In a world with synthetic humans, genetically superior atheletes and AI which allocates labor and resources in the most optimal and efficient manner, human beings will get certainly get around in flying cars.
In fact, according to uber, flying cars will start filling the skies by about 2020. Uber has recently announced that they will launch air taxi trials in the next year or two over major cities including Dallas, Dubai, and Los Angeles.
This may seem completely out of the question but when we take a closer look at the technology required to pull this off, you'd be surprised how close we actually are to this goal. For example, the technology to produce and fly battery-powered vertical takeoff and landing aircraft is nearly perfected.
Beyond the fact that the technology is very close to completion, big names in the aviation industry have already begun talking seriously about how to deploy a flying car or taxi in the safest and most efficient way. And one other thing is certain, Uber has plans to take the world by storm in being the first company on earth to offer flying car service.
One of the most promising projects in this industry is the Bell Helicopter. The defense contractor famous for its civilian and military vehicles set up shop in Las Vegas for CES2018 and showed the world its concept for how a flying taxi system would work.
According to this vision, a egg-shaped pod (which will eventually be slung underneath rotors) will hoist you into the air. The pod includes four seats, room for luggage in the back, and large windows to take in the view. In this concept, VR goggles replace the crowds of the conference with buildings whizzing by below, including a lattice of red taillights, representing the the suckers in freeway traffic below.
Guys, this is real. This is happening. Take a look for yourself below:
In collaboration with Uber, Bell plans to fly these pods at about 150 miles per hour, transforming a commute that could take up to an hour into a quick flight of just a few minutes.
Many commuters would gladly skip the freeway in favor of a swift taxi flight when you consider the fact that the price would be comparable to what you pay on the ground!
Still, we are years away from seeing this concept transform into everyday reality assuming these companies can overcome all the regulatory, air traffic control, and competitive hurdles that go hand in hand with this technology.
I'm completely amazed. Everyday I see our world slowly transforming into something straight out of a sci-fi movie. For most people its like being a crab in a pot of water steadily getting hotter, it may be difficult to see the changes happening around us but they are happening and they will take the world by storm regardless.
What do you think of this flying taxi concept? Which would you prefer, a typical freeway commute or a swift taxi ride through blue skies?
Please leave your thoughts and feedback below.
Thanks for reading @techblogger.
Source:
Climb Inside Bell's (Theoretical) Flying Taxi of the Future - Wired
Image Source:
The Verge