U niversity of Goce Delcev - Stip

Faculty of Natural and Technical Sciences

Architecture and Design

Technology in transport

Mentor: Made by:Biljana Ivankovska Anakjiev Igor

Stip, June 2013

Content:

Introduction ………………………………………………………………………….…… 3

Transport …………………………………………………………………………………. 4

Transportation Technology …………………………………………………………… 5

Macedonia wins more international high-tech investment ……………………… 9

The Effects of Advances in Transportation Technology on Global Business .. 11

Modern Transportation Technology ………………………………………………… 13

References ……………………………………………………………………………….. 15

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Introduction

Modern Transportation Technology

Transportation has certainly come a long way since ancient times, thanks to technology. The import and export of products from other countries is made possible by recent scientific developments that help nations to become even more progressive.Countries worldwide continue to upgrade their systems for better and more efficient transport services. Modern transportation varies in almost every nation in the world. There are passenger trains, buses, cruises, cars, airplanes, among others. Nearly everyone has used it at some point in their lives; for some, it is a way of life.Many depend on vehicles to send them to school or work. In previous generations, it would take people days to travel from one place to another. Today, it only takes them a few hours travelling on sophisticated machines, thereby making things more convenient for them.These are just some of the wonders brought about by science and it just keeps on evolving all the time. As the automotive industry is constantly developing, it also follows that new technologies are implemented all the time. They play a major role in the life of every person to make life better and to make travel easier and more efficient as well as more accessible.

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Transport

Transport or transportation is the movement of people, animals and goods from one location to another. Modes of transport include air, rail, road, water, cable, pipeline and space. The field can be divided into infrastructure, vehicles and operations. Transport is important since it enables trade between people, which in turn establishes civilizations.Transport infrastructure consists of the fixed installations necessary for transport, including roads, railways, airways, waterways, canals and pipelines and terminals such as airports, railway stations, bus stations, warehouses, trucking terminals, refueling depots (including fueling docks and fuel stations) and seaports. Terminals may be used both for interchange of passengers and cargo and for maintenance.Vehicles traveling on these networks may include automobiles, bicycles, buses, trains, trucks, people, helicopters and aircraft. Operations deal with the way the vehicles are operated, and the procedures set for this purpose including financing, legalities and policies. In the transport industry, operations and ownership of infrastructure can be either public or private, depending on the country and mode.Passenger transport may be public, where operators provide scheduled services, or private. Freight transport has become focused on containerization, although bulk transport is used for large volumes of durable items. Transport plays an important part in economic growth and globalization, but most types cause air pollution and use large amounts of land. While it is heavily subsidized by governments, good planning of transport is essential to make traffic flow and restrain urban sprawl.

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Transportation Technology

All transportation depends on technology, whether it’s the wheel, the jet engine, or the computer chip. Transportation is not just technology—it’s a system of technology, people, energy, money, and more—but advances in technology play a key role in shaping transportation systems, which in turn help to shape our lives, landscapes, and culture.

Because transportation is so important to commerce, because—literally and figuratively—so much is riding on it, it has been the focus of an enormous amount of inventive activity. Corporations have invested billions of dollars in improved technology. Individuals have sought their fortunes in breakthroughs big and small.

Transportation technology includes many related areas. Motive power, of course, is one key technology. Early vehicles were pulled by human or animal power. Steam engines powered locomotives and ships in the ninetheenth century. The internal-combustion engine was invented in the 1880s and used almost immediately in cars and trucks. The jet engine was invented in the 1940s. Each of these inventions was improved by thousands of additional innovations. But less-obvious technologies also made transportation cheaper and faster. Manufacturing innovations, from Baldwin Locomotive Works’ record-keeping systems to Henry Ford’s assembly line to the Toyota system of just-in-time inventory, made personal transportation affordable.

Innovations in control systems were also essential. Railroads invented new management techniques as well as switching and communications systems to keep the trains on track and on time. Highway engineers developed traffic lights, interchanges, and a thousand other design and control systems to keep traffic moving.

It’s impossible, in the space of an exhibition or website, to describe even a small percentage of the innovations in transportation technology. But take a look at these videos—or just read the scripts—for a quick overview of transportation technology.

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Transportation Technology, 1800-1900

America’s earliest inhabitants and its new settlers traveled under their own steam, or harnessed the power of nature or animals to move from place to place. But the use of steam power in transportation in the early 19th century allowed people to transcend nature’s limits—to go faster, and further, and carry more than ever before.

