When one uses the term “mobility,” it often conjures up images of smartphone technology. However, recent innovations in mobility aren’t constrained to one device. This represents a global push toward highly mobile living and working—a marriage between our migratory roots and the technological future.
Embrace Mobility
As long as humans have had legs, we have been itinerant creatures, seemingly genetically programmed with the desires to explore and to multitask. It is no surprise that the desires for movement, access, and active engagement have permeated the technology sphere.
In the business sector, Enterprise Mobility Management is a perfect example. This approach combines all of a user’s mobile devices into one linked set of tools. Employees can therefore be highly productive from any location. I expect the next decade will find us without a need for traditional offices—work, doctors, teachers, and more will all be available from a distance. Thanks to the ever-expanding Internet of Things (IoT), most professionals will have all the relevant information to teach, administer patient care, or conference without meeting in person.
As the world picks up speed, the desire to keep up has certainly contributed to the mobile revolution. There is a drive to be exceedingly time-efficient no matter the circumstances. Whether watching videos, processing data, or compiling a presentation, time and space are of the essence. This is a constant cycle. As communications become faster, we are more concerned about missing something important, so we design faster technologies.
Humankind’s insatiable need for speed and efficiency are leading to some fascinating developments in the public and private sectors.
Movement: Don’t Drive Yourself
Driverless cars have been in the news for some time. Google’s version has logged over
It would appear that people are no longer content simply to drive. One could argue that driverless cars are safer than live drivers who are texting or otherwise distracted. It speaks volumes that rather than put down the phone, people want to find a way to do both. While we still have a long way to go before the driverless car becomes an everyday part of our world, there is no doubt that the driverless car will transform commutes into work time.
Access: Follow that Drone
The Federal Aviation Administration’s mandate that all drones weighing 0.55-55 pounds be registered has not slowed their development. These technologies are making huge strides toward widespread use in the private sector. This year has shown an overall decrease in size and weight of drones, with an increase in camera capability and intuitive design. Some are aiming to weigh-in under the 0.55-pound line. These are sleek and small. Others are ramping up on stabilization and tracking tech with sophisticated cameras.
Drones have many applications despite predominant use for military or search and rescue operations. Uses now extend to treating farmland, monitoring endangered species, 3-D mapping, and delivery services. Of course, there is also the appeal of getting a beautiful shot from above while on vacation. Drones are an ever-expanding part of the push toward greater mobility.
Engagement: Bet On The Little Things
IoT opened the door to near-limitless possibilities in connectivity. People can now engage with entertainment, their health, their work, and their friends on the go. Wearables that monitor blood pressure, glucose levels, sleep patterns, and body chemistry are improving every day. This represents a blend of enhanced quality of life with smarter business solutions.
The beauty of IoT is that devices commonly used can be adapted to serve a greater purpose. Smart homes, cars, and wearable devices can all coordinate for the user. This will create a seamless experience for individuals in the coming years—whether at home, on the road, or while taking a walk.
Enhance Connection
While IoT delivers high connectivity, cloud and fog computing speed up data delivery and processing. With great speed comes great efficiency. With great connections comes great mobility. Therefore, humans are moving toward a truly mobile work-life existence. I look forward to the innovations that the rest of this decade has in store.
