Driving into a Digital Future
May 2023
London School of Economics (LSE)
Introduction
Dive into the futuristic world where self-driving cars meet digital money, all through the lens of the London School of Economics! Imagine a world where your car doesn’t just take you places but also handles your tolls with digital cash. From the stages of autonomous driving to the potential of Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs) in managing transport systems, this article explores how technology could redefine our roads and our wallets. Ready to ride into the future? Buckle up!
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Discover how this topic shapes your world and future
Navigating the Future Lane
Imagine a world where your car doesn’t just take you places but also makes decisions on the best routes, negotiates traffic for you, and even pays for its own way through crowded streets, all while you sit back and enjoy the ride. This isn’t a scene from a sci-fi movie; it’s a future that self-driving vehicles and digital money might bring to our doorstep. The integration of autonomous vehicles and digital currencies could redefine our urban landscapes, making traffic smoother and possibly even tackling some of the climate change challenges by promoting more efficient and shared modes of transport. For you, this might mean a totally different driving experience by the time you get your license, with a blend of technology and economics that could make your journey faster, safer, and more eco-friendly. This topic isn’t just about cars and money; it’s about how technology can change the world, and how you might live, work, and play in the future.
Speak like a Scholar
Autonomous vehicles
Cars that can drive themselves without human intervention, using sensors and AI to navigate.
Digital currency
Electronic money that exists only in the digital space, enabling instant transactions and borderless transfer of ownership.
Micropayments
Small financial transactions, often made online, that could be as little as a few cents.
Artificial intelligence (AI)
The simulation of human intelligence in machines that are programmed to think like humans and mimic their actions.
Carbon expenditure metric
A measurement used to quantify the amount of carbon dioxide emissions associated with an activity, aiming to reduce carbon footprint.
Programmable money
Digital currency that can be programmed to be spent only in certain ways, at certain times, or even in certain places.
Independent Research Ideas
The psychology of autonomous commuting
Investigate how transitioning from active driving to being a passenger in a self-driving vehicle affects people's stress levels, perception of time, and productivity.
Economic models of micropayment systems in traffic management
Explore how micropayments could be used to manage traffic flow more efficiently and the economic implications for users and cities.
Artificial intelligence ethics in traffic control
Analyze the ethical considerations of using AI in traffic management, including privacy concerns, data security, and the potential for systemic biases.
Environmental impact of digital currencies
Study the carbon footprint associated with various digital currencies and how programmable money could be designed to support sustainable transportation solutions.
Social equity in programmable money for transport
Examine the potential social implications of programmable money in public transport systems, focusing on accessibility, fairness, and the digital divide.
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