A company in China is hoping to take the driver – and the road – out of the equation when a person orders a taxi. The company has built the EHang 184, a one-seater electric drone designed to fly a single person across town.
The idea is that someone hops in, enters their destination on a touchscreen tablet and then takes off. The flight system then handles the rest including navigation, obstacle avoidance and communicating with air traffic control systems.
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But how realistic is it? Nevada is currently looking into that. The company has partnered with the state to test out their aircraft.
“EHang’s selection of Nevada to test its people-carrying drone marks a thrilling addition to the innovative companies testing throughout our state to advance the commercial drone industry,” Tom Wilczek with Nevada’s Aerospace and Defense Industry said.
“I personally look forward to the day when drone taxis are part of Nevada’s transportation system.”
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The drone can carry up to 220 pounds, can go up 100 km/h and can fly for up to 23 minutes.
The Canadian government has not regulated commercial drone flights so it might be a while before you can hail a flying taxi.