OT: OMG!!! I found MY NEW way to go to work!!! Who wants one??!!

whoa.  That would be cool.  The top speed I saw in the video was 49, so it might take a while, but that would be so sweet.

site says 100 km/h which is about 62 mph

Will take one! Would be great for my work around the country)

$90k and 210# capacity will limit its broader appeal,  but a neat toy for the rich little people  :p

Drone technology on steroids. 

Cool little machine, but I'd like to know what redundant little systems are in place in case one of those 8 blades F's up. 

Personal drones will fly the skies and one day airports as we know them will
be obsolete.  Imagine calling Uber in January from your home in MN, ND, or
SD and having a ride directly to your Florida beach house rental.  I think it could/will
happen.

@"HappyViking" said: Personal drones will fly the skies and one day airports as we know them will be obsolete.  Imagine calling Uber in January from your home in MN, ND, or SD and having a ride directly to your Florida beach house rental.  I think it could/will happen.

I don't see that happening. The first grotesque accident (and it will happen) where one of these falls out of the sky and the inhabitant makes a pulpy mess, and you'll see interest wane significantly. Also, the ability to go up to 30,000 feet and cruise in pressurized air makes for quick and incredibly safe travel. Going 60 mph from Minneapolis to Florida would only take what, 25 hours?  =) And what about bad weather at low altitudes? How many times would you have to stop to recharge/refuel? Its cold up in the air the farther you get. 

This is cool and all but for mass transit? No way. For personal trips that are short or in high density cities? I see more of a possibility for sure in that regard. But still: look at that tiny ass carriage. And hit one bird and it could bash your face in or cause you to plummet to your death. Doesn't look at all practical from any standpoint other than its 'really cool'. 

@"StickyBun" said:

@"HappyViking" said: Personal drones will fly the skies and one day airports as we know them will be obsolete.  Imagine calling Uber in January from your home in MN, ND, or SD and having a ride directly to your Florida beach house rental.  I think it could/will happen.

I don't see that happening. The first grotesque accident (and it will happen) where one of these falls out of the sky and the inhabitant makes a pulpy mess, and you'll see interest wane significantly. Also, the ability to go up to 30,000 feet and cruise in pressurized air makes for quick and incredibly safe travel. Going 60 mph from Minneapolis to Florida would only take what, 25 hours?  =) And what about bad weather at low altitudes? How many times would you have to stop to recharge/refuel? Its cold up in the air the farther you get. 

This is cool and all but for mass transit? No way. For personal trips that are short or in high density cities? I see more of a possibility for sure in that regard. But still: look at that tiny ass carriage. And hit one bird and it could bash your face in or cause you to plummet to your death. Doesn't look at all practical from any standpoint other than its 'really cool'. 

@"HappyViking" said:

@"StickyBun" said:

@"HappyViking" said: Personal drones will fly the skies and one day airports as we know them will be obsolete.  Imagine calling Uber in January from your home in MN, ND, or SD and having a ride directly to your Florida beach house rental.  I think it could/will happen.

I don't see that happening. The first grotesque accident (and it will happen) where one of these falls out of the sky and the inhabitant makes a pulpy mess, and you'll see interest wane significantly. Also, the ability to go up to 30,000 feet and cruise in pressurized air makes for quick and incredibly safe travel. Going 60 mph from Minneapolis to Florida would only take what, 25 hours?  =) And what about bad weather at low altitudes? How many times would you have to stop to recharge/refuel? Its cold up in the air the farther you get. 

This is cool and all but for mass transit? No way. For personal trips that are short or in high density cities? I see more of a possibility for sure in that regard. But still: look at that tiny ass carriage. And hit one bird and it could bash your face in or cause you to plummet to your death. Doesn't look at all practical from any standpoint other than its 'really cool'. 

