Smart Columbus: Smart Circuit

There’s never been a more interesting time to think about the future than the present. Think about it: The last few hundred years have seen steady innovation trajectory, but only in the past 20 years have we truly entered the on ramp to the bell-curve of the future. From here on out, the new trajectory starts to go vertical, unlike the gradual rise of our past. Our next 20 to 50 years of innovation are well under way, and whether we like it or not, technology is going to be a part of our daily lives in an even more prescribed way. This million dollar question is: How will technology make our lives better? I mean, genuinely better. Once the newness of technologies fade, how much of it will actually benefit humanity and culture? Only time will tell for sure, but everyone plays a part in how we decide to collectively incorporate it into our daily lives. Again, it cannot just benefit the rich, it must benefit all people, all classes. 


This brings me to the subject of Smart Cities and the city I am currently living in, Columbus Ohio. My city has recently launched many ambitious projects to help prepare our city for a more balanced and responsible future. As I speak, our city currently is one of the the worse single car commuting offenders in the country (80-percent single occupancy vehicle). We all know this is not sustainable long term. With a new $40 Million grant from the USDOT and many generous private donors, the new Smart Circuit program sets off to try and alleviate this issue. Partnering with May Mobility, a Michigan based transportation technology team, Columbus is testing out new self-driving shuttles in a small one mile loop downtown that anyone can ride free of charge. After getting on the shuttle a hand full of times, I can assure you that any reservations or nervousness you might have will fade away in a matter of minutes. This six person shuttle never reaches more than 10 MPH and has a back-up driver at the wheel in case any emergencies were to ever arise. The total loop takes about 15 minutes to complete and has multiple stops along the way, including COSI. I highly recommend that anyone in Columbus stop by and give it a try. Not only are you participating in a historical moment in innovation, it also gives you a hands on experience before diving into the debate. It’s hard to make a judgement about something before seeing and experiencing it first hand.

While you’re there, stop into the Smart Columbus Experience Center (Click link for more info). Here, you will see the bigger picture of what this initiative is really about. It’s more that technology for technology sake. I think Mayor Ginther of Columbus said it best… “It’s all part of taking a long view to smart city solutions. There are about 2.5 million people currently living in the
Columbus region, for example, but the population is expected to swell to
over 3 million in the next few years, he said. That growth is fueled by
the attraction of a burgeoning tech scene and numerous educational
institutions ranging from Ohio State University, with nearly 60,000
students, to smaller but highly regarded colleges like Kenyon. However,
there’s no subway or light rail system in the area.” 


Another part of the greater equation is about access. Those in neighborhoods with lower income families need access to jobs, healthcare and education. This initiative is the perfect first step to mobile equality for all, not just the rich and affluent, who up to this point can afford the latest and greatest technology trends.


The Smart Circuit initiative is just one of nine projects the city of Columbus will see in the near future. Combined, we will slowly see what a Smart City can be. One that can benefit every single citizen in a meaningful way. We all decide as a culture what we bring into our communities and there will be tough conversations to be had around privacy, safety and accessibility to all. We’re already seeing these play out all over the country recently. Here in Columbus, it appears we’re taking smaller, more thoughtful steps to evolving the story-line. Personally, this is something I can buy

in to.


Additional information you might find helpful:

The shuttle is free to ride.

Smart Circuit services destinations along the Scioto Mile,
including COSI, National Veterans Memorial and Museum,
Bicentennial Park and Smart Columbus Experience Center.

The vehicle operates 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week.Shuttles will arrive at each stop approximately every 10 minutes. The full
route takes approximately 15 minutes. The vehicle, which has a maximum speed of 25 MPH, has a four-seat
“campfire” configuration in the rear of the vehicle as well as a 49-inch
digital display that provides system and route information.

Smart Circuit shuttles operate autonomously, using a suite of sensors that
deliver a 360-degree view around the vehicle. The sensors and intelligent
software help the vehicle understand where it is; in which direction to
steer; and when to slow down, accelerate, or stop for something in its
path. Mapping allows the vehicle to know every inch of its route and
navigate through various traffic conditions. The vehicle operator provides
riders with information about the route and technology, and can take
control of the vehicle at any time.

Engineers, researchers and policymakers from Smart Columbus,
DriveOhio and The Ohio State University will use the demonstration to
inform future deployments of self-driving vehicle technology in Ohio,
including a route planned for a Columbus neighborhood, that will help
connect residents to community resources.


Additional information is available at www.smartcircuitcbus.com

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