Recent findings from patent filings highlighted in WIPO’s Technology Trends report on the Future of Transportation paint an exciting picture of a near future where traffic pollution is reduced, traffic jams are minimized, and air travel across the globe can be accomplished in just a few hours.
WIPO stated, “An analysis of patents reveals that inventors are dedicated to creating cleaner and more efficient transportation methods for the future.” The report indicated a 700% increase in patent filings for future transportation technologies over the past two decades, from 15,000 inventions in 2003 to 120,000 in 2023.
The report highlighted the revolution in sea transportation with autonomous ships and smart ports, as well as advancements on land with electric vehicles, high-speed trains, and smart traffic management systems. Additionally, new air travel options include vertical take-off and landing aircraft, reusable rockets, and satellite technology.
This surge in innovation is fueled by the recognition that transportation contributes significantly to global CO2 emissions, driving the development of sustainable technologies like electrified propulsion, renewable energy sources, and public/shared transport options.
WIPO also emphasized the role of digitalization in transforming the transportation sector, particularly with the projected revenue generation of autonomous driving reaching $300 billion to $400 billion by 2035.
Patent Power
WIPO highlighted the crucial role of intellectual property in supporting groundbreaking innovations like wireless charging for electric vehicles by incentivizing investment in research and development. The competition for rare earth minerals and the growing influence of AI were also underscored in the report.
The data showed a slowdown in patenting activity for legacy products like internal combustion engines and fossil fuel-based systems, signaling a shift towards sustainable alternatives in transportation. Over 1.1 million inventions since 2000 have reshaped transportation, introducing sustainable solutions like renewable energy cells, air taxis, and self-piloting cargo ships.
Top inventors in transportation innovation include China, Japan, the US, South Korea, and Germany, with land transportation patents dominating global filings. Sustainable propulsion technologies, such as batteries for electric vehicles and hydrogen fuel cells, are driving efforts to ensure cleaner and more climate-friendly transportation methods.
Experts anticipate a significant role for AI in future transport solutions, with autonomous driving on the rise. However, infrastructure challenges may hinder the widespread adoption of autonomous vehicles.
Challenges Ahead
The scarcity of minerals could impact the mass adoption of electric cars, as vehicles utilizing rare earth minerals for personal use may not be the most efficient use of resources. In the air sector, drones are projected to continue their growth, though concerns about visual and noise pollution remain.
Transport patent growth in China has been particularly strong, given its leadership in the electric vehicle market. Other countries like Sweden, Italy, India, and Canada have also contributed significantly to patent filings in the transportation sector.
