Roads Of The Future

[Dead Eye]

I saw this online and it looks quite interesting. It's only in the US at the moment, but it would be awesome if it took off. It's currently trending so here's to hoping that it hits it's target

[darrsi]

Why can't they invent a beer or cider that's actually good for you? 

[Fazerider]

Sounds like a complete non-starter.
Quite apart from the cost issue of solar panels and associated energy storage, together with the fact that at our latitude they're going to be at a sub-optimal angle to the sun, the road surface is supposed to provide grip. If they make this glass/ceramic material rough enough that it doesn't cause thousands of accidents every time there's rain, it's going to get filthy and the sunlight will be absorbed before it gets to the photovoltaics.

[Dead Eye]

There are definitely concerns but I still think it shows promise for the future. The company must be able to demonstrate solutions to the issues you raise otherwise they wouldn't have gotten any funding to start with. They are currently on their 3rd phase (mass production I believe) and have raised $630k+ in 3 weeks

[chaz]

well they won't be getting any of my money.....................

[Exupnut]

Good.... BUT..... Is it christoT proof???

[Hedgetrimmer]

Yeah right. They can't even keep up with repairing the roads we've got    - filed under B.

[Dead Eye]

Beginning to think I'm the only one with a positive mindset... that in itself is scary :P

[dazza]

Diesel spill and a bit of rain on a tempered glass road surface. Sounds interesting.

[risticuss]

You're not the only one Dead-Eye. If they work it would be really cool. Tyre manufacturers would probably have to develop new compounds that would suit the surface better as they've been working with tarmac and concrete as a standard. If ceramic/tempered glass was the new standard they'd have to work to that. Plus... last time I checked, diesel and tarmac didn't go too well together ;-)

[Hedgetrimmer]

I've never really understood why diesel and tarmac NEED to be able to get along. Why not work on preventing diesel spills in the first place?

To be fair, if minds like these never came up with new stuff, we'd never get anywhere, and likely would still just be getting around to cutting the corners off square wheels. But the sheer expense of such a system is going to prevent their employment for many years, maybe decades to come. Solve THAT and you may have a goer.

Shit, this positive thinking lark is hard work ain't it? Foc it, it'll never happen 

[Dead Eye]

I think it would be easier to lay concerns given the chance to see the material up close. To my knowledge, it has passed all tests relevant to traction and friction requirements for road use so I would imagine they've taken these sorts of things in to consideration during the design.

In any case, it will be interesting to follow and see if it takes off, I have my fingers crossed

[kawasutra]

The materials are allegedly heated so claim to promise ice free roads forever.


Each hexagon can be replaced individually, so "road repairs" would become easier.


It's going to take a LOT to get this, ahem, off the ground. I want whatever the inventors are smoking though!!



[/size]

[esetest]

I think its a great idea with ahem plenty of potential , it could initially be tried in large car parks  to see how it works out practically .
Thank FOC for the inventors of the world , otherwise we would still be living in caves .