Automatic Control Engineering Challenges in Future Mobility

The future of mobility depends on seamlessly integrating and managing diverse transportation modes—from road and sea to rail and air—within urban and global settings. As technologies evolve, they create more interconnected, efficient, and sustainable transport systems, making the challenges in automatic control engineering increasingly complex. These challenges focus not only on ensuring operational efficiency and safety but also on sustainability and achieving net-zero emissions. The EPSRC Automatic Control Engineering Network plays a pivotal role in addressing these challenges by fostering collaboration among researchers and industry experts, promoting innovative solutions, and supporting the development of technologies that enhance the sustainability and efficiency of future transportation systems.

Road Vehicles

In road vehicles, control systems are key enablers for significantly minimising energy consumption and reducing emissions. This involves optimising electric drivetrains and integrating renewable energy sources with vehicle charging infrastructures. Autonomous systems in road vehicles facilitate adaptive cruise control, platooning, and advanced driver-assistance systems, contributing to safer and more efficient traffic management. In manufacturing, control engineering helps implement smart factory solutions, such as automated assembly lines that adjust operations in real-time for energy efficiency and reduced waste. Predictive maintenance technologies enhance maintenance by analysing vehicle data to foresee and prevent potential failures, minimising downtime and extending vehicle lifespans.

Waterborne Transport

Control engineering is a key enabler for waterborne transport, optimising route planning and speed to minimise fuel consumption and developing advanced propulsion systems using cleaner energy sources. Autonomous systems include autonomous navigation and automated docking systems, enhancing safety and operational efficiency. In terms of manufacturing and maintenance, control engineering is critical for using robotic welding and painting in shipbuilding, improving precision and reducing hazardous human labour. Maintenance technologies incorporate condition monitoring systems for critical components like engines and hull structures, significantly reducing unexpected breakdowns and maintenance costs in both maritime settings and river transport.

Rail Systems

Rail systems greatly benefit from control engineering in integrating renewable energy sources and optimising train operations for energy efficiency. Autonomous control systems include automated signalling and train control systems that enhance safety and service reliability. Specific manufacturing applications involve the use of automated machinery for precise track laying and assembly of trains, reducing material waste and improving construction efficiency. Maintenance practices benefit from automated diagnostic systems that continually assess the health of the train components and infrastructure, enabling timely repairs and reducing service interruptions.

Air Transportation

In air transportation, reducing carbon emissions remains a primary concern. Control engineering plays a key role in optimising flight paths and air traffic management to lower fuel consumption. Autonomous systems such as unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and autonomous passenger drones are transforming air travel, requiring reliable navigation and sophisticated collision avoidance systems. Innovations in aircraft design that reduce drag and enhance engine efficiency depend heavily on advanced control systems, as do efforts to integrate alternative fuels and propulsion technologies. Additionally, the aerospace industry is exploring more efficient manufacturing techniques that minimise waste and energy use, as well as maintenance practices that extend aircraft lifespan and enhance recyclability at end-of-life, further contributing to environmental goals.

Satellite and Space Systems

Satellites support mobility by providing critical environmental data and communication links. Currently, satellites are integral to global transport networks, offering vital data for GPS navigation and weather forecasting that aids in route planning and risk management across all transport modes. Future expansions in satellite technology will enhance global internet coverage, improving real-time connectivity crucial for autonomous vehicle operations and smarter mobility solutions. Advances in Earth observation will also enhance traffic management and environmental monitoring, supporting the dynamic control of transport networks and aiding in infrastructure development. Additionally, as space tourism and interplanetary travel advance, the need for robust control systems to safely manage these operations will increase, encompassing launch sequences, docking procedures, and orbital debris management.

Integration with Urban and Intercontinental Transportation Networks

The integration of advanced mobility systems within urban and intercontinental networks poses intricate control engineering challenges. Urban settings demand sophisticated coordination of various modes such as autonomous vehicles, public transit systems, and emerging micro-mobility solutions like e-scooters and bike-sharing programmes. Control systems seamlessly manage these diverse elements, optimising traffic flows, reducing congestion, and enhancing public safety through comprehensive monitoring and responsive traffic management systems. For intercontinental mobility, the challenges expand to include the synchronization of different regional traffic controls and regulatory standards, requiring robust and adaptable control systems that can manage long-distance travel across varied geographic, political, and technological landscapes. This includes the integration of high-speed rail systems, intercontinental flights, and waterborne transport, all coordinated to reduce travel times, enhance energy efficiency, and minimise environmental impacts.

Conclusion

As we move towards a future dominated by interconnected and automated transportation systems, the role of control engineering cannot be overstated. It is essential not only in optimising operational aspects of transportation but also in ensuring these systems contribute positively to global sustainability efforts. The EPSRC Automatic Control Engineering Network, by driving innovations and fostering international collaborations, stands at the forefront of transforming these challenges into opportunities, thereby shaping the future of global mobility in profound and lasting ways.