This is a common claim—that humans cause errors while machines do not. However, I see this as a way of masking a greater issue by emphasizing the frequency of human errors over machine errors. In reality, machine errors, while less frequent, tend to be far more damaging and dangerous. If we overly rely on autonomous systems to run our lives, the first failure—whether caused by a hacker, an enemy, environmental factors, power loss, or system malfunctions—could result in a catastrophic tragedy. By contrast, individual human errors are often more localized and recoverable. Preventing machine errors requires enormous budgets for infrastructure, whereas empowering humans to make fewer or no errors is not only cheaper but also more sustainable, even if it may be less profitable for someone.
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Furthermore, it is essential to evaluate various autonomous systems to determine whether they are genuinely more reliable and safe than humans—or if their primary purpose serves other, less apparent or less sustainable agendas.
Autonomous Transportation is it a reality?
Autonomous cars and taxis have become buzzwords, with numerous companies competing to dominate this space. Looking to the future, there is even talk of flying autonomous taxis in Dubai, which seem inspired by cargo drones, festival drones, or even military drones. Interestingly, many countries implemented driverless trains, metros, and monorails long ago. Can these systems truly be considered autonomous, and if so, why has there been such a strong push to commercialize autonomous commuting?
More importantly, isn’t it wiser to invest in developing humans—individuals capable of thinking, deciding, and acting independently? Meanwhile, countless services are also becoming autonomous, such as opening a bank account or verifying one’s identity. Why are we striving to make everything autonomous except humans, who are increasingly being conditioned to be dependent?
Autonomous Trains: Are They Truly Autonomous?
Yes, driverless trains, metros, and monorails have been in operation for decades. These systems often fall into the category of “semi-autonomous” rather than fully autonomous. Here’s why:
- Centralized Control: While the trains operate without drivers, they are usually controlled by centralized systems that manage schedules, speed, and safety protocols. They rely on sensors, signals, and algorithms but still need human oversight for emergencies or technical failures.
- Defined Paths: Trains operate on fixed tracks, which significantly simplifies navigation compared to cars or taxis on open roads.
Example: The Dubai Metro, fully driverless since its inception, uses advanced signaling systems and centralized monitoring for smooth operation. However, technical staff are still required to handle malfunctions or unusual situations.
Infrastructure Needed for REAL Autonomous Services and Transportation
The rise of autonomous systems, such as self-driving cars, drones, and automated services, requires a robust and highly interconnected infrastructure. These systems rely on a combination of physical, digital, and communication networks to function reliably and efficiently. Let’s explore the key components of this infrastructure in simple terms to build awareness:
1. Physical Infrastructure
Autonomous systems require well-maintained physical environments to operate safely and effectively. This includes:
- Roads and Pathways: High-quality roads with clear markings, standardized signage, and well-planned layouts are crucial for autonomous vehicles to navigate.
- Charging Stations: For electric-powered autonomous cars, drones, or flying taxis, an extensive network of charging stations is necessary to ensure they can operate without interruptions.
- Landing Zones: For flying taxis or delivery drones, designated take-off and landing zones must be strategically located across cities, often on rooftops or open spaces.
- Maintenance Hubs: Specialized centers are needed to repair and update autonomous vehicles and drones regularly.
Example: Smart cities like Singapore have begun redesigning their infrastructure with self-driving cars in mind, including lanes exclusively for Self-Driving vehicles. You can read more in this article: Public roads in all of western Singapore to be used to test self-driving vehicles
2. Digital Infrastructure
Digital infrastructure is the backbone of autonomous systems, enabling them to process data, make decisions, and communicate effectively. Key components include:
- High-Definition Maps: Autonomous systems rely on highly detailed digital maps that include information about roads, traffic rules, and obstacles.
- Sensors and Cameras: Roads and public spaces must be equipped with cameras, radar, and other sensors to help Self-Driving vehicles “see” and understand their surroundings.
- Cloud Computing: Autonomous systems process enormous amounts of data. Cloud platforms store and analyze this data in real-time, providing critical updates to vehicles and services.
Example: Google’s Waymo uses HD maps and real-time sensor data to navigate complex cityscapes accurately.
3. Communication Networks
A fast and reliable communication network is essential for autonomous systems to share data and respond to changes instantly. This includes:
- 5G Connectivity: High-speed 5G networks allow vehicles and drones to communicate with each other and central systems in real-time, ensuring smooth operation.
- Vehicle-to-Vehicle Communication (V2V): Self-Driving vehicles must communicate with nearby vehicles to avoid collisions and mainly optimize traffic flow.
- Vehicle-to-Infrastructure Communication (V2I): Vehicles also exchange information with traffic lights, road sensors, and central traffic management systems for better decision-making.