Inventors and entrepreneurs alike tinkered with steam engines, looking for ways to use steam power to move passengers and cargo. Robert Fulton launched the first commercially successful steamboat service on the Hudson River in 1807. In a few years, steamboats were churning their way up and down American rivers and along the coasts carrying thousands of passengers and tons of cargo.

By the middle of the century, ships crossing the oceans were also powered by steam, drastically reducing travel time. A journey that would have taken more than 5 weeks in 1800, took 18 days in mid-century and only 5 days by its end.

The first commercial railroads began operating in the 1830’s. American inventors modified British designs, devising more efficient and faster locomotives. Engineers built bridges, and tunnels, and laid tens of thousands of miles of track. By 1890, railroads hauled more than half a billion passengers and over 690 million tons of cargo.

Steam locomotives were lauded as the best and most powerful means of transport between cities and over long distances. Within cities, however, they were seen as dangerous and were often banned by municipal authorities. Instead, carriages and streetcars transported residents around the city.

By the end of the 19th century, steam engines in the bellies of ships and locomotives had changed the landscape and the lives of Americans.

But it would not be long before a new kind of engine and a new mode of transport would capture the hearts and minds of farmer and city-dweller alike.

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Transportation Technology, 1900-1950

In the first half of the century, inventors harnessed new kinds of power to both old and new kinds of transportation. Electric motors and internal combustion engines powered boats, trolleys, trains, automobiles and airplanes.

Most railroad locomotives still ran on steam, but in the 1920s, railroads began to experiment with other forms of power. Some electrified their tracks and locomotives and others introduced diesel engines, ultimately allowing trains to move more freight with fewer workers.On the ocean, ships became more efficient as oil replaced coal for fuel. And in coastal and inland waters, commercial fishing boats and pleasure craft took off powered by new internal combustion engines.

Early versions of the automobile were fueled by steam and electricity, as well as gasoline. But two factors helped push gasoline-powered cars to the head of the pack: internal combustion engines were lighter and more efficient than their steam counterparts, and new oil discoveries meant a steady and bountiful supply of cheap gasoline. These new vehicles were primitive at first-they had to be cranked to start and many of the features we take for granted such as lights and turn signals weren’t included in the original package. After 1919, the self-starting engine made automobiles easier to use. And in the 1920’s all-weather travel became possible when closed cars became the norm and features such as heaters were added.

The internal combustion engine not only propelled people down the road, it sent them skyward as well. Thanks to a homemade engine and two hand carved propellers, Orville Wright took the first flight in 1903-he was airborne for 12 seconds. Five years later, with a new and improved plane, he and his brother Wilbur flew for over an hour. In the next fifty years, advances in aeronautical design and piston engines made it possible for pilots to fly higher, faster and farther.

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Transportation Technology, 1950-2000

After World War II, futurists imagined carplanes in every garage, mail delivered by rocket, and personal transporters that could beam us across town. But that future never happened. The cars, planes, trains, and ships of 2000 don’t look too different from the ones we saw in 1950. But behind the scenes-in the cockpit and bridge, in the control tower and under the hood nearly everything has changed.

The jet engine took planes to new heights, providing a smoother and faster ride. The diesel engine replaced the steam engine in trains. And in cars, new electronic devices controlled ignition, combustion, and exhaust.

But more than mechanical wizardry, it was computers that transformed transportation in the late 20th century. In cars, they controlled the transmission, temperature and even helped drivers apply the brakes. Advanced computer systems in air traffic control tracked 32,000 flights per day. They helped control trains and urban mass transit systems. Radar and new navigational technologies made ship travel safer. Dispatchers managed more trucks with increased efficiency. Computers hooked into satellite systems kept track of every barge, every train, every truck-and even every package in the system.

As for the future, who knows what it holds. Perhaps rocketships and transporters to beam us across town. What is clear is technology will continue to change transportation and transportation will continue to change our lives.

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Macedonia wins more international high-tech investment

The UK-based precious metals corporation, Johnson Matthey, is the latest international company to locate new high-tech production facilities in the Republic of Macedonia. The company has decided to build a state-of-the-art factory to manufacture catalytic converters for global export in one of Macedonia’s four technological-industrial development zones. It is another step on the road to recovery for Macedonia as an international supplier of automotive components – a role that had apparently disappeared with the collapse of the former Yugoslav car industry. Other multinational component manufacturers have also shifted their European bases to Macedonia, alongside information technology and pharmaceutical companies. They have all been lured by a combination of official investment incentives, good transport and communications networks and a skilled local labour force.

