China Clears Way For First Pilotless Flying Taxis

Driverless taxi technology is being developed and implemented in numerous countries globally, with China among them. In Beijing, robotaxis are rapidly gaining traction, but their rise is fueling widespread concern. This report provides more details on the issue.

Rise of driverless taxis in Chinese cities

Flying taxis are said to have come a long way. Some of them have even got necessary approvals and certifications, but the fact is they are still far from being the future of mobility. Watch our report to know why.

Why flying cars are not on the market yet | Tech It Out

Fed up with traffic jams&nbsp;Imagine a world where your taxi takes to the skies and lands on top of your office building, recharges and sets off afresh.

That's the vision of Stephen Fitzpatrick, founder and CEO of Britain's Vertical Aerospace, which is set to raise $394 million in a merger with a blank-cheque New York-listed company, and who says his aircraft will be flying by the mid-2020s.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tesla-holds-giga-fest-at-disputed-german-factory-419364">Tesla holds 'Giga Fest' at disputed German factory</a>

And he's not alone. Some of the world's most high-profile engineers and airlines believe Vertical is onto something with its plan for zero-emission mini-aircraft to almost silently take four passengers through the skies for up to 120 miles (193 kms).

American Airlines, aircraft lessor Avolon, engineers Honeywell and Rolls-Royce, as well as Microsoft’s M12 unit are investing in the merger, which is expected to complete by the end of the year.

Fitzpatrick, who also set up OVO Energy, Britain's no.3 energy retailer, said Vertical flights between London's Heathrow airport and its Canary Wharf financial district will take 15 minutes and cost 50 pounds ($68) per passenger.

That potential is attracting airlines&nbsp;attention. More than 1,000 VA-X4 aircraft have been pre-ordered by customers. Interest in the zero-emission aircraft comes at a time when aviation companies are under mounting pressure from investors to help decarbonize the sector and boost their environmental, social and governance scores.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/jury-orders-tesla-to-pay-137-million-over-racist-treatment-418415">Jury orders Tesla to pay $137 million over racist treatment</a>

"We are going to sign deals. We`re finding the appetite and the demand from airlines to be really strong," Fitzpatrick told Reuters.

The biggest challenge for Vertical is certifying its aircraft, which Fitzpatrick said it is on track to do by the end of 2024, funded by new money from the merger.

Test flights

Fitzpatrick first had the idea back in 2015 when he sat for hours in 10 lanes of gridlocked traffic in Sao Paulo, Brazil.

Back then, there weren't many competitors, he said, but today analysts estimate there are more than 100 companies working on rival electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing (eVOTL) aircraft.

The VA-X4 is still in construction and will start test flights early next year. Fitzpatrick believes Verticals partnerships will help it emerge as a winner.

Using battery technology from the car industry, and tried and tested electrical propulsion units and motors, and backed by Honeywell's electronics, Fitzpatrick has "no doubt" that the VA-X4 will fly.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/lucid-to-start-deliveries-of-electric-cars-with-range-exceeding-teslas-in-october-416769">Lucid to start deliveries of electric cars with range exceeding Tesla's in October</a>

Certification will depend on the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA).

"The process of certifying the aircraft is known. The technologies are new, but the steps we need to go through are relatively similar to other aircraft," said Fitzpatrick, who has recruited senior engineers from both Airbus and Rolls-Royce.

Developing a new mode of transport comes with other challenges such as the infrastructure, but Fitzpatrick is confident.

"We're already in discussions with, for example, Heathrow Airport," he said, pointing out of his office window to potential skyport locations on rooftops.

As for convincing passengers, that's where airlines come in.

"I think the brand association with trusted airlines is really going to help passengers embrace the new technology," he said.&nbsp;

Fed up with traffic jams Imagine a world where your taxi takes to the skies and lands on top of your office building, recharges and sets off afresh. That's the vision of Stephen Fitzpatrick, founder and CEO of Britain's Vertical Aerospace, which is set to raise $394 million in a merger with a blank-cheque New York-listed company, and who says his aircraft will be flying by the mid-2020s.