I wasn't thinking this will happen next year, but this is just the start of it.  I'm thinking decades (maybe 2 or 3) from now.  Yes, I do think this technology will one day make the ridiculously complicated airports as we know them obsolete.  There are now rockets taking people into space for the fun of it.  I think all transportation is going to change drastically in the next 20 to 30 years.

@"StickyBun" said:

@"HappyViking" said:

@"StickyBun" said:

@"HappyViking" said: Personal drones will fly the skies and one day airports as we know them will be obsolete.  Imagine calling Uber in January from your home in MN, ND, or SD and having a ride directly to your Florida beach house rental.  I think it could/will happen.

I don't see that happening. The first grotesque accident (and it will happen) where one of these falls out of the sky and the inhabitant makes a pulpy mess, and you'll see interest wane significantly. Also, the ability to go up to 30,000 feet and cruise in pressurized air makes for quick and incredibly safe travel. Going 60 mph from Minneapolis to Florida would only take what, 25 hours?  =) And what about bad weather at low altitudes? How many times would you have to stop to recharge/refuel? Its cold up in the air the farther you get. 

This is cool and all but for mass transit? No way. For personal trips that are short or in high density cities? I see more of a possibility for sure in that regard. But still: look at that tiny ass carriage. And hit one bird and it could bash your face in or cause you to plummet to your death. Doesn't look at all practical from any standpoint other than its 'really cool'. 

I wasn't thinking this will happen next year, but this is just the start of it.  I'm thinking decades (maybe 2 or 3) from now.  Yes, I do think this technology will one day make the ridiculously complicated airports as we know them obsolete.  There are now rockets taking people into space for the fun of it.  I think all transportation is going to change drastically in the next 20 to 30 years.

I think the direction for the next 20 years (short term) is electric cars (more of them) and autonomous vehicles. We already have a highway/road/street system in which to use. The infrastructure is there. Personal flying like in the OP? Lots more to figure out from a logistics aspect. From a safety aspect. Cost. Sustainability. ETC. Airports aren't complicated, its just a mass transit system. It inherently can be challenging moving lots of people around in the air when safety is the top concern. Billionaires are playing their billionaire games with rockets, that isn't for the everyday person and won't be for god knows how long if ever. 

We can just agree to disagree. Its cool to think about the next true innovation in travel for the everyday person. I just think its still a LONG way off. Its like A.I. which isn't anything like what they projected 15 years ago. Overhyped and underperformed. 

@"HappyViking" said:

@"StickyBun" said:

@"HappyViking" said:

@"StickyBun" said:

@"HappyViking" said: Personal drones will fly the skies and one day airports as we know them will be obsolete.  Imagine calling Uber in January from your home in MN, ND, or SD and having a ride directly to your Florida beach house rental.  I think it could/will happen.

I don't see that happening. The first grotesque accident (and it will happen) where one of these falls out of the sky and the inhabitant makes a pulpy mess, and you'll see interest wane significantly. Also, the ability to go up to 30,000 feet and cruise in pressurized air makes for quick and incredibly safe travel. Going 60 mph from Minneapolis to Florida would only take what, 25 hours?  =) And what about bad weather at low altitudes? How many times would you have to stop to recharge/refuel? Its cold up in the air the farther you get. 

This is cool and all but for mass transit? No way. For personal trips that are short or in high density cities? I see more of a possibility for sure in that regard. But still: look at that tiny ass carriage. And hit one bird and it could bash your face in or cause you to plummet to your death. Doesn't look at all practical from any standpoint other than its 'really cool'. 

I wasn't thinking this will happen next year, but this is just the start of it.  I'm thinking decades (maybe 2 or 3) from now.  Yes, I do think this technology will one day make the ridiculously complicated airports as we know them obsolete.  There are now rockets taking people into space for the fun of it.  I think all transportation is going to change drastically in the next 20 to 30 years.