Macedonia’s government says its top priority is to attract foreign direct investment, a markedly pro-business stance that distinguishing the country from its neighbours. Its strategy is backed by the World Bank which has ranked Macedonia as the fourth best market reformer worldwide. The Bank has, in particular, praised the government’s tax cuts and reforms in tax procedures. Macedonia says it now offers investors the most attractive fiscal package in Europe, with a flat rate of 10% for corporate and personal income tax - and no tax at all levied on re-invested profits.

Macedonia’s efforts to cut red tape for business have also gone down well in the World Bank and the European Union. The so-called ‘regulatory guillotine’ project, for example, allows entrepreneurs to register a new company in less than four hours and at a cost of just €42. The European Commission recently commented: “In June, the authorities started to implement the ‘regulatory guillotine’, involving a significant reduction of redundant legislation, introduction of the ‘silence is consent’ principle’, lowering of fees in a number of areas and simplification and shortening of a number of procedures.” The Commission’s Progress Report on Macedonia published last November also underlined Macedonia’s sustained macroeconomic stability, a reduction of the trade deficit, a payback of foreign debt and an increase in official reserves.

The Macedonian government has also established four technological-industrial development zones, or free economic zones, which are planned to become hubs for

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clean manufacturing industries and the development of new technologies. Investors in these TIDZ are entitled to a 10-year exemption on corporate income tax and a 50% cut in personal income tax for five years. They are also exempt from VAT and customs duties on goods, raw materials, equipment and machines. Land in these zones is available for long-term lease of up to 99 years at concessionary rates.

Another crucial attraction for foreign investors is Macedonia’s strategic location in the centre of south-east Europe; it sits at the crossroad of the major trans-European Corridors 8 and 10. A well-developed transport infrastructure enables swift access to assembly plants in central Europe and Turkey. And, since Macedonia is less than one day’s drive from most central European countries, manufacturers benefit from low transportation costs for both their products and parts. Transport experts calculate, for example, that it takes a maximum of two days to truck 20 tons of goods from Macedonia to German plants in Munich at a cost of around €1,300. An equivalent delivery to Gebze in Turkey would take less than one day and cost about €1,000.

Macedonia also prides itself on an abundant, flexible, highly skilled and competitive work force. The average monthly gross salary is €370, among the lowest in Europe. Viktor Mizo, head of the republic’s investment promotion agency, observed that, “Excess capacity and low average wages put the country in an excellent position to capitalise on leading manufacturers’ search for new, reliable markets in eastern Europe.” He added the flexible labour market in Macedonia contrasts with the situation in most central European economies, which suffer from over-investment and outward labour migration. Meanwhile, economies further east lack the stability necessary for major investment projects, Mizo noted.

The value of the country’s skilled workers is already evident in the automotive sector, where local companies supply multinationals with clutches and engine blocks. The country’s long tradition of producing car components means Macedonia is now particularly well-placed to manufacture high value-to-weight and labor-intensive products such as safety systems, electronic components, precision plastic products, aluminum and zinc die-casting and grey iron casting components.

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And, if the workforce lacks any specific skills needed by foreign investors, Macedonia’s universities and other educational institutions are willing to provide courses to match international requirements. For instance, the Department of Mechanical Engineering in Skopje helped to train 165 students in anticipation of demand from Johnson Controls, which began pilot production of high-end electronic components in Macedonia last December.

The presence in Macedonia of international corporations such as Société Générale, T-Mobile, Mobilkom Austria, EVN, Johnson Controls, Johnson Matthey, Lukoil, Siemens and many others indicates that the republic has succeeded in creating a highly favourable business environment. The government’s comprehensive incentives package, together with the image-building and awareness-raising promotional campaign ‘Invest in Macedonia,’ has put the country firmly on the world investment map.

The Effects of Advances in Transportation Technology on Global Business

Transportation of goods is one of the most important issues of international trade, as the speed of delivery and preservation of products' quality are major success factors for companies. For this reason, businesses turn to reliable shipping companies that use the latest technological advancements to ensure safe and efficient delivery. From the invention of rail transport to modern tracking systems, transportation technology has brought a revolution in global business.

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Faster Speed of Delivery

The term "transportation technology" refers to all advancements since the invention of the wheel. However, the invention of rail transport was the turning point for international trade. It allowed fast delivery of goods within days or weeks instead of months, as was the case with carriages. The invention of the internal combustion engine made trade possible in places not served by railway. Furthermore, modern cargo airplanes have made it possible to transport goods between continents in a matter of hours.

