This paper provides the description and illustration of future possibilities and business models this new and emerging technology may come along with. Firstly, it briefly outlines the current history, to provide a few important milestones in this field within the last two decades. Secondly, this paper discusses those industries which (probably) will mostly be affected by the fundamental changes resulting from driverless cars. Finally, the focus of the last section lies on the business models global players and small start-ups are working on these days to ensure future market shares in a trillion-dollar industry.
The term "autonomous vehicle" has been discussed so often in recent time, and this does not come as a surprise. After the inventions of the horse-drawn carriage and the automobile, humankind is on the brink of the next mobile revolution. While self-driving cars just hit our streets for test purposes nowadays, autonomous vehicles (AVs) will shape the future of mobility, and they will become a common element of traffic.
Besides the technological perspective, which this paper does not discuss at length, AVs will have an impact on many aspects of our daily life and society we can barely imagine today.
Table of Contents
1 Introduction
2 Modern History of Self-Driving Cars
3 Affected Industries and Fields
4 Robo-Taxi – The Next-Generation Business Model
5 Conclusion
Objectives and Topics
This paper examines the transformative impact of autonomous vehicles on society and industry, exploring how emerging technology is reshaping traditional business models and the future of mobility.
- The historical development and key milestones of autonomous driving technology.
- Economic and structural impacts on various commercial industries.
- The rise of the "robo-taxi" as a disruptive mobility-on-demand service.
- The transition from private car ownership to service-based transportation models.
- Technological challenges, including infrastructure requirements like 5G connectivity.
Excerpt from the book
3 Affected Industries and Fields
The following section outlines and describes a small selection of industries that might be affected by the development of self-driving cars. One of the driving forces behind this development could be the fact that, for example, an average U.S. citizen spends much time inside the car. Furthermore, and perhaps even more relevant, current forecasts suggest a total of 81 million autonomous vehicles (AV) in the United States, the European Union, and China put together in 2030, and a decline of private car ownership. Due to the development of AVs, the use and the possession of vehicles of any kind – as is the case today – could be transformed to a “mobility-on-demand” system that disrupts, inter alia, the public transit (BBVA 2017; Forbes 2019).
Regarding the time people spend inside the car, the entertainment and media industry faces tremendous opportunities. For instance, Daimler and Gauzy (a leading developer and manufacturer of smart glass technology) are working on next-generation smart glass screens. Car windows could become displays to present commercials on the streets, which provide location-based advertisement using the GPS data of the car. Consequently, the car itself could be transformed into more than just an object to get from one place to another. Consuming visual media or playing video games with augmented reality inside the car, for example during a long distance travel to another city, or displaying commercials to the public outside of the car (e.g. cars of a “transportation-on-demand” fleet) are just three possible and useful car add-ons for the entertainment and media industry (Forbes 2019; Reuters 2017).
Summary of Chapters
1 Introduction: This chapter introduces the rise of autonomous vehicles as a major shift in mobility and outlines the paper's focus on industry impacts and emerging business models.
2 Modern History of Self-Driving Cars: This section details significant historical milestones, from early DARPA challenges to recent technological adoptions by major automotive companies.
3 Affected Industries and Fields: This chapter analyzes how self-driving technology will disrupt sectors such as entertainment, cargo transportation, and urban planning.
4 Robo-Taxi – The Next-Generation Business Model: This section explores the shift toward mobility-on-demand services and the strategic pivot of automakers toward a pay-per-mile business model.
5 Conclusion: The summary highlights the future potential of autonomous technology while acknowledging the persistent challenges in infrastructure and market transition.
Keywords
Autonomous Vehicles, AV, Self-Driving Cars, Mobility-on-Demand, Robo-Taxi, Transportation, Automotive Industry, Business Models, Innovation, Disruption, Mobility-as-a-Service, Infrastructure, 5G, Smart Glass, Urban Planning
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core focus of this research paper?
The paper explores the transition toward autonomous vehicles and how this technology is expected to disrupt existing business models and daily life.
Which industries are primary candidates for disruption?
Key industries identified include the automotive sector, public transit, cargo and logistics, and the entertainment/media industry.
What is the main objective of the study?
The objective is to describe future possibilities for autonomous driving technology and to analyze the emerging business models being developed by both incumbents and start-ups.
What research approach does the author use?
The paper provides a descriptive and illustrative analysis based on existing industry forecasts, historical milestones, and current market trends.
What is covered in the main body of the text?
The body covers historical background, the impact of autonomous vehicles on various sectors, and the evolution of the robo-taxi as a service-based business model.
How would you characterize this paper with keywords?
Core keywords include Autonomous Vehicles, Mobility-on-Demand, Robo-Taxi, Disruption, and Automotive Industry.
Why are car windows considered a potential new media channel?
The text suggests that smart glass technology could transform windows into displays for location-based advertisements or interactive entertainment for passengers during travel.
What role does the 5G infrastructure play in autonomous vehicle deployment?
5G is identified as a critical requirement to provide the necessary bandwidth and speed for AVs to react with human-like reflexes, which current 4G networks cannot guarantee.
- Quote paper
- Moritz Gospos (Author), 2019, The Potential of Autonomous Vehicles, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/1264590