Fed up with traffic jams Imagine a world where your taxi takes to the skies and lands on top of your office building, recharges and sets off afresh. That's the vision of Stephen Fitzpatrick, founder and CEO of Britain's Vertical Aerospace, which is set to raise $394 million in a merger with a blank-cheque New York-listed company, and who says his aircraft will be flying by the mid-2020s. Also read | Tesla holds 'Giga Fest' at disputed German factory And he's not alone. Some of the world's most high-profile engineers and airlines believe Vertical is onto something with its plan for zero-emission mini-aircraft to almost silently take four passengers through the skies for up to 120 miles (193 kms). American Airlines, aircraft lessor Avolon, engineers Honeywell and Rolls-Royce, as well as Microsoft’s M12 unit are investing in the merger, which is expected to complete by the end of the year. Fitzpatrick, who also set up OVO Energy, Britain's no.3 energy retailer, said Vertical flights between London's Heathrow airport and its Canary Wharf financial district will take 15 minutes and cost 50 pounds ($68) per passenger. That potential is attracting airlines attention. More than 1,000 VA-X4 aircraft have been pre-ordered by customers. Interest in the zero-emission aircraft comes at a time when aviation companies are under mounting pressure from investors to help decarbonize the sector and boost their environmental, social and governance scores. Also read | Jury orders Tesla to pay $137 million over racist treatment "We are going to sign deals. We`re finding the appetite and the demand from airlines to be really strong," Fitzpatrick told Reuters. The biggest challenge for Vertical is certifying its aircraft, which Fitzpatrick said it is on track to do by the end of 2024, funded by new money from the merger. Test flights Fitzpatrick first had the idea back in 2015 when he sat for hours in 10 lanes of gridlocked traffic in Sao Paulo, Brazil. Back then, there weren't many competitors, he said, but today analysts estimate there are more than 100 companies working on rival electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing (eVOTL) aircraft. The VA-X4 is still in construction and will start test flights early next year. Fitzpatrick believes Verticals partnerships will help it emerge as a winner. Using battery technology from the car industry, and tried and tested electrical propulsion units and motors, and backed by Honeywell's electronics, Fitzpatrick has "no doubt" that the VA-X4 will fly. Also read | Lucid to start deliveries of electric cars with range exceeding Tesla's in October Certification will depend on the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). "The process of certifying the aircraft is known. The technologies are new, but the steps we need to go through are relatively similar to other aircraft," said Fitzpatrick, who has recruited senior engineers from both Airbus and Rolls-Royce. Developing a new mode of transport comes with other challenges such as the infrastructure, but Fitzpatrick is confident. "We're already in discussions with, for example, Heathrow Airport," he said, pointing out of his office window to potential skyport locations on rooftops. As for convincing passengers, that's where airlines come in. "I think the brand association with trusted airlines is really going to help passengers embrace the new technology," he said.

Flying taxis to take to the sky in mid-2020s, says UK's Vertical Aerospace

Flying taxis that were for long thought to be a futuristic pursuit of science fiction might finally be taking flight.

Wisk, a joint venture between Boeing and Kitty Hawk, has signed an MoU (memorandum of understanding) with the New Zealand government to allow trails of its electric aircraft Cora, with passengers inside!

Based on the information received by Engadget, the pilot trials are slated to begin in the Canterbury region of New Zealand very soon, although no date has been finalised yet.&nbsp;

<h6><img alt="pp" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="bc2aff07-7c62-4d48-adf0-d0d854b79ab3" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%287%29_22.jpg" /> 
The Bell Nexus concept vehicle is shown at the Uber Elevate Summit June 12, 2019 in Washington, DC, one of the vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) vehicles or flying cars that will be part of Uber’s fleet for aerial ride sharing | AFP 
&nbsp;</h6>

Kitty Hawk was formed in 2016. A secret for a long time, the company received the support of Google co-founder Larry Page. With the help of Sebastian Thrun, a Stanford AI expert responsible for Google's self-driving cars, the company created Cora, the two seated aircraft.

Katty Hawk, in 2018 announced plans to team up with Air New Zealand in preparation of the world's first autonomous air taxi service. However, with no manufacturing partner, the Hawk partnered with Boeing. This birthed Wisk in 2019.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/watch-uber-and-nasa-set-to-develop-flying-taxis-23832/amp/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Envisioned to work on the app model already put in place by Uber and other online cab app-based services.&nbsp;

Once in place, the flying taxi would be called via an app and flown on auto-pilot and human pilot modes intermittently.

Uber is also in the league of flying taxis, with its ''Elevate'' programme in the works. Germany's ''Volocopter'' has also made grand promises about its own brand of flying cabs. However, owing to the risks associated with the new tech, governments are hesitant to allow operations.

If Wisk trials succeed, flying taxis could become a reality!

Flying taxis that were for long thought to be a futuristic pursuit of science fiction might finally be taking flight. Wisk, a joint venture between Boeing and Kitty Hawk, has signed an MoU (memorandum of understanding) with the New Zealand government to allow trails of its electric aircraft Cora, with passengers inside!

Flying taxis that were for long thought to be a futuristic pursuit of science fiction might finally be taking flight. Wisk, a joint venture between Boeing and Kitty Hawk, has signed an MoU (memorandum of understanding) with the New Zealand government to allow trails of its electric aircraft Cora, with passengers inside! Based on the information received by Engadget, the pilot trials are slated to begin in the Canterbury region of New Zealand very soon, although no date has been finalised yet. The Bell Nexus concept vehicle is shown at the Uber Elevate Summit June 12, 2019 in Washington, DC, one of the vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) vehicles or flying cars that will be part of Uber’s fleet for aerial ride sharing | AFP Kitty Hawk was formed in 2016. A secret for a long time, the company received the support of Google co-founder Larry Page. With the help of Sebastian Thrun, a Stanford AI expert responsible for Google's self-driving cars, the company created Cora, the two seated aircraft. Katty Hawk, in 2018 announced plans to team up with Air New Zealand in preparation of the world's first autonomous air taxi service. However, with no manufacturing partner, the Hawk partnered with Boeing. This birthed Wisk in 2019. Envisioned to work on the app model already put in place by Uber and other online cab app-based services. Once in place, the flying taxi would be called via an app and flown on auto-pilot and human pilot modes intermittently. Uber is also in the league of flying taxis, with its ''Elevate'' programme in the works. Germany's ''Volocopter'' has also made grand promises about its own brand of flying cabs. However, owing to the risks associated with the new tech, governments are hesitant to allow operations. If Wisk trials succeed, flying taxis could become a reality!

