Elon Musk: The future we're building -- and boring | TED | Highlights and Annotations by Gistr.

Musk addresses the high cost of traditional tunneling and proposes a tenfold cost reduction through two key strategies: reducing tunnel diameter and implementing continuous tunneling and reinforcing. He explains how these methods, along with increasing machine power, can significantly lower the cost per mile of tunnel construction. Musk details his vision for a three-dimensional network of tunnels beneath Los Angeles to alleviate traffic congestion. He explains the innovative design incorporating elevators and "car skates" for seamless integration into the city's infrastructure, emphasizing the potential for multiple tunnel levels to address any level of urban congestion. Musk discusses how the widespread adoption of autonomous and shared electric vehicles could paradoxically worsen traffic congestion due to increased affordability and point-to-point travel. He contrasts this with the initial belief that autonomous vehicles would alleviate traffic. Musk explains Tesla's approach to autonomous driving using only cameras and GPS, without lidar or radar. He highlights the company's progress towards achieving cross-country autonomous driving by the end of 2017, emphasizing the role of data accumulation from its existing fleet of Teslas. Musk contrasts his tunnel vision with the popular concept of flying cars. He argues that flying cars would be noisy, generate high wind forces, and create an anxiety-inducing environment, making them an inferior solution to underground transportation. This segment focuses on SpaceX's successful development of reusable rockets, detailing the challenges overcome and the significance of achieving reusable orbital boosters. The discussion highlights the speed and efficiency of the reusable rocket technology and its impact on future space exploration. Musk unveils a teaser of Tesla's upcoming heavy-duty semi-truck, emphasizing its superior torque and range compared to diesel counterparts. He then transitions to showcasing Tesla's solar glass roof tiles, highlighting their aesthetic appeal, affordability, and durability. Elon Musk articulates his vision for a future that includes space exploration and a multi-planet species, emphasizing the importance of having inspiring goals and the potential for a Mars city. The segment contrasts the inevitability of sustainable energy with the non-inevitable nature of space colonization, highlighting the importance of proactive effort in achieving the latter.