Weekly Download 14.19

Here’s a recap of news and notes from around the Web that caught my attention over the past week or so. There’s a theme: innovations in the auto industry.

I have been following the Google car and other self-driving car developments.  While it may not result in a “George Jetson” type world, there could be many derivative impacts or alternative vehicle types (see In Australian Mines, 50-Foot Robot Trucks Take Dangerous Work From Humans).

In today’s world of innovation, many disruptive changes and approaches are coming from outside traditional industries and disciplines.  Interlopers are bringing new ways of thinking and can often shatter long-standing paradigms that have existed in an industry. One automotive expert quoted in an article I read noted that Google has accomplished more in the past year of development than he thought would be accomplished in his entire remaining career!

Who are the disrupters that are encroaching in your industry? How are they stirring things up and realizing large-scale change?

Learn more:

• The CEO of Tesla Motors predicts that a fully autonomous car will be available in only five or six years.
• Meanwhile, Local Motors has created the world’s first 3D-printed car.
• Self-driving cars are coming soon. Cadillac is planning to launch its new semi-autonomous Super Drive system in 2017.