Challenges and a Path forward for Aerial People Movers
An Aerial People Mover will be built within the next 20 years. We have used up all of our two dimensional options for urban transportation. What we have left is the third dimension. We finally have the technology to create the totally green transportation system that was never before possible. The question is not if, but when.
APM is a totally novel concept. There are no university research being done and no private venture capitalist are working on APM development. No government has the APM concept even in their radar. So how does an new idea like APM get exposure? By people like you who are interested enough to read to the end of the website.
There are many reasons why it will be difficult to build the first APM.
1. Although all of the technology used in the APM is currently available, people, business and government are always reluctant to commit to anything that is considered new, controversial and unproven.
2. There is little incentive for capitalist to fund research on the APM because without full governmental co-
3. Because the APM can only function efficiently as a network of neighbor hubs and not a linear group of connected ropeways, the initial scope of the project is beyond the commitment of most cities.
4. Since the carriers are traveling above ground, passengers can see long distances even into windows and backyards. Because of the size of the APM network, the area of visibility is large and the issue of invasion of privacy is real.
6. For a variety of reasons, the United States will probably not take the lead in the development of an APM. There is a greater chance for building a successful APM in countries where the government places more value on economic growth than a perceived invasion of privacy.
7. China will most likely take the lead in the development of the first APM. Their combination of capital, strong government control, engineering talent and manufacturing strength can quickly create an operational prototype. Once the first operational AMP demonstrates the benefits of reduced pollution and economic growth the APM will be quickly duplicated.
What is a pathway for the APM to be real?
1. Exposure The Internet is the gateway to public, private and governmental awareness of the APM. Only through the Internet will the APM concept become recognized by those who see its potential and have the ability to move the concept to fruition.
2. Communications. Today’s connected social medial is the most powerful source of communications in the history of the world. The APM concept will be discovered only by people like you sharing with friends and interested professionals who can recognize the potential.
3. University Research. The first phase of the future APM is the development of a computer simulation model. The model will simulate the operation of any APM system in any configuration. The model will confirm the capacity and flexibility of the APM network in a real environment and lower the risk of financial failure.
4. LSM Terminal. The use of LSM to control individual carrier movement in a ropeway terminal has never been tried. The cost of the development of the LSM controlled hub will require federal government investment. Once the prototype is constructed, the design will be duplicated and improved upon for all new APM systems.
5. Prototype Development. A fully functional hub with links will be built and tested using all of the newly developed components. These components include carriers, hub machinery design, RFID readers, network communications, tower design and other interface issues. The Network control system will be operated under real time conditions.
6. Network Control Software There is no data mining code-
7. Initial Installation. The first APM will be built in a country that is committed to the success of the system. The commitment will only be made after the successful design of the LSM prototype terminal and the development of the Network Control Software. The initial installation will be a true network of hubs that will verify the concept of software.
8. Acceptance. Successful inventions are quickly duplicated. When the initial system is successful both in moving passengers and is profitable, the concept has become real and will quickly expand to other areas.