture and language collide in a way that all can experience.	+	By 2100, nearly half of the roughly 7,000 languages spoken on Earth will disappear, as young people abandon native tongues in favour of English, Mandarin or Spanish. Think of the Global Language Archive as the 'Louvre of Languages' where culture and language collide in a way that all can experience.

−	9. Whole Earth Genealogy Project	+	== 9. Whole Earth Genealogy Project ==

−	The genealogy industry today consists of millions of fragmented efforts happening simultaneously. The duplication of effort is massive. While significant databases already exist on websites like Ancestry.com, RootsWeb, GenealogyBank, and the National Archives, there is still a much bigger opportunity waiting to happen, an opportunity to automate the creation of our genealogies. ~~What’s~~ missing is a Jimmy Wales-type entrepreneur to turn this project into their life’s calling.	+	The genealogy industry today consists of millions of fragmented efforts happening simultaneously. The duplication of effort is massive. While significant databases already exist on websites like Ancestry.com, RootsWeb, GenealogyBank, and the National Archives, there is still a much bigger opportunity waiting to happen, an opportunity to automate the creation of our genealogies. What is missing is a Jimmy Wales-type entrepreneur to turn this project into their life’s calling.

−	10. Our trillion-sensor infrastructure	+	== 10. Our trillion-sensor infrastructure ==

−	In the ~~last~~ six years, ~~we’ve~~ gone from 10 million sensors—in things like the Nintendo Wii and iPhones—to 3.5 billion. This is why Janusz Bryzek, an executive at Fairchild, ~~organized~~ the Trillion Sensor Summit, which took place last year in Palo Alto. Bryzek is projecting 1 trillion sensors by 2024 and 100 trillion sensors in the mid 2036 along with literally millions of new primary and secondary jobs to manage this emerging sector.	+	In the past six years, we have gone from 10 million sensors—in things like the Nintendo Wii and iPhones—to 3.5 billion. This is why Janusz Bryzek, an executive at Fairchild, organised the Trillion Sensor Summit, which took place last year in Palo Alto. Bryzek is projecting 1 trillion sensors by 2024 and 100 trillion sensors in the mid 2036, along with literally millions of new primary and secondary jobs to manage this emerging sector.

	[[File:2050-infrastructure9.PNG\|link=File:2050-infrastructure9.PNG]]		[[File:2050-infrastructure9.PNG\|link=File:2050-infrastructure9.PNG]]

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−	1. Driverless cars and driverless highways	+	== 1. Driverless cars and driverless highways ==

	Even though the art of road building has been continually improving since the Roman Empire first decided to make roads a permanent part of its infrastructure, highways today remain little more than dumb surfaces with virtually no data flowing between the vehicles and the road itself. That is about to change for the following reasons:		Even though the art of road building has been continually improving since the Roman Empire first decided to make roads a permanent part of its infrastructure, highways today remain little more than dumb surfaces with virtually no data flowing between the vehicles and the road itself. That is about to change for the following reasons:
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	In addition to the benefits passengers receive, the road itself will greatly benefit from this technology. With cars constantly monitoring road conditions, the road itself can call for its own repair.		In addition to the benefits passengers receive, the road itself will greatly benefit from this technology. With cars constantly monitoring road conditions, the road itself can call for its own repair.

−	Rather than waiting until a road becomes a serious hazard, as is currently the case~~, and~~ repair crews disrupt traffic for hours, days, or longer, micro repairs can happen on a daily, sometimes hourly, basis. High-speed coatings and surface repairs can even be developed for in-traffic application.	+	Rather than waiting until a road becomes a serious hazard, as is currently the case where repair crews disrupt traffic for hours, days or longer, micro repairs can happen on a daily, sometimes hourly basis. High-speed coatings and surface repairs can even be developed for in-traffic application.

−	Even treacherous snow and ice conditions will have little effect if ~~deicer~~ is applied immediately and traffic is relentless enough.	+	Even treacherous snow and ice conditions will have little effect if de-icer is applied immediately and traffic is relentless enough.