I think the direction for the next 20 years (short term) is electric cars (more of them) and autonomous vehicles. We already have a highway/road/street system in which to use. The infrastructure is there. Personal flying like in the OP? Lots more to figure out from a logistics aspect. From a safety aspect. Cost. Sustainability. ETC. Airports aren't complicated, its just a mass transit system. It inherently can be challenging moving lots of people around in the air when safety is the top concern. Billionaires are playing their billionaire games with rockets, that isn't for the everyday person and won't be for god knows how long if ever. 

We can just agree to disagree. Its cool to think about the next true innovation in travel for the everyday person. I just think its still a LONG way off. Its like A.I. which isn't anything like what they projected 15 years ago. Overhyped and underperformed. 

Yep, we can agree to disagee.  Once the reliable technology exists to power transportation drones, I think alternate ways to travel will soon follow.  I also feel AI isn't failing; it's just getting started.  Have you spoken to Google or Alexa lately?   Amazon already has drones delivering purchased items directly to homes, and there are now autonomous semi-trucks that will soon hit roads delivering goods.  I feel all of the new technology will change the way we run our everyday lives and make its way to the transportation sector in my lifetime.

@"HappyViking" said:

@"StickyBun" said:

@"HappyViking" said: Personal drones will fly the skies and one day airports as we know them will be obsolete.  Imagine calling Uber in January from your home in MN, ND, or SD and having a ride directly to your Florida beach house rental.  I think it could/will happen.

I don't see that happening. The first grotesque accident (and it will happen) where one of these falls out of the sky and the inhabitant makes a pulpy mess, and you'll see interest wane significantly. Also, the ability to go up to 30,000 feet and cruise in pressurized air makes for quick and incredibly safe travel. Going 60 mph from Minneapolis to Florida would only take what, 25 hours?  =) And what about bad weather at low altitudes? How many times would you have to stop to recharge/refuel? Its cold up in the air the farther you get. 

This is cool and all but for mass transit? No way. For personal trips that are short or in high density cities? I see more of a possibility for sure in that regard. But still: look at that tiny ass carriage. And hit one bird and it could bash your face in or cause you to plummet to your death. Doesn't look at all practical from any standpoint other than its 'really cool'. 

I wasn't thinking this will happen next year, but this is just the start of it.  I'm thinking decades (maybe 2 or 3) from now.  Yes, I do think this technology will one day make the ridiculously complicated airports as we know them obsolete.  There are now rockets taking people into space for the fun of it.  I think all transportation is going to change drastically in the next 20 to 30 years.

Speaking of...

@"Skodin" said:

@"HappyViking" said:

@"StickyBun" said:

@"HappyViking" said:

@"StickyBun" said:

@"HappyViking" said: Personal drones will fly the skies and one day airports as we know them will be obsolete.  Imagine calling Uber in January from your home in MN, ND, or SD and having a ride directly to your Florida beach house rental.  I think it could/will happen.

I don't see that happening. The first grotesque accident (and it will happen) where one of these falls out of the sky and the inhabitant makes a pulpy mess, and you'll see interest wane significantly. Also, the ability to go up to 30,000 feet and cruise in pressurized air makes for quick and incredibly safe travel. Going 60 mph from Minneapolis to Florida would only take what, 25 hours?  =) And what about bad weather at low altitudes? How many times would you have to stop to recharge/refuel? Its cold up in the air the farther you get. 

This is cool and all but for mass transit? No way. For personal trips that are short or in high density cities? I see more of a possibility for sure in that regard. But still: look at that tiny ass carriage. And hit one bird and it could bash your face in or cause you to plummet to your death. Doesn't look at all practical from any standpoint other than its 'really cool'. 

I wasn't thinking this will happen next year, but this is just the start of it.  I'm thinking decades (maybe 2 or 3) from now.  Yes, I do think this technology will one day make the ridiculously complicated airports as we know them obsolete.  There are now rockets taking people into space for the fun of it.  I think all transportation is going to change drastically in the next 20 to 30 years.