Sensor Telemetry

A major concern for businesses from the time they authorize a shipment until they receive feedback from the buyer is the condition of the products and the progress of the delivery. Digital wireless sensor telemetry technology now provides senders with information on the cargo en route, including its destination, the speed at which it is moving, and the temperature of its environment. This technology allows businesses to track shipments and communicate with a shipping company in case of delays or harmful conditions for the goods.

Accessibility of International Trade

Faster transportation methods have made exports an important aspect for businesses seeking to expand into new markets. Companies for which domestic demand is not sufficient, such as Microsoft, Apple or Samsung in South Korea, rely on fast and reliable transportation options for continued growth. According former New Jersey Secretary of Agriculture, Charles M. Kuperus, international trade allowed agricultural businesses to contribute $68.7 billion to the U.S. economy in 2006.

Globalization in Production

Product instructions are most often written in multiple languages these days. Since technological advancements in transportation have made international trade easier and faster in recent decades, companies have focused on making their products attractive and accessible to consumers of diverse markets.

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Modern Transportation Technology

Automotive technology is constantly evolving and new technologies are implemented all the time. Some of the technology applicable to modern vehicles is factory incorporated; however, the consumer can also purchase and install modern automotive technologies such as navigational tools independently at any time after purchasing the vehicle. Evolving technologies lead to complexities in the car's functioning, involving advantages and drawbacks in terms of vehicle manufacture, maintenance and operation.

Developing Technology

As described in the article "Modern Automotive Electronics" at Certifiedmastertech.com, when car manufacturers first incorporate a new technology in a vehicle, the ultimate test case is the automobile consumer. First passes at technologies often result in problems that require maintenance at consumer expense. Still, some anticipated developments show considerable promise. Two developments singled out by "Modern Automotive Electronics" are movable headlights, which illuminate twisting roads better than current headlights, and intelligent cruise control, which is sensitive to approaching cars ahead of the car with this cruise control on board.

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Automotive Electronic

According to the "Modern Automotive Electronics," electronics control approximately 75 percent of the modern automobile's functioning. These electronics operate to control such systems as anti-lock brakes, transmission function, fuel flow to achieve lower fuel consumption in conjunction with better performance and tailpipe emissions among others. Advantages to increased levels of automotive electronics include rapid system monitoring, and the lightweight nature of electronic components, which again leads to increased mileage without correspondingly diminishing overall vehicular performance.

Navigation Tools

Navigation tools are another commonplace category of automotive technology. A number of different types of navigation aids have appeared on the market: some built-in by manufacturers; others the consumer can purchase separately. This technology involves the use of computerized maps, which either display on a screen, use audio to give voice directions or both. Some systems also incorporate Global Positioning System technology, which allows pinpointing locations through use of satellite signals. A navigation system may involve both on-board technology and use of a service staffed by real people, such as the OnStar system in some General Motors vehicles.

Drawback: Complexity

Continually evolving automotive technological development has drawbacks as well as advantages. In terms of manufacture and maintenance, a high level of complexity results in certain challenges. Rapid technological changes result in challenges for designers to come up with continual innovations. For the manufacturer, increasing complexity provides both a design challenge and a cost-of-production challenge. The rapid increase in innovation also results in a need for service personnel to pursue continual skills updating. Operators may find controls for complex technologies confusing. All these aspects of rapidly changing technology present drawbacks.

Drawback: Distraction

From the perspective of the vehicle owner/operator, you find another set of drawbacks related to the overload of modern technologies incorporated into vehicles. Such technologies as navigation aids can, in some circumstances, provide significant assistance to the driver. In other circumstances, however, on-board navigation systems can contribute to driver distraction and increase risk of getting into a serious accident as described in PopularMechanics.com. Navigation systems are just one example: some modern cars with complex technological innovations incorporate an array of distracting features leading to compromised attention while driving and engendering a serious safety hazard.

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References

http://amhistory.si.edu/onthemove/themes/story_50_1.html

http://www.mappingtheglobe.com/modern-transportation-technology/

http://www.ehow.com/info_8160779_effects-transportation-technology-global-business.html

http://www.ehow.com/about_5923283_modern-transportation-technology.html

http://www.europesworld.org/NewEnglish/Home_old/Article/tabid/191/ArticleType/articleview/ArticleID/20625/language/en-US/Default.aspx

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