Brian Howey column: Indiana on an artificial intelligence revolution precipice

On July 4, 1894, American inventor Elwood Haynes drove one of America’s first gasoline-powered automobiles, “The Pioneer”, thus marking a precursor to significant changes in society.
The development of the automobile created a need for paved roads and contributed to the development of an economic class system due to varying accessibility.
The automobile altered societal mobility and lifestyle significantly which could potentially lead to the development of urban sprawl and changing demographics.
Haynes’ car introduced the use of a gasoline engine, which later became the standard for automobiles, affecting the entire auto industry.
There were major advancements in the automotive industry in the subsequent years with the introduction of the assembly line method by Henry Ford, mass production, and widespread use of more advanced fuel technologies.
Initially, many challenges like infrastructure development and fuel consumption were present and had to be overcome to fully realize the potential of the automobile.
The invention marked the beginning of significant changes in transportation with long-lasting effects on modern society, paving the way for future innovation.
The automobile also had economic impacts since the manufacturing, fueling, maintenance, and insurance of vehicles contributed to the creation of various industries and job sectors.