	[[File:2050-infrastructure4.PNG\|link=File:2050-infrastructure4.PNG]]		[[File:2050-infrastructure4.PNG\|link=File:2050-infrastructure4.PNG]]

−	2. Tube transportation networks	+	== 2. Tube transportation networks ==

−	When Tesla Motors CEO, Elon Musk, mysteriously leaked that he was working on his ~~Hyperloop Project~~, the combination of secrecy, cryptic details, and his own flair for the dramatic all contributed to the media frenzy that followed.	+	When Tesla Motors CEO, Elon Musk mysteriously leaked that he was working on his hyperloop project, the combination of secrecy, cryptic details and his own flair for the dramatic all contributed to the media frenzy that followed.

	Leading up to this announcement was his growing anxiety over California’s effort to build a very expensive high-speed rail line between Los Angeles and San Francisco with outdated technology.		Leading up to this announcement was his growing anxiety over California’s effort to build a very expensive high-speed rail line between Los Angeles and San Francisco with outdated technology.
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	While the Musk media train was picking up steam, several reporters pointed out a similar effort by Daryl Oster and his Longmont, Colorado-based company, ET3, to build a comparable tube transportation system that was much further along.		While the Musk media train was picking up steam, several reporters pointed out a similar effort by Daryl Oster and his Longmont, Colorado-based company, ET3, to build a comparable tube transportation system that was much further along.

−	Indeed both are working on what will likely be the next generation of transportation where specially designed cars are placed into sealed tubes and shot, much like rockets, to their destination. While high-speed trains are breaking the 300 mph speed barrier, tube transportation has the potential to make speeds of 4,000 mph a common everyday occurrence.	+	Indeed, both are working on what will likely be the next generation of transportation where specially designed cars are placed into sealed tubes and shot, much like rockets, to their destination. While high-speed trains are breaking the 300 mph speed barrier, tube transportation has the potential to make speeds of 4,000 mph a common everyday occurrence. As Daryl Oster likes to call it, “space travel on earth.”

−	~~As Daryl Oster likes to call it, “space travel on earth.”~~	+	Even though tube travel like this will beat every other form of transportation in terms of speed, power consumption, pollution and safety, the big missing element is its infrastructure, a tube network envisioned to combine well over 100,000 miles of connected links.
−		+
−	Even though tube travel like this will beat every other form of transportation in terms of speed, power consumption, pollution, and safety, the big missing element is its infrastructure, a tube network envisioned to combine well over 100,000 miles of connected links.	+

	While many look at this and see the lack of infrastructure as a huge obstacle, at this point in time it is just the opposite, the biggest opportunity ever.		While many look at this and see the lack of infrastructure as a huge obstacle, at this point in time it is just the opposite, the biggest opportunity ever.
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−	3. Atmospheric water harvesters	+	== 3. Atmospheric water harvesters ==
−		+
−	~~With all of the water we have in the world, only 2% of it is fresh water. To make matters worse, only one-forth of all fresh water is accessible to humans.~~	+

−	Until now, the entire human race has survived on 0.5% of the available water on earth. But ~~that’s~~ about to change.	+	Only 2% of all the water in the world is fresh water. To make matters worse, only a quarter of all fresh water is accessible to humans. Until now, the entire human race has survived on 0.5% of the available water on earth. But that is about to change.

−	We are seeing a fast growing trend towards harvesting water from the atmosphere, something our ancestors first began working on centuries ago. People in the Middle East and Europe devised the original air-well systems over 2,000 years ago. Later the Incas were able to sustain their culture above rain line by collecting dew and ~~channeling~~ it into cisterns for later use.	+	We are seeing a fast-growing trend towards harvesting water from the atmosphere, something our ancestors first began working on centuries ago. People in the Middle East and Europe devised the original air-well systems over 2,000 years ago. Later, the Incas were able to sustain their culture above rain line by collecting dew and channelling it into cisterns for later use.

−	Even though these techniques have been around for a long time, technology in this area has recently taken a quantum leap forward, and many are beginning to think in terms of houses that generate their own water supply, self-irrigating crops, and even 'waterless' cities.	+	Even though these techniques have been around for a long time, technology in this area has recently taken a quantum leap forward, and many are beginning to think in terms of houses that generate their own water supply, self-irrigating crops and even 'waterless' cities.