I think the direction for the next 20 years (short term) is electric cars (more of them) and autonomous vehicles. We already have a highway/road/street system in which to use. The infrastructure is there. Personal flying like in the OP? Lots more to figure out from a logistics aspect. From a safety aspect. Cost. Sustainability. ETC. Airports aren't complicated, its just a mass transit system. It inherently can be challenging moving lots of people around in the air when safety is the top concern. Billionaires are playing their billionaire games with rockets, that isn't for the everyday person and won't be for god knows how long if ever. 

We can just agree to disagree. Its cool to think about the next true innovation in travel for the everyday person. I just think its still a LONG way off. Its like A.I. which isn't anything like what they projected 15 years ago. Overhyped and underperformed. 

Yep, we can agree to disagee.  Once the reliable technology exists to power transportation drones, I think alternate ways to travel will soon follow.  I also feel AI isn't failing; it's just getting started.  Have you spoken to Google or Alexa lately?   Amazon already has drones delivering purchased items directly to homes, and there are now autonomous semi-trucks that will soon hit roads delivering goods.  I feel all of the new technology will change the way we run our everyday lives and make its way to the transportation sector in my lifetime.

Agreed, and make many human driven jobs obsolete.  We need to have a discussion about the structure of a Universal Basic Income (Milton Friedman, Richard Nixon).  People shouldn't be left behind because technology has taken their career prospects away while producing higher earnings for these massive corporations.  

Without it, we will have such unbelievable levels of income inequality America will become a very sad place.

@"JimmyinSD" said:

@"Skodin" said:

@"HappyViking" said:

@"StickyBun" said:

@"HappyViking" said:

@"StickyBun" said:

@"HappyViking" said: Personal drones will fly the skies and one day airports as we know them will be obsolete.  Imagine calling Uber in January from your home in MN, ND, or SD and having a ride directly to your Florida beach house rental.  I think it could/will happen.

I don't see that happening. The first grotesque accident (and it will happen) where one of these falls out of the sky and the inhabitant makes a pulpy mess, and you'll see interest wane significantly. Also, the ability to go up to 30,000 feet and cruise in pressurized air makes for quick and incredibly safe travel. Going 60 mph from Minneapolis to Florida would only take what, 25 hours?  =) And what about bad weather at low altitudes? How many times would you have to stop to recharge/refuel? Its cold up in the air the farther you get. 

This is cool and all but for mass transit? No way. For personal trips that are short or in high density cities? I see more of a possibility for sure in that regard. But still: look at that tiny ass carriage. And hit one bird and it could bash your face in or cause you to plummet to your death. Doesn't look at all practical from any standpoint other than its 'really cool'. 

I wasn't thinking this will happen next year, but this is just the start of it.  I'm thinking decades (maybe 2 or 3) from now.  Yes, I do think this technology will one day make the ridiculously complicated airports as we know them obsolete.  There are now rockets taking people into space for the fun of it.  I think all transportation is going to change drastically in the next 20 to 30 years.

I think the direction for the next 20 years (short term) is electric cars (more of them) and autonomous vehicles. We already have a highway/road/street system in which to use. The infrastructure is there. Personal flying like in the OP? Lots more to figure out from a logistics aspect. From a safety aspect. Cost. Sustainability. ETC. Airports aren't complicated, its just a mass transit system. It inherently can be challenging moving lots of people around in the air when safety is the top concern. Billionaires are playing their billionaire games with rockets, that isn't for the everyday person and won't be for god knows how long if ever. 

We can just agree to disagree. Its cool to think about the next true innovation in travel for the everyday person. I just think its still a LONG way off. Its like A.I. which isn't anything like what they projected 15 years ago. Overhyped and underperformed. 

Yep, we can agree to disagee.  Once the reliable technology exists to power transportation drones, I think alternate ways to travel will soon follow.  I also feel AI isn't failing; it's just getting started.  Have you spoken to Google or Alexa lately?   Amazon already has drones delivering purchased items directly to homes, and there are now autonomous semi-trucks that will soon hit roads delivering goods.  I feel all of the new technology will change the way we run our everyday lives and make its way to the transportation sector in my lifetime.

