Did you know that the Brisbane 2032 Olympics will potentially feature revolutionary transport and mobility technology such as air taxis, drones, autonomous shuttles, and personal mobility pods at Northshore Hamilton?
The partnership marks an Australian-first in transport innovation, where Economic Development Queensland (EDQ) will work with Toyota and MIT to harness advanced transport technologies.
This collaboration aims to dramatically reshape Brisbane’s transport landscape by the 2032 Olympics, introducing modes of transport reminiscent of the futuristic 1960s cartoon “The Jetsons.”
Northshore Hamilton, the designated home for the 2032 Olympics athletes’ village, could see significant developmental changes due to this initiative. The project not only promises to enhance the Olympic experience but also foresees a long-term transformation in urban mobility across Brisbane, reducing car dependency and congestion.
Technological Advancements and Urban Planning
The 18-month design project spearheaded by EDQ will look into next-generation mobility solutions. Debbie McNamara, CEO of EDQ, highlighted the importance of leveraging Toyota and MIT’s expertise in autonomous technologies and innovative urban planning to forge new frontiers in accessibility and connectivity.
MIT’s transport expert, Professor Alan Berger, emphasized the necessity for urban planners to integrate these new mobility technologies to maximize social and environmental benefits.
“It is vital for urban planners and urban designers to start thinking about the integration of future mobility technologies to maximize, the environmental and social benefits they can bring,” said Mr Berger.
“This project will use parametric modelling tools to design and test urban configurations that support innovative forms of active mobility and universal access, reducing reliance on private cars and integrating with, active mobility options such as walking and micromobility, and traditional public transit models, which are also expected to evolve in the future.
“We are very excited to be working with EDQ and Toyota Mobility Foundation to envision future sustainable and resilient design scenarios for Northshore Brisbane.”
A Broader Spectrum of Innovations
The initiative will also explore infrastructure improvements to support these new technologies, such as alternatives to traditional parking and loading zones, and the creation of micro-mobility hubs, parcel delivery, vehicle charging, and storage solutions.
Advanced mobility technologies such as AI-driven self-driving cars and buses, electric drones, air taxis for urban commuting, and flexible ride-sharing and bike-sharing platforms are all on the research agenda. Additionally, the project will look at enhancing smart transit hubs, intelligent traffic management systems, electric personal mobility pods, and even advanced wheelchairs.
| Technology Category | Description |
| Autonomous Vehicles | Self-driving cars and buses that use AI and sensors to navigate without human input, providing safe and efficient transportation. |
| Electric Scooters and Bikes | Compact, eco-friendly personal transportation devices that can be rented on-demand for short trips, enhancing last-mile connectivity. |
| Urban Air Mobility (UAM) | Electric drones and air taxis designed for short urban flights, reducing congestion on the ground and offering quick travel options. |
| Shared Mobility Services | Platforms for ride-sharing, car-sharing, and bike-sharing that provide flexible, on-demand access to various modes of transport without the need for ownership. |
| Mobility-as-a-Service (MaaS) | Integrated digital platforms that combine different transport services (public transit, ride-sharing, bike-sharing) into a single, accessible service, enabling seamless travel across multiple modes. |
| Smart Transit Hubs | Innovative transportation nodes that integrate various mobility services, including public transport, shared vehicles, and personal devices, designed for easy and efficient access. |
| Connected and Smart Infrastructure | Intelligent traffic management systems and smart city technologies that optimize traffic flow, reduce congestion, and support autonomous and electric vehicles. |
| Personal Mobility Pods | Small, electric, and autonomous vehicles designed for individual or small group transport, offering a comfortable and efficient alternative to traditional cars. |
| On-Demand Autonomous Shuttles | Driverless, electric shuttles that operate on-demand, providing flexible and sustainable public transportation options within urban areas. |
| Electric Cargo Drones | Autonomous drones designed for freight transport, enabling quick and sustainable delivery of goods within urban environments. |
This ambitious project not only sets the stage for a futuristic Olympics but could also herald a new era of urban mobility in Brisbane, potentially setting a benchmark for cities worldwide.
Published 8-Aug-2024
