BBC’s 1986 Peek at Satellite Navigation Previewed the 21st Century for Cars

In 1986, BBC's Tomorrow's World previewed two car navigation systems: one with an onboard computer using "bubble memory" for digital maps and voice directions, and another utilizing roadside computers for real-time traffic updates. Despite primitive interfaces, these prototypes demonstrated remarkable foresight. The roadside system could detect congestion and reroute drivers, showcasing potential vehicle-infrastructure communication. While raising questions about costs, these early concepts laid the groundwork for modern GPS technology.