	The earth’s atmosphere is a far more elegant water distribution system than rivers, reservoirs, and underground waterways. Our current systems involve pipes and pumping stations that are expensive to operate and maintain, and easily contaminated.		The earth’s atmosphere is a far more elegant water distribution system than rivers, reservoirs, and underground waterways. Our current systems involve pipes and pumping stations that are expensive to operate and maintain, and easily contaminated.
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−	4. Micro colleges	+	== 4. Micro colleges ==

	In March, when Facebook announced the $2 billion acquisition of Oculus Rift, they not only put a giant stamp of approval on the technology, but they also triggered an instant demand for virtual reality designers, developers, and engineers.		In March, when Facebook announced the $2 billion acquisition of Oculus Rift, they not only put a giant stamp of approval on the technology, but they also triggered an instant demand for virtual reality designers, developers, and engineers.

← Older revision		Revision as of 10:02, 12 June 2019
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−	[[File:2050-~~infrastructure cropped~~.png]]	+	[[File:2050-infrastructure_cropped.png\|link=File:2050-infrastructure_cropped.png]]

−	Much of the world around us has been formed around key pieces of infrastructure. ~~Most~~ see this as a testament to who we are as a society, and part of the cultural moorings we need to guide us into the future.	+	Much of the world around us has been formed around key pieces of infrastructure. Many see this as a testament to who we are as a society, and part of the cultural moorings we need to guide us into the future.

	In general, infrastructure represents a long-term societal investment that will move us along the path of building a more efficient, better functioning, society. And usually it does … for a while.		In general, infrastructure represents a long-term societal investment that will move us along the path of building a more efficient, better functioning, society. And usually it does … for a while.

−	But infrastructure comes in many forms and as we build our elaborate networks of pipes, wires, roads, bridges, tunnels, buildings, and waterways, we become very focused on the here and now, with little thought as to whether there might be a better way.	+	But infrastructure comes in many forms and as we build our elaborate networks of pipes, wires, roads, bridges, tunnels, buildings and waterways, we become very focused on the here and now, with little thought as to whether there might be a better way.

−	Virtually every piece of infrastructure creates jobs, ~~revenues~~ streams, and investment opportunities, as well as new laws, regulations, and industry standards.	+	Virtually every piece of infrastructure creates jobs, revenue streams and investment opportunities, as well as new laws, regulations and industry standards.

−	The longer a piece of infrastructure is in place, the greater the resistance there is to replacing it. Much like an ~~aging~~ tree, the root system that feeds it becomes enormous.	+	The longer a piece of infrastructure is in place, the greater the resistance there is to replacing it. Much like an ageing tree, the root system that feeds it becomes enormous.

	That said, the life-cycle of infrastructure is getting shorter, and teams driving the disruptive technologies are getting far more sophisticated.		That said, the life-cycle of infrastructure is getting shorter, and teams driving the disruptive technologies are getting far more sophisticated.

−	Infrastructure projects represent huge paydays for ~~someone~~, and the disruptors are determined to make it their payday.	+	Infrastructure projects represent huge paydays for a few, and the disruptors are determined to make it their payday.

−	Here are ten examples of how our core infrastructure ~~are~~ about to change and what this will mean to the nations and businesses at the heart of this revolution.	+	Here are ten examples of how our core infrastructure is about to change and what this will mean to the nations and businesses at the heart of this revolution.

