Motion sickness could become a problem for passengers as fully self-driving cars emerge, so Jaguar Land Rover is developing software with biometric sensors to detect it and alter acceleration, braking and lane position to reduce it. The company has driven 20,000 miles in simulations and on roads to improve the software, which will be part of future production cars.
The mobility industry changed significantly with the advent of such practices as car- and bike-sharing, and mobility-as-a-service was first proposed six years ago. But the practice has struggled, with low or nonexistent commissions one problem, along with the hesitance of public transit agencies to use mobility service apps rather than their own apps; as a result, mobility-as-a-service "doesn't match with consumer preferences or commercial traction," says Matthias Dill of mobility-focused venture fund Energy Impact Partners.
In light of Pittsburgh's transportation accessibility study, former Google Car worker Brad Templeton offers a brief history of disability access issues in public transit. He notes that solutions include the Kenguru, a one-person vehicle that a driver using a wheelchair can roll into, adding that such vehicles could eventually be used in services that could offer profitable rides while charging as little as 30 cents a mile.
The initial months of the coronavirus pandemic put a strain on Amazon, causing slower shipping times and a lack of essential items, which led to some negative customer reviews. Amazon overcame the challenges by investing billions into staffing, improved delivery and a stronger supply chain, leading to the company's best quarterly results in its history.
Wayfair is reaping the benefits of its logistics improvements with an 83% increase in net revenue in the second quarter compared with a year ago. The home furnishings company's warehouse space has grown to 16 million square feet on several continents.
Indiana University Health is planning to build a $1.6 billion hospital in downtown Indianapolis. Construction will extend over six years, to be followed by renovation of the existing Methodist Hospital.
A master plan in Mobile, Ala., to move commercial passenger service from Mobile Regional Airport to the Brookley Aeroplex downtown includes a new $160 million terminal. The plan is financed primarily by the Federal Aviation Administration.
A major mixed-use project is proposed near downtown San Jose and a light rail line on North First Street. City documents indicate the development would add 244 apartments, 61,000 square feet of office space and about 5,600 square feet for retail.
Boring Co. has secured approval from Clark County, Nev., officials to build two more tunnels between hotels and the Las Vegas Convention Center. By one estimate, work could begin this year.
Second-quarter approvals of construction permits in Los Angeles fell 45% from a year before while plan checks were down 31% and building inspections were off by 15%. The city's construction industry has lost an estimated 2,670 jobs since March 2020.