メンバーは課題を金曜までに読んで、ノートにも写して「質問を１つ」考えてきて下さい。
今週は「次世代の自動車」から。自動運転だと朝食は車内でというふうになってくるのかな？
（日本語全訳が欲しい方は [email protected]、Kazueまで）
radio technology 無線技術
communication network 通信網
give a boost to ... 〜を後押しする
technological innovation 技術革新
lifestyle 生活様式
beloved car 愛車
Automobiles are said to have entered a period of revolutionary change that comes once in a century. Around 1900, Daimler invented the first automobile in the world, and an electric vehicle also appeared.
In those days, Guglielmo Marconi succeeded in an experiment to send a radio transmission across the Atlantic Ocean. Radio technology has progressed, and the practical use of radio communication networks with speeds 100 times faster than current ones will come within sight around 2020.
To realize a self-driving car, the definitive next-generation vehicle, an advanced communication network is indispensable to avoid collisions with other vehicles. The evolution of EVs with many electronically controlled parts will likely give a boost to self-driving technology.
Various technological innovations that have been in the works for a century are nearing realization. Kazuhiko Toyama, who served as chairman of the government’s Council for Science, Technology and Innovation, anticipated a change in lifestyles surrounding automobiles in his book titled “AI Keiei de Kaisha wa Yomigaeru” (Companies will revive through management using artificial intelligence), published by Bungeishunju Ltd. In the same way that methods of transportation changed from horses to automobiles and horse-riding clubs appeared for leisure-time enjoyment, “car-driving clubs” will surely appear in the age of vehicles with fully automatic operations. On holidays, members will enjoy taking beloved cars — kept at a driving course.
In October, the Tokyo Motor Show will be held. The event may present the future look of automobiles.
（Japan News）
