Museum of the Future and RTA display new methods of travel

On display to the public will be jetpacks, medical drones and the next generation of autonomous vehicles

The Museum of the Future in Dubai has joined forces with the Roads and Transport Authority to give visitors a glimpse of what lies ahead for travellers. The 'Tomorrow, Today' exhibition features cutting edge concepts such as jetpacks, medical drones and autonomous vehicles. All photos: RTA

The newly opened Museum of the Future and its partner Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority will give visitors a look at how travel and services like health care and education will fit together in a smart city concept.

The exhibition from Museum of the Future and Dubai RTA will put a surprising spin on modes of travel that most of us use every day.

The Museum of the Future and RTA's 'Tomorrow, Today' exhibition will introduce visitors to a dynamic wireless charging system for electric vehicles and buses in motion using shaped magnetic field in resonance technology.

Highlights of the 'Tomorrow, Today' exhibition from the Museum of the Future and Dubai RTA include transport prototypes that use artificial intelligence and machine learning

In keeping with the Museum of the Future's mission to put innovation to work for a better tomorrow, it and Dubai RTA will offer concepts for greener, more sustainable mass transport systems from developers around the world.

The newly opened Museum of the Future has joined forces with Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) to reveal what lies in store when it comes to the future of travel.

The “Tomorrow, Today” exhibition will display cutting-edge concepts such as jetpacks, medical drones and the next generation of autonomous vehicles.

The exhibition is scheduled to run indefinitely.

The RTA will also showcase a dynamic wireless charging system for electric vehicles and buses in motion using Shaped Magnetic Field In Resonance (SMFIR) technology, which has already been tested in Dubai Silicon Oasis. This network could be installed under roads to provide smart wireless charging of electric vehicles as they drive through the city.

Highlights of the exhibition will include prototypes that use artificial intelligence and machine learning, and new ideas for greener, more sustainable mass transport systems being presented by developers from around the world.

“The rapid technological and industrial changes brought about by the Fourth Industrial Revolution, especially in the field of autonomous transportation, will reshape the future of mobility, provide new means of transportation, and develop current means of transportation in line with future trends,” said Mattar Mohammed Al Tayer, Director General of the RTA.

The authority is conducting pilot tests on different types of autonomous vehicles, developing the infrastructure for servicing self-driving vehicles and air taxis, and enhancing society's adoption of this technology, he said.

The “Tomorrow, Today” exhibition will be a constantly evolving showcase of innovations, created in collaboration with both public and private partners from around the world, and exploring how designers, researchers and corporations are responding to the most urgent challenges.

“As one of the world’s smartest cities, our strategic partnership with Dubai’s RTA will accelerate the adoption of next-generation future mobility solutions and cement Dubai’s global position as a hub for new technologies,” said Khalfan Belhoul, chief executive of the Dubai Future Foundation.

“We are delighted to deepen our partnership with RTA, a true pioneer in developing integrated transport ecosystems, and look forward to showcasing exciting technologies for the first time in Dubai that will shape the future of cities and communities everywhere.”

Museum of the Future children's floor: in pictures

The colours and materials of the Future Heroes exhibit in the Museum of the Future create an environment that lends itself to thought, innovation and creativity. All photos: Gemma White for The National

Fox, 6, creates drawings using light on the soft walls of the Design Lab.

In the Imagine Lab, 'orbs' are selected from four sense categories and placed into 'flowers' to create interactive images that children can immerse themselves in.

Trainers are on hand to give children different challenges to earn digital badges.

Indiana, 9, gets creative in the Build Lab, where an array of poles and brackets encourage creativity and design, and children are rewarded with a 'rain' shower.

Caspian, 3, builds a tower using the different-sized cork blocks in the area for children aged 3 and under.

From left, Caspian, 3, Fox, 6, and Indiana, 9 outside the Museum of the Future. One of the levels is dedicated to encouraging goal-sharing and innovation among children.

The Rocket Tower and chute proves that the classic children's climbing frame, even with a modern twist, never goes out of date.

The Balance Balloon and in-ground trampoline encourage children to consider how they move in their physicality, as well as navigating mental and creative spaces.

Indiana engages with the 'orbs' and 'flowers' in the Imagine Lab, selecting from the 'See' category.