A few days ago, we had the pleasure of participating in a webinar on “Future Urban Mobility” organized by Openvia. Our CEO & Founder, Guillermo Campoamor, joined Ángela Montánchez, Head of Growth in Openvia and Managing Director in Openvia USA, to explore how technology will revolutionize the way we move around the city and how innovation will impact the daily lives of thousands of people around the world. The webinar aimed to showcase our experiences in the industry and discuss how we envision the future of mobility in an industry undergoing rapid changes.

In this article, we review the four most important topics discussed in this inspiring talk.

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The role of mobile applications in the future of mobility

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We discussed the evolution towards fewer, more integrated apps, driven by artificial intelligence and immersive experiences. 

We emphasized the significance of back-end service integration as crucial for future digital services, aiming for greater fluidity and personalization in user interactions. This ecosystem of integrations will eliminate the need for multiple apps, enhancing the overall user experience. 

Smart ticketing and payments exemplify this trend, streamlining access to various transport modes through a single platform, prioritizing user convenience and efficiency. 

People seek fully integrated solutions on their mobile devices, much like other aspects of their daily routines. Just as you can buy movie tickets and receive a QR code for theater access on your phone, the same convenience should be available for transit.

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How intelligent are urban areas becoming?

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The conversation also touched on the development of intelligent urban transport systems, particularly Low Emission Zones (LEZ). These zones aim to reduce pollution and enhance urban living conditions. 

By leveraging real-time data and advanced monitoring technologies, cities can manage traffic flow more effectively, ensuring that only low-emission vehicles operate within specific areas. 

This initiative not only improves air quality but also promotes sustainable urban mobility solutions. The data from smart infrastructure, such as connected traffic lights and sensors, plays a crucial role in the successful implementation of LEZ, ensuring optimal traffic management and environmental benefits.

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The trendy topic: Electric Vehicles (EVs) and Autonomous Vehicles (AVs)

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The webinar highlighted the rapid advancements in electric and autonomous vehicle technology. The discussion revealed two sides of the argument regarding EVs: proponents see them as a key solution to our environmental problems, while critics argue that they are not a panacea for all our issues. 

Despite differing opinions, it is evident that electric vehicles are becoming more prevalent, supported by the expansion of charging infrastructure and advancements in battery technology. Furthermore, countries that are performing well in terms of EV adoption benefit significantly from robust policy support.

‍Autonomous vehicles, on the other hand, promise to revolutionize transportation by reducing human error and enhancing safety. This technology is the next frontier in urban mobility, and we shared our experiences with AVs, emphasizing their potential for amazing and disruptive innovation. However, successful adoption of AVs requires overcoming technical and regulatory challenges, fostering ecosystem collaboration, and ensuring public acceptance. The transition to EVs and AVs is seen as a crucial step towards a more sustainable and efficient urban mobility landscape, but we must also be aware of the repercussions and prepare accordingly.

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During the webinar, we gathered the attendees' opinions through an interactive poll on the topic that will have the greatest influence on how we move. The most chosen topic by the audience was 'Intelligent Urban Transport - Digital Cities Data and Twins,' with 48% preference. This was followed by 'Apps & Super Apps - Smartphone as an Operations Center & Smart Ticketing,' with 25%, and 'Electric Vehicles & Autonomous Vehicles,' with 22%.

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Could Advanced Air Mobility be a reality any time soon?

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Finally, the discussion ventured into the future of Advanced Air Mobility (AAM). This cutting-edge concept envisions a world where autonomous flying vehicles provide a new dimension of urban transport. These vehicles could alleviate ground traffic congestion and offer rapid, point-to-point travel within cities. 

We primarily discussed the different use cases of AAM: air taxis, leisure travel, and logistics with special focus on medical emergencies. Angela revealed that due to the significant interest from the audience, there is a potential for a new webinar dedicated to delving deeper into this topic. She believes that we are on the brink of a real alternative to current transport modes, with many practical applications beyond the luxury approach associated with today's helicopter transport.

However, realizing this vision demands significant advancements in technology, air traffic management, and regulatory frameworks. The potential benefits are substantial, including reduced travel times and enhanced connectivity, making urban transport more efficient and dynamic. As we move forward, the development of AAM could transform urban mobility, offering a versatile and innovative solution to many of today’s transportation challenges.

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Conclusion

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The webinar provided a comprehensive view of the future of urban mobility, highlighting the need for collaboration, innovation, and a user-centered approach to address the challenges and seize the opportunities presented by the future of urban mobility.

Envisioning a future where super apps simplify user interactions, intelligent urban transport reduces pollution, electric and autonomous vehicles dominate the roads, and autonomous air mobility becomes a reality, we see a transformative shift in how we move around cities. This future promises enhanced convenience, sustainability, and efficiency, fundamentally changing urban transportation for the better.

We thank Openvia for creating spaces for discussion on mobility and allowing us to contribute by sharing our experience as key players in this transformation. For anyone interested in rewatching the webinar, you can access it here.