How smart roads will lead us to a safer, more efficient travel
Our world is becoming “smart.” We have smartphones, smart homes, and now we’re designing smart roads. This is not a new concept. In 2016, we wrote about France piloting the first solar road. Although it was considered a failure, and most of it has since been demolished, it was an important step. Not much progress has happened in the world of solar roads since we wrote about it last, but many other types of smart roads have gone on to prove that future roads will be much more than just asphalt. Here is a rundown of the most innovative options leading the charge.
Piezoelectric Roads
Piezoelectric roads generate electrical energy by embedding crystals below the road. They absorb the energy from the weight and pressure of the tires on the road’s surface. They can be installed in all roadways and are not affected by changing weather conditions. While the cost is high, the energy output is high as well. Piezoelectric materials have been around for a while, but scaling them remains a challenge.
Promising new research has led to techniques that could enhance the power output, even producing energy from people walking on the sidewalk. There is still a lot to develop, but we love this material’s potential for future roads.
LED Roads
LED lights have made a substantial difference in our homes and communities, but is there potential on the road? Companies are working to build LEDs to replace painted lines. When integrated with other tech like sensors and pressure plates, LEDs could also alert drivers of impending dangers, crashes, traffic delays, or weather changes.
Embedding LEDs could revolutionize the way we travel and engage with each other on the road. Applications go far beyond road lines, too. Crosswalks could warn drivers of pedestrians, and bright, well-lit crosswalks could change colors at night. Businesses could reconfigure their parking spaces during high-traffic hours or responsively offer more parking for handicapped individuals or persons with infants. Airports could use them on runways for clear paths for takeoff. Even schools could use LEDs in their playgrounds to switch up game options or create educational programs with the lights. The options are truly endless for this technology, and we’re excited to see where it goes.
Electric roads
Instead of providing energy back to the city, electric roads can charge electric vehicles. According to a study done by Pew Research Center, 7% of Americans drive electric cars, and 39% would consider an electric car for their next car purchase. In a few years, the number of electric cars on the road will greatly increase. Presently, the US only has about 17% of the world’s stock of electric vehicles, but President Biden’s latest push means that 50% of auto sales will be electric vehicles by 2030, and our charging capacity needs to ramp up.
There are many challenges to overcome, but earlier this year, Sweden opened the first electrified road. It is only a mile long but able to charge cars and even hybrid trucks. Sweden has been and will continue to be a world leader in clean and ethical energy systems.
The future of smart road networks
There are tons of potential directions for the future of our roads, all with options for innovation, growth, further research, and funding. Whether through self-driving cars, LED-lit lines, or power-generating pavement, technology-infused roads are in our future, providing safer, smarter travel for everyone.