Example: In Dubai, 5G networks are being deployed to support flying taxis in 2026 and Self-Driving Systems for public transportation.
4. Data Security and Cybersecurity
With autonomous systems heavily reliant on data, robust security measures are needed to protect against hacking and unauthorized access. This includes:
- Encryption: Securing communication between vehicles, drones, and infrastructure to prevent tampering.
- Redundancy Systems: Backup systems that ensure autonomous services can continue operating in case of a cyberattack or system failure.
- Monitoring Centers: Dedicated facilities to oversee and manage cybersecurity for autonomous networks.
Example: Self-Driving car manufacturers like Tesla invest heavily in cybersecurity to protect their systems from potential breaches.
5. Policy and Regulation
For autonomous services to be successful, governments must establish clear regulations and standards. This involves:
- Safety Standards: Defining protocols for testing and operating Self-Driving vehicles and services.
- Data Privacy Laws: Ensuring that data collected by autonomous systems is used ethically and securely.
- Public Awareness: Educating citizens about the safe use of autonomous systems and addressing concerns.
Example: The European Union has introduced strict guidelines for autonomous vehicles to ensure safety and ethical data usage.
Why is This Infrastructure Important?
Without the right infrastructure, autonomous systems cannot function reliably, leading to safety risks, inefficiencies, and public mistrust. Building this infrastructure requires collaboration between governments, private companies, and communities to ensure a balance between innovation and safety.
By understanding these components, we can better appreciate the complexity of autonomous systems and advocate for thoughtful development that prioritizes both technological advancement and public good.
Why the Race for Autonomous Transportation?
The push for autonomous cars, taxis, and flying vehicles stems from several motivations:
- Safety: Human error is a leading cause of road accidents. Self-Driving Systems, theoretically, eliminate risks like distracted driving or fatigue – We shall debate this point in depth later on- .
- Efficiency: Self-Driving Systems optimize fuel consumption, reduce traffic congestion, and enable 24/7 operation without breaks.
- Cost Savings: Over time, Self-Driving Systems vehicles reduce labor costs (e.g., salaries of drivers).
- Innovation and Prestige: Cities like Dubai are competing to position themselves as futuristic hubs, attracting investment and tourism through advanced technologies.
- Accessibility: Self-Driving Systems transportation can serve populations unable to drive, such as the elderly or disabled.
Flying taxis, inspired by drones, add another layer of innovation, offering a potential solution to urban congestion by utilizing vertical space.
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Investing in Humans vs. Systems
While we’re racing to make transportation and services autonomous, human autonomy often seems neglected. Here’s a comparison of priorities:
- Autonomous Systems (Transportation, Banking, Services)
- Pros: Faster, more scalable, and less prone to human error.
- Cons: Dependence on technology could erode human skills (e.g., navigation, critical thinking).
- Autonomous Humans (Thinking, Deciding, Acting)
- Pros: Encourages creativity, adaptability, and resilience. An autonomous mindset allows humans to thrive despite external challenges.
- Cons: Requires time, education, and societal support, which can be resource-intensive.
Why Invest in Humans?
While autonomous systems handle repetitive or dangerous tasks efficiently, humans must remain the creative and ethical decision-makers. Building humans ensures:
- Adaptability in Crisis: Machines cannot yet replace human judgment in unforeseen circumstances.
- Ethical Oversight: Technology requires human guidance to align with societal values.
- Resilience Against Over-Reliance: Autonomy in humans prevents dependency on systems that can fail or be manipulated.
Why Make Everything Autonomous but Humans Dependent?
This paradox is real and concerning:
- Convenience vs. Capacity: Services like online banking or automated identity verification are convenient but may reduce human ability to perform basic tasks independently.
- Profit-Driven Dependency: Automation often increases corporate profits by creating ecosystems where people rely on their services without question.
- Erosion of Skills: Over time, humans may lose problem-solving abilities, creativity, and interpersonal skills if technology becomes the default solution.
Call to Balance
The solution isn’t to halt technological progress but to balance it:
- Foster Human Autonomy: Encourage education systems, workplaces, and societies to develop critical thinking, decision-making, and resilience.
- Ethical Use of Technology: Design autonomous systems that complement human abilities rather than replace them.
- Invest in Hybrid Models: For example, pairing autonomous systems with human oversight ensures the best of both worlds.
Conclusion
It is crucial that we need autonomous humans, alongside autonomous systems,. It touches on the essence of sustainable progress—using technology to empower, not diminish, human potential. If you’d like, we can delve deeper into strategies for fostering autonomous humans in specific areas like education, workplaces, or communities.
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