Agreed, and make many human driven jobs obsolete.  We need to have a discussion about the structure of a Universal Basic Income (Milton Friedman, Richard Nixon).  People shouldn't be left behind because technology has taken their career prospects away while producing higher earnings for these massive corporations.  

Without it, we will have such unbelievable levels of income inequality America will become a very sad place.

I wonder about this from time to time... at what point do those corporations then start telling those unemployed / uneducated that are suckling at their teat that they cant have children,  what they are allowed to own,  where they are allowed to live,   etc?  I highly doubt that many corporations will line up to fleeced while the general population lives for free.   We are certainly at a threshold right now of what you are speaking of.  drive through lines are crazy because nobody is opening their dining rooms any more because they cant find enough help,  conventional restaurants are struggling to stay open for the same reasons, and that is just one industry.  If everyone is guaranteed a livable wage,  who sets that threshold of what is "livable"?  how much more will you have to pay people above that living wage to actually incentivize them to go to work,  and then that kills the profit margins so the cost of goods will have to go up or the businesses go under... which just creates more unemployed people and bigger and bigger corporations that are suddenly to large for the govt to control. (tell me we dont already have the tail wagging the dog in many instances)

@"Skodin" said:

@"JimmyinSD" said:

@"Skodin" said:

@"HappyViking" said:

@"StickyBun" said:

@"HappyViking" said:

@"StickyBun" said:

@"HappyViking" said: Personal drones will fly the skies and one day airports as we know them will be obsolete.  Imagine calling Uber in January from your home in MN, ND, or SD and having a ride directly to your Florida beach house rental.  I think it could/will happen.

I don't see that happening. The first grotesque accident (and it will happen) where one of these falls out of the sky and the inhabitant makes a pulpy mess, and you'll see interest wane significantly. Also, the ability to go up to 30,000 feet and cruise in pressurized air makes for quick and incredibly safe travel. Going 60 mph from Minneapolis to Florida would only take what, 25 hours?  =) And what about bad weather at low altitudes? How many times would you have to stop to recharge/refuel? Its cold up in the air the farther you get. 

This is cool and all but for mass transit? No way. For personal trips that are short or in high density cities? I see more of a possibility for sure in that regard. But still: look at that tiny ass carriage. And hit one bird and it could bash your face in or cause you to plummet to your death. Doesn't look at all practical from any standpoint other than its 'really cool'. 

I wasn't thinking this will happen next year, but this is just the start of it.  I'm thinking decades (maybe 2 or 3) from now.  Yes, I do think this technology will one day make the ridiculously complicated airports as we know them obsolete.  There are now rockets taking people into space for the fun of it.  I think all transportation is going to change drastically in the next 20 to 30 years.

I think the direction for the next 20 years (short term) is electric cars (more of them) and autonomous vehicles. We already have a highway/road/street system in which to use. The infrastructure is there. Personal flying like in the OP? Lots more to figure out from a logistics aspect. From a safety aspect. Cost. Sustainability. ETC. Airports aren't complicated, its just a mass transit system. It inherently can be challenging moving lots of people around in the air when safety is the top concern. Billionaires are playing their billionaire games with rockets, that isn't for the everyday person and won't be for god knows how long if ever. 

We can just agree to disagree. Its cool to think about the next true innovation in travel for the everyday person. I just think its still a LONG way off. Its like A.I. which isn't anything like what they projected 15 years ago. Overhyped and underperformed. 

Yep, we can agree to disagee.  Once the reliable technology exists to power transportation drones, I think alternate ways to travel will soon follow.  I also feel AI isn't failing; it's just getting started.  Have you spoken to Google or Alexa lately?   Amazon already has drones delivering purchased items directly to homes, and there are now autonomous semi-trucks that will soon hit roads delivering goods.  I feel all of the new technology will change the way we run our everyday lives and make its way to the transportation sector in my lifetime.