'Cora': Autonomous flying taxi to begin trials in New Zealand

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/hyundai-motor-to-invest-15-billion-in-indonesia-factory-264852">Hyundai</a> announced Monday it would mass-produce flying cars for Uber's aerial rideshare network set to deploy in 2023.

The South Korean manufacturer said it would produce the four-passenger electric "vertical take-off and landing vehicles" at "automotive scale," without offering details.

The deal announced at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas could help Uber, which is working with other aircraft manufacturers, to achieve its goal of deploying air taxi service in a handful of cities by 2023.

Watch:&nbsp;Uber's futuristic flying taxi; a cross between helicopter and a drone

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/wion-your-story-ubers-futuristic-flying-taxi-a-cross-between-helicopter-and-a-drone-135786/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Jaiwon Shin, head of Hyundai's urban air mobility division, said he expects the large-scale manufacturing to keep costs affordable for the aerial systems.

"We know how to mass produce high quality vehicles," Shin told a news conference at CES.

He said he expected the partnership to allow for the short-range air taxis to be "affordable for everyone."

Eric Allison, head of Uber Elevate, appeared at the CES event with Hyundai to discuss the partnership.

"By taking transportation out of the two dimensional grid on the ground and moving it into the sky, we can offer significant time savings to our riders," Allison said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/hyundai-motor-group-to-invest-35-billion-in-future-automotive-tech-256032">Hyundai Motor Group to invest $35 billion in future automotive tech</a>

He said that because of its other app-based transport options, "only Uber can seamlessly connect riders from cars, trains and even bikes to aircraft."

Uber has announced it had selected Melbourne to join Dallas and Los Angeles in becoming the first cities to offer Uber Air flights, with the goal of beginning demonstrator flights in 2020 and commercial operations in 2023.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/hyundai-motor-group-to-invest-35-billion-in-future-automotive-tech-256032">Hyundai is using CES</a> to show the S-A1 model aircraft with a cruising speed up to 180 miles (290 km) per hour.

The aircraft utilizes "distributed electric propulsion," designed with multiple rotors that can keep it in the air if one of them fails.

The smaller rotors also help reduce noise, which the companies said is important to cities.

The Hyundai vehicle will be piloted initially but over time will become autonomous, the company said.&nbsp;

Hyundai announced Monday it would mass-produce flying cars for Uber's aerial rideshare network set to deploy in 2023. The South Korean manufacturer said it would produce the four-passenger electric "vertical take-off and landing vehicles" at "automotive scale," without offering details.

Hyundai announced Monday it would mass-produce flying cars for Uber's aerial rideshare network set to deploy in 2023. The South Korean manufacturer said it would produce the four-passenger electric "vertical take-off and landing vehicles" at "automotive scale," without offering details. The deal announced at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas could help Uber, which is working with other aircraft manufacturers, to achieve its goal of deploying air taxi service in a handful of cities by 2023. Watch: Uber's futuristic flying taxi; a cross between helicopter and a drone Jaiwon Shin, head of Hyundai's urban air mobility division, said he expects the large-scale manufacturing to keep costs affordable for the aerial systems. "We know how to mass produce high quality vehicles," Shin told a news conference at CES. He said he expected the partnership to allow for the short-range air taxis to be "affordable for everyone." Eric Allison, head of Uber Elevate, appeared at the CES event with Hyundai to discuss the partnership. "By taking transportation out of the two dimensional grid on the ground and moving it into the sky, we can offer significant time savings to our riders," Allison said. Also read: Hyundai Motor Group to invest $35 billion in future automotive tech He said that because of its other app-based transport options, "only Uber can seamlessly connect riders from cars, trains and even bikes to aircraft." Uber has announced it had selected Melbourne to join Dallas and Los Angeles in becoming the first cities to offer Uber Air flights, with the goal of beginning demonstrator flights in 2020 and commercial operations in 2023. Hyundai is using CES to show the S-A1 model aircraft with a cruising speed up to 180 miles (290 km) per hour. The aircraft utilizes "distributed electric propulsion," designed with multiple rotors that can keep it in the air if one of them fails. The smaller rotors also help reduce noise, which the companies said is important to cities. The Hyundai vehicle will be piloted initially but over time will become autonomous, the company said.

Uber air taxis to become a reality as Hyundai is set to make flying cars

taxis

Taxis, News on Taxis, stories on Taxis, articles on Taxis, Taxis stories at Wion, Taxis news, Taxis latest news