	[[File:2050-infrastructure2.PNG\|link=File:2050-infrastructure2.PNG]]		[[File:2050-infrastructure2.PNG\|link=File:2050-infrastructure2.PNG]]
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	1. Driverless cars and driverless highways		1. Driverless cars and driverless highways

−	Even though the art of road building has been continually improving since the Roman Empire first decided to make roads a permanent part of ~~their~~ infrastructure, highways today remain as little more than dumb surfaces with virtually no data flowing between the vehicles and the road itself. That is about to change~~, and here’s why.~~	+	Even though the art of road building has been continually improving since the Roman Empire first decided to make roads a permanent part of its infrastructure, highways today remain little more than dumb surfaces with virtually no data flowing between the vehicles and the road itself. That is about to change for the following reasons:

−	Driverless technology will initially require a driver, and it will creep into everyday use much as airbags did, first as an expensive option for luxury cars, but eventually as a safety feature required by governments.	+	* Driverless technology will initially require a driver, and it will creep into everyday use much as airbags did, first as an expensive option for luxury cars, but eventually as a safety feature required by governments;
−		+	* The greatest benefits of this kind of automation won’t be realised until the driver’s hands are off the wheel. With millions of people involved in car accidents every year, it will not take long for policy-makers to be convinced that driverless cars are a safer option, and
−	The greatest benefits of this kind of automation won’t be realised until the driver’s hands are off the wheel. With millions of people involved in car accidents every year, it ~~won’t~~ take long for policy-makers to be convinced that driverless cars are a safer option.	+

	The privilege of driving is about to be redefined.		The privilege of driving is about to be redefined.
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	As cars become equipped with driverless technology, important things begin to happen. To compensate for the loss of a driver, vehicles will need to become more aware of their surroundings.		As cars become equipped with driverless technology, important things begin to happen. To compensate for the loss of a driver, vehicles will need to become more aware of their surroundings.

−	Working with cameras and other sensors, an onboard computer will log information over 1,000 times per second from short-range transmitters ~~on surrounding road conditions~~, including where other cars are and what they are doing. This constant flow of data will give the vehicle a rudimentary sense of awareness.	+	Working with cameras and other sensors, an onboard computer will log information on surrounding road conditions over 1,000 times per second from short-range transmitters , including where other cars are and what they are doing. This constant flow of data will give the vehicle a rudimentary sense of awareness.

−	With this continuous flow of sensory information, vehicles will begin to form a symbiotic relationship with ~~its~~ environment, a relationship that is far different than the current human to road relationship, which is largely emotion-based.	+	With this continuous flow of sensory information, vehicles will begin to form a symbiotic relationship with their environment, a relationship that is far different than the current human-to-road relationship, which is largely emotion-based.

	[[File:2050-infrastructure3.PNG\|link=File:2050-infrastructure3.PNG]]		[[File:2050-infrastructure3.PNG\|link=File:2050-infrastructure3.PNG]]

−	An intelligent car coupled with an intelligent road is a powerful force. Together they will accelerate our mobility as a society, and do it in a stellar fashion.	+	An intelligent car coupled with an intelligent road is a powerful force. Together they will accelerate our mobility as a society, and do it in a stellar fashion:

−	* Lane compression – ~~Highway~~ lanes need only be as wide as the vehicles themselves. Narrow vehicles can be in very narrow lanes, and with varying sizes and shapes of vehicles, an intelligent road system will have the ability to shift lane widths on the fly.	+	* Lane compression – highway lanes need only be as wide as the vehicles themselves. Narrow vehicles can be in very narrow lanes, and with varying sizes and shapes of vehicles, an intelligent road system will have the ability to shift lane widths on the fly;
−	* Distance compression – ~~With~~ machine-controlled vehicles, the distance between bumpers can be compressed from multiple car lengths to mere inches.	+	* Distance compression – with machine-controlled vehicles, the distance between bumpers can be compressed from multiple car lengths to mere inches, and
−	* Time compression – ~~Smart~~ roads are fast roads. Travel speed will be increased at the same time safety is improved.	+	* Time compression – smart roads are fast roads. Travel speed will be increased at the same time safety is improved.

	In the driverless era, intelligent highways will be able to accommodate 50-100 times as many vehicles as they do today. Counter to traditional thinking about vehicle safety, the higher the speeds, the fewer the number of vehicles on the roads at any given moment.		In the driverless era, intelligent highways will be able to accommodate 50-100 times as many vehicles as they do today. Counter to traditional thinking about vehicle safety, the higher the speeds, the fewer the number of vehicles on the roads at any given moment.