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Driving the Future

Tesla

Transmission of power : polyphase system... (by Tesla, Nikola)
Experiments with Alternate Currents of H... (by Nikola Tesla)
The Inventions : Researches and Writing ... (by Thomas Commerford Martin)
The Strange Life of Nikola Tesla (by Tesla, Nikola)

Several decades ago, it may have been difficult to fathom the everyday use of “futuristic” gadgets such as cell phones and laptops. Since then, these modern devices have become such an integral part of our daily lives—it’s now incomprehensible to imagine navigating life without them.

Many tech inventions have certainly influenced and reshaped our lives—from the way we work to the way we socialize. Consider how the use of email, teleconferencing, and laptops have enabled people to work remotely from anywhere around the globe where there’s a Wi-Fi connection. Socially, many use the web to connect with others who share their interests, hobbies, and lifestyles.

Technological advances have also infiltrated the automobile market and will continue to alter the future of driving. There’s been lots of discussion in recent years about the emergence of driverless cars—vehicles that have the capability to sense their surroundings and navigate without human input.

Although the concept of driverless cars may seem quite revolutionary, many innovators have already explored the idea. In 1925, Houdina Radio Control Co. rolled out the “American Wonder,”—a radio-controlled car that was equipped with a receiving antennae. The car was operated by another car, which followed closely behind it and emitted radio impulses, which controlled small electric motors that directed movement.

In more recent times, we witnessed the introduction of Tesla—an American automaker, energy storage company, and solar panel manufacturer. Founded in 2003, the company, which is renowned for its electric cars, was named after electrical engineer Nikola Tesla. Its Tesla Roadster electric sportscar, which debuted in 2008, uses an AC motor, which was descended from a design Nikola Tesla created in 1882.

In 2015, the Tesla company committed to developing and refining the technologies that enable autopilot capability. Although the company was among the first to make driverless cars commercially viable, the basis of the technology was initially explored by Nikola Tesla, as well as other science fiction writers and futurists.

Once the engineers at Tesla demonstrated that the autopilot technology was feasible and economically viable, other companies such as BMW, Ford, Google, and Uber followed suit. Beyond the convenience of driverless cars/autopilot, other perks include the potential to eliminate accidents caused by human error and more efficient use of roadways. Tech company Intel, expects the driverless market to be worth as much as $70bn by 2030.

Since the 1990s, there’s been a resurgence of interest in Nikola Tesla. David Bowie played the engineer in the sci-fi flick The Prestige, which debuted in 2006. The moniker of Russian band Tesla Boy plays tribute to the brilliant inventor, who is also the subject of the “Tesla” song released by American band They Might Be Giants. Learn more about Nikola Tesla’s storied life in

his autobiography The Strange Life of Nikola Tesla. You can also find in-depth information in his books Transmission of Power, Experiments with Alternate Currents of High Potential and High Frequency, and The Inventions: Researches and Writing of Nikola Tesla.

By Regina Molaro