Agreed, and make many human driven jobs obsolete.  We need to have a discussion about the structure of a Universal Basic Income (Milton Friedman, Richard Nixon).  People shouldn't be left behind because technology has taken their career prospects away while producing higher earnings for these massive corporations.  

Without it, we will have such unbelievable levels of income inequality America will become a very sad place.

I wonder about this from time to time... at what point do those corporations then start telling those unemployed / uneducated that are suckling at their teat that they cant have children,  what they are allowed to own,  where they are allowed to live,   etc?  I highly doubt that many corporations will line up to fleeced while the general population lives for free.   We are certainly at a threshold right now of what you are speaking of.  drive through lines are crazy because nobody is opening their dining rooms any more because they cant find enough help,  conventional restaurants are struggling to stay open for the same reasons, and that is just one industry.  If everyone is guaranteed a livable wage,  who sets that threshold of what is "livable"?  how much more will you have to pay people above that living wage to actually incentivize them to go to work,  and then that kills the profit margins so the cost of goods will have to go up or the businesses go under... which just creates more unemployed people and bigger and bigger corporations that are suddenly to large for the govt to control. (tell me we dont already have the tail wagging the dog in many instances)

It looks like we are running towards the scenario you described with or without UBI.  UBI should be seen as a raising the floor, providing a net so people don't fall through.   $1,000 a month is not going make everyone quit their jobs, but it will be a big help for those who want to further their careers, take a different job because they can pay for child care, have emergency money for issues that could cause them to lose their jobs.  The Alaska Permanent Fund is a good example of employment steadiness under a UBI like system

Tech, automation, it is only going to drive profits higher for corporations and push expenses lower.  That's a fact.   People who aren't in tech should be the sacrifices for those profits, those margins.  They need to be protected, if not inequality is going to turn into violence.  The market doesn't want violence, instability.  There is no need for it with the greatest accumulation of wealth the world has ever seen.   We need to be having conversations about this, it is enviable.

This is not welfare, it's the way the world needs to be able to operate moving forward.

@"JimmyinSD" said:

@"Skodin" said:

@"JimmyinSD" said:

It looks like we are running towards the scenario you described with or without UBI.  UBI should be seen as a raising the floor, providing a net so people don't fall through.   $1,000 a month is not going make everyone quit their jobs, but it will be a big help for those who want to further their careers, take a different job because they can pay for child care, have emergency money for issues that could cause them to lose their jobs.  The Alaska Permanent Fund is a good example of employment steadiness under a UBI like system

Tech, automation, it is only going to drive profits higher for corporations and push expenses lower.  That's a fact.   People who aren't in tech should be the sacrifices for those profits, those margins.  They need to be protected, if not inequality is going to turn into violence.  The market doesn't want violence, instability.  There is no need for it with the greatest accumulation of wealth the world has ever seen.   We need to be having conversations about this, it is enviable.

This is not welfare, it's the way the world needs to be able to operate moving forward.

so what is to prevent my scenario where the big tech giants then own your life since they are funding it?  I could see a situation where big companies subsidize service industries wages to try and keep people employed,( i am sure that would be a whole new level of fraud)  but simply handing out a grand to the unemployed will not move the needle IMO,  sure some will use it as it is intended,  many others will simply hustle other ways to get by like dealing drugs, or other things that people are currently doing to get by without having to get a real job.

@"Skodin" said:

@"JimmyinSD" said:

@"Skodin" said:

@"JimmyinSD" said:

It looks like we are running towards the scenario you described with or without UBI.  UBI should be seen as a raising the floor, providing a net so people don't fall through.   $1,000 a month is not going make everyone quit their jobs, but it will be a big help for those who want to further their careers, take a different job because they can pay for child care, have emergency money for issues that could cause them to lose their jobs.  The Alaska Permanent Fund is a good example of employment steadiness under a UBI like system

Tech, automation, it is only going to drive profits higher for corporations and push expenses lower.  That's a fact.   People who aren't in tech should be the sacrifices for those profits, those margins.  They need to be protected, if not inequality is going to turn into violence.  The market doesn't want violence, instability.  There is no need for it with the greatest accumulation of wealth the world has ever seen.   We need to be having conversations about this, it is enviable.

