Julio Gil: Future tech will give you the benefits of city life anywhere

Future tech will give you the benefits of city life anywhere

Don't believe predictions that say the future is trending towards city living. Urbanization is actually reaching the end of its cycle, says logistics expert Julio Gil, and soon more people will be choosing to live (and work) in the countryside, thanks to rapid advances in augmented reality, autonomous delivery, off-the-grid energy and other technologies. Think outside city walls and consider the advantages of country living with this forward-thinking talk.

Urbanization may soon reverse course as new technologies let people enjoy city perks anywhere. With over 80 percent of US workers wanting to work from home and e-commerce topping two trillion dollars, advances like augmented reality, drones, and off-the-grid energy are shrinking the gap between rural and urban life. The shift promises more affordable living, lower crime rates, and stronger social ties in smaller communities. As city density drops, both city and country living could become better balanced and more fulfilling.