The future of inclusive mobility
China Hydraulic Briquetting Press，Automatic Hydraulic Briquetting Press，Hydraulic Briquetting Press. Jiangyin Hangli Technology Co., Ltd. , https://www.hanglimachinery.com
Transportation is deeply woven into the fabric of our daily lives, serving as the backbone of access to essential societal benefits such as employment, education, and healthcare. Yet, for countless individuals, the freedom to move about easily remains elusive. People with disabilities, the elderly, and marginalized communities often encounter substantial barriers when trying to navigate their surroundings. However, a global movement towards inclusive mobility is gaining momentum, promising enhanced access to work, services, and opportunities for all.
In South Korea, the Songdo International Business District is making waves by reducing car dependency through smart bus systems and bike-sharing initiatives. Meanwhile, in northwestern Saudi Arabia, a groundbreaking new city named NEOM is being built from the ground up with a vision to eliminate cars entirely. Instead, NEOM is focusing on a comprehensive public transit network featuring high-speed rail systems and autonomous electric vehicles. In India, the city of Amaravati, another emerging urban center, boasts an extensive public transit system complete with electric buses and dedicated cycling lanes. Its street design prioritizes seamless access to public transport, ensuring smooth mobility for both residents and visitors alike.
As urban areas worldwide grapple with the complexities of inclusive mobility—especially as populations grow and demands for efficient, sustainable, and fair transportation systems rise—aging and insufficient infrastructure presents significant challenges for large portions of the population. Air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions continue to exacerbate climate change and public health crises. Moreover, outdated transportation networks often prove inaccessible to people with disabilities, restricting their mobility and consequently limiting their participation in the workforce and community life.
Urban planners are now reimagining infrastructure to cater to diverse needs. They are championing public transportation, ridesharing, cycling, walking, and exploring innovative modes of travel like electric and autonomous vehicles, e-scooters, vertical takeoff and landing aircraft (VTOL), and personalized mobility devices. These advancements aim to provide broader access to the world for everyone.
At Dassault Systèmes, we envision inclusive mobility solutions that open doors to all individuals, irrespective of age, ability, income level, or geographical location. In turn, these solutions foster economic growth, promote social equity, ensure environmental sustainability, and enhance overall quality of life. Our commitment to this vision is exemplified through "Act for Inclusive Mobility," the latest chapter of our "The Only Progress is Human" campaign. Over two enchanting autumn days in Paris, the Mobility Act witnessed Kazuhiko Kanno, a paracycling athlete and Dassault Systèmes employee, set a Guinness World Record for handcycling. It also brought together thousands for a celebratory night ride through the City of Light.
Let’s explore some inspiring instances where inclusive mobility is turning into tangible reality:
1. **Rescue Roadster:** During the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, French designer Tony Parez-Edo Martin envisioned a fleet of autonomous flying rescue roadsters designed to swiftly and safely transport patients to hospitals. Using the 3DEXPERIENCE platform, he modeled the project, resolved design challenges, and collaborated with an engineering team to advance the concept vehicle at every stage.
2. **Bowhead Corporation:** Founded by a disabled athlete, Christian Bagg, this company crafts adaptive equipment such as all-terrain bikes tailored for individuals with mobility impairments.
3. **Hopper:** A startup in the Dassault Systèmes 3DEXPERIENCE Lab accelerator program, Hopper is pioneering economically viable running blades for mobility-impaired athletes. Their mission extends beyond running blades to encompass various adaptive sports equipment including wheelchairs and stroller skies.
4. **Gyrolift:** Combining elements of a Segway and a robotic module, Gyrolift introduces a novel electric vehicle enabling comfortable movement for people with mobility challenges.
5. **.Lumen:** This enterprise is developing specialized glasses leveraging self-driving vehicle technologies to simulate guide dog functionality, revolutionizing mobility for the visually impaired.
The pursuit of inclusive mobility is a collective endeavor involving individuals and innovators globally. At Dassault Systèmes, we firmly believe that everyone, regardless of physical capabilities, has the potential to reach their aspirations. We harness the power of virtual twins to simulate how design and urban planning choices affect people’s freedom of movement, aiding in achieving these aspirations.
To learn more about our mobility solutions, click here.
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This evolution in inclusive mobility reflects humanity's ongoing efforts to create a more connected and equitable future.