This is not welfare, it's the way the world needs to be able to operate moving forward.

so what is to prevent my scenario where the big tech giants then own your life since they are funding it?  I could see a situation where big companies subsidize service industries wages to try and keep people employed,( i am sure that would be a whole new level of fraud)  but simply handing out a grand to the unemployed will not move the needle IMO,  sure some will use it as it is intended,  many others will simply hustle other ways to get by like dealing drugs, or other things that people are currently doing to get by without having to get a real job.

#1 how do you stop it?  
#2 what do you do about the people who will absolutely be hurt by it?

Let's worry about those things instead of what people "are going to do" IF they get it.   A lot of people are going to be hurt, going to be left behind, you saw it in the first wave of globalization.  This is the next wave and the ones that hurting in an revenue increasing world are going to need help.

You also just made a good case for why drugs should be legal, either they work in legalized industries or their black market opportunities dry up

It's already happening...https://www.cnbc.com/2020/03/06/the-flying-taxi-market-is-ready-to-change-worldwide-travel.html

Tie-ups in the skyIn
January, Toyota said it is investing $394 million into Silicon
Valley-based Joby Aviation, which is developing a piloted all-electric
vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) air taxi. The move, part of a
financing round worth $590 million, will help Joby launch an electric
air-taxi service by 2023 and gives the company access to Toyota’s
prowess in manufacturing, quality and cost control. The start-up is
building a prototype that it says should eventually approach the cost of
ground transportation and help a billion people save more than an hour
in commuting time every day.

 
“Joby
has developed advanced technology and integrated it into an amazing
aircraft through thoughtful design; this is the key to successful market
entry and the commercial success of our products,” says Joby
spokesperson Mojgan Khalili. “Joby Aviation’s aircraft is designed for
four passengers plus a pilot. It can travel more than 150 miles on a
single charge, is 100 times quieter than conventional aircraft during
takeoff and landing, and is near silent in flyover.”
In another Asian-American partnership, South Korean carmaker Hyundai and Uber showed off a mockup of a large flying taxi at
the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas for the Uber Elevate aerial
ride-hailing service. The electrically powered PAV or “personal air
vehicle,” will have the capability of carrying four passengers
on trips of up to 60 miles at speeds reaching 180 mph. They will be
able to cruise at altitudes up to 2,000 ft. Hyundai said the
all-electric craft could be recharged in minutes, but did not elaborate
on how.
Uber has said it wants to begin testing of vertical
takeoff and landing vehicles in 2020 and launch its first official ride
three years later, rolling out services in Dallas, Los Angeles and
Melbourne. It aims to make flying taxis cheaper than owning passenger
cars. Uber Elevate is planning to begin demonstration flights this
year. 
“We believe Hyundai has the potential to build Uber Air
vehicles at rates unseen in the current aerospace industry, producing
high quality, reliable aircraft at high volumes to drive down passenger
costs per trip,” Eric Allison, head of Uber Elevate, said in a release.
“Combining Hyundai’s manufacturing muscle with Uber’s technology
platform represents a giant leap forward for launching a vibrant air
taxi network in the coming years.”
Toyota,
Joby, Uber and Hyundai are working in a field that’s already crowded
with contenders. Boeing, another partner in the Uber Elevate program,
has already begun flight tests of its prototype air taxi. German
start-up Lilium Aviation sent a prototype remote-controlled, jet-powered
eVTOL on its maiden flight last year and later completed the first phase of testing. Stuttgart-based Volocopter, backed by Intel, Daimler and Geely, has apparently logged over 1,000 test flights and aims for fully autonomous commercial flights in five to 10 years.