BACK from South East Asia and visits to China, Japan, Vietnam, Hong Kong and Singapore – we managed to sail away from Japan before the typhoon struck, experienced huge thunderstorms and heavy rainfall in Vietnam, had to leave Hong Kong early because of a threat of protesters blocking our ships gangway and finally to Singapore. Fabulous city with smoking only in designated areas and chewing gum completely outlawed. Today, the rain has stopped in the UK, the sun is out and all is back to normal. Only 43 shopping days left to Christmas, that was quick, where did the year go?
The one piece of news I can find, that is close to my heart, is that o2 are closely involved in a scheme to test driverless vehicles in London via its recently launched 5G network. The project is being run by an organisation called the Smart Mobility Living Lab which seems to have a fair bit of industry and public sector buy in.
“At O2 we’re determined to help businesses of all sizes realise the potential of fifth-generation mobile technology,” said Brendan O’Reilly, O2’s Chief Technical Officer. “We know that the transport sector is going to be one of the key beneficiaries of 5G – and that the technology has the potential to reduce traffic congestion, as well as making journeys safer and more enjoyable. That’s why we’re excited to be working with the teams at the Smart Mobility Living Lab, who are driving forward our understanding how this next generation technology will fundamentally change the fabric of the cities in which we live and work as well as creating entirely new methods of travel.”
Now, as many of you may know, I drive an all-electric Tesla, with all of the hardware built in for complete autonomy when the Software is developed enough. But when this happens, will it mean a vehicle that is completely controlled by Big Brother? A vehicle with the silence and cleanliness of electric motors. No growl of exhausts as your V8 turbo accelerates into the sunset. Some of us hope not. But then again surely the ever developing technology driven age that we live in is all bringing this cleaner, quieter, automated, computerised future nearer each and every day.
Merry Christmas to all readers of Business Times