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Essay / The Origin and Transformation of Technology in the United States Transportation Industry
Table of ContentsTechnology (Transportation)Transportation Technology Development in the United StatesTechnological Progress in TransportationBenefits of Technological Progress in TransportationImpact of Progress technologies in transportConclusionTechnology (Transport)More Over the centuries, the evolution of transport depends heavily on technological progress. Technological developments in transportation have helped shape transportation systems. From motive power technology to innovative transportation, communication and control systems, all have led to a progressive approach to transporting passengers and goods across the world. Therefore, it is important to note the evolution of various technologies and their influences on human life, culture and the environmental landscape. Say no to plagiarism. Get a custom essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get the original essay Transportation Technology Development in the United States In the United States, inventors and entrepreneurs have developed transportation systems to speed up traffic people and goods, at the beginning of the 19th century (“Transport technology”, para. 6-7). They repaired and improved human and animal power down to locomotives and ships powered by steam engines (paragraph 3). In 1807, Robert Fulton launched the first commercially recognized steamboat (para. 7). His innovation made it possible to transport thousands of passengers and tons of goods across the sea over a long distance and in a short time. Around 1830, the first commercial railroads began operating (para. 9). American inventors modified British designs to make efficient and fast locomotives. Bridges and tunnels developed to pave the way for railroads, and by the end of the century, railroads carried an estimated 500 million passengers and an estimated 690 million tons of freight (para. 9). During this period, steam locomotives were recognized as the most efficient means of transportation. Despite their effectiveness, they posed a threat in cities, leading to the invention of cars and road vehicles in cities. In the aftermath of the 20th century, inventors developed and exploited new and old transportation technologies. Internal combustion and electric motors were incorporated into transportation machinery for propulsion (para. 13). Steam locomotives now ran on diesel when traveling on electrified tracks. The number of goods increased while the capacity of human labor to put locomotives in motion decreased. At sea, oil energy has replaced coal and fuel oil. This led to the development of commercial fishing boats and recreational boats (para. 14-15). In the automotive industry, cars and tracks have moved from steam to gasoline and electricity. Gasoline automobiles became the preferred choice due to two key factors: firstly, internal combustion engines were lighter and more efficient than steam engines and secondly, new oil discoveries contributed to a steady and abundant supply of cheap gasoline. The first factor of internal combustion made the invention of the airplane possible, which led to advances in aeronautical design and in piston engines that made it possible to fly higher, faster and further. Currently, in the 21st century, cockpit, bridge and control tower technologies have seen considerable progress to improvetransport (paras. 18-19). On the other hand, the computerization of electronic devices in the transmission, ignition, combustion and exhaust systems of locomotives, automobiles and airplanes revolutionized the transportation system during this period. Technological Advances in transportationIn a magazine published by UCONNECT, emerging technologies are transforming transportation planning, design and operational systems (“Transportation Technologies for the 21st Century,” paragraph 1). Transportation systems helped control traffic, detect accidents, assist in fare collection, and manage public transportation and road signal systems. Indeed, this progress follows a progressive dynamic aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions, improving the quality of the atmosphere and promoting economic development. On the other hand, the transition from steam locomotives to electric locomotives became possible thanks to technological advancements. Therefore, automotive technology enabling all-around vision and information gathering systems as part of safety systems have helped regulate road carnage. Additionally, computerized automotive systems have made it possible for vehicles to connect to each other and to infrastructure through an Internet connection with computers, smartphones, and wireless communication systems. Just as importantly, new technologies in the airline industry have made fuel-efficient aircraft possible. Benefits of technological progress in transportation Technological upgrading of trains has led to improved performance and energy efficiency (Progress in Transportation, paragraph 2). In addition, the operating cost of electric trains is lower than that of diesel trains and they are environmentally friendly. Electric trains do not produce gas, which can pollute the atmosphere. Just as important, magnetic levitation (MagLev) trains float above the track, eliminating any possible friction between the train and the track. Notably, in the automotive sector, the design of battery management systems ensures high performance and extends service life (Crawford, paragraph 5). New battery chemistries and subsystem technologies have emerged to expand the operational range and reduce their costs. Additionally, downsizing and supercharging have both thermodynamic and mechanical advantages. Downsized engines are lighter than conventional engines, thereby reducing vehicle mass and improving fuel consumption. On the other hand, turbocharging retains energy from the exhaust gas to promote charge induction (paragraph 8). Additionally, engineers have developed advanced combustion technologies to increase the efficiency of internal combustion engines (paragraph 9). For this reason, the level of carbon emissions and road carnage have decreased while safety levels have increased in transportation thanks to technological improvements. Impact of Technological Advances in Transportation The impact of computerized and wireless capabilities in transportation has created a potentially positive and negative transportation atmosphere (Emerging Technology Trends in Transportation, p. From a positive perspective, technological advancements have affected travel patterns by increasing the demand for transportation through the facilitation of independent personal mobility, which boosts productivity (p. 4). Additionally, the advent of transportation apps for taxi and ride-hailing services. public transport via smartphones has given rise to new.