Futurist explains how UK trains could operate in 2075
Partnering with Applied Futurist Tom Cheesewright, and asking train passengers of today what they would most like to see in 50 years' time, the predictions have been brought to life as windows into the future in the LNER 'Train of the Future', stationed at London King's Cross July 30 to August 1.
Tom predicts that 2075 train carriages could be focused on maximum comfort, entertainment and wellness. Key features could include floor-to-ceiling windows with an augmented reality layer, adding scenes and gamification options.
Tom predicts that new technologies could allow UK trains to go even faster. This starts with making the trains more aerodynamic, using quantum computing and AI together, which would allow for thousands of designs to be tested at the same time, rather than one after the other. New materials will be used, with super-stiff composites that can easily be produced in complex, organic shapes. The new materials combined with technologies like 3D printed metals would allow for trains to be lighter, stronger and stiffer, reaching high speeds with much less energy.
Facial recognition technology might replace ticket barriers, while travellers' onward journeys could be sorted by individual travel pods designed for platform picks-ups. Each seat could adjust to the customers' microenvironment, setting the temperature and seat firmness from pre-saved preferences. There could be the option to book safe standing treadmill seats, giving travellers the chance to get their steps in on long journeys.
The new Train of the Future launches at London King's Cross Station. Running for three days, to Friday August 1, it features state of the art visual depictions of what the future of train travel might bring.
As part of the Railway 200 celebrations, LNER also surveyed 2,000 people across the UK on what they would like to see on trains in 50 years' time, with cinema-style onboard entertainment (36%), wellness pods (23%), and onboard nap pods (23%) topping the list. These are closely followed by pre-programmed smart seats (22%) and designated pet zones (21%).
Beyond the elements adding to the in-seat experience, 21% want the trains of the future to have self-balancing food trays and family fun zones (19%) to help make journeys with kids more comfortable.
Tom said: 'Imagining train travel in 50 years means thinking about everything that will be possible, such as new technologies and innovations, but also thinking about what we will want and need from the trains of the future. Where possibilities and need collide, we see a fantastic vision. The train journey of the future will be smooth from start to finish, aided by AI planning, ticketless travel, and floor to ceiling windows. The train of the future will look like a science-fiction marvel: swooping and organic, powerful and quiet, and with an onboard experience that connects us to the countryside around us, or the digital world, or even a seamless combination of the two.'
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