Episode 47

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Published on:

7th Jan 2025

From quirky prototypes to everyday transport technology with TV legend Michael Rodd

Today on Highways the legendary TV technology journalist Michael Rodd shares memories of his time on flagship BBC TV show Tomorrow's World, as he remembers the early technology innovations that paved the way for what we take for granted in the 2020s.

This episode dives into the fascinating evolution of technology in transport technology and highways, from a quirky cassette-based navigation solution to prototypes in driverless cars, and how he made the first ever televised mobile phone call.

For decision-makers in the highways industry, it offers a rare opportunity to understand how early innovations shaped the solutions we rely on today.

In today's programme, you'll discover how a 1971 cassette-based navigation system laid the groundwork for modern GPS technology, gain insights into the challenges and breakthroughs in developing transformative transport technologies like maglev systems and driverless cars and learn valuable lessons from the Concorde story about aligning technological innovation with real-world business needs.

Hit play now to uncover the untold stories behind the technologies revolutionising the highway and travel industries—stories that could inspire your next big decision. 

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About the Podcast

Highways Voices: Talking Roads and Transport Technology innovation
The highways and transport technology industries' podcast from Highways-News.com
The Highways Voices podcast is a must-listen for professionals in the Highways and Transport Technology industries covering construction, maintenance, Intelligent Transport Systems and Public Transportation.

Presented by leading journalists Paul Hutton and Adrian Tatum, you’ll hear industry leaders sharing insights you won’t hear anywhere else, giving you a taste of the latest thinking about the sector's new techniques and technologies, collaborations and innovations. All in the time it takes for an average daily commute (or dog walk!).

We bring you keynote-speaker quality guests into your phone or laptop, ensuring every time you listen you’ll learn something new you can use in your day-to-day job.

Plus, you'll catch up with the top stories from the daily newsletters sent by Highways-News.com and hear the latest from our podcast partners LCRIG, the TTF, ADEPT and ITS UK.

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Highways Voices

Highways Voices is the weekly podcast from Highways-News.com. In it, Paul Hutton and Adrian Tatum speak to thought leaders, decision makers and inventors in the highways and transport technology industries. New editions are unloaded every Wednesday.