Flying Cars: A Step Closer to Reality Than You Might Believe
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The Future is Now
The vision of the future we were promised remains largely unfulfilled. Humanity has yet to set foot on Mars, food scarcity hasn't been eradicated, and robots haven’t liberated society from the burdens of labor. Moreover, while we still dream of having a personal ape for chores, flying cars remain conspicuously absent from our driveways.
For decades, futurists and science fiction writers envisioned a world filled with flying vehicles, yet as we progress further into the 21st century, this dream remains elusive. Despite remarkable advancements such as video calls and robotic assistants, the fundamental design of our cars has not changed.
As we grapple with unmet expectations, many have begun to question, "Where's my flying car?" This phrase has become a symbol of disillusionment in a world where technology has still not delivered on its most fantastical promises.
However, the landscape may be shifting. The last ten years have witnessed an explosion of innovation in what we now refer to as vertical takeoff and landing vehicles (VTOLs), electric VTOLs (eVTOLs), or air taxis. These vehicles are being developed by enthusiastic startups and established aerospace companies across the globe. For many tech entrepreneurs, investing in aerial vehicles is now a must-have.
If optimistic forecasts hold true, it won't be long before someone is soaring above gridlocked traffic. Yet, history tells us that such predictions often miss the mark. It's more probable that widespread adoption of flying cars is still decades away, and when they do arrive, they may not resemble our longstanding imaginings.
Emerging Technologies
"The common perception is akin to something from The Jetsons," notes Sanjiv Singh, a research professor at Carnegie Mellon’s Robotics Institute. "People envision vehicles that can simply lift off from their driveways and transport them anywhere." In reality, these vehicles will need to navigate complex urban environments.
In the initial phase, Singh predicts we will see autonomous drones delivering goods to remote or disaster-stricken locations—areas where traditional ground transportation is impossible. Eventually, once these aircraft integrate into urban settings, they will more closely resemble helicopters or oversized drones, taking off and landing from designated pads rather than residential garages.
The early models will likely require human pilots, but automation will eventually take over, making the operation more efficient and cost-effective. As Robin Lineberger, Deloitte's aerospace and defense expert, explains, these flying vehicles will play a role in a broader transportation ecosystem, not serving as standalone solutions for beginning and ending journeys.
Flying cars capable of both driving on roads and soaring through the skies will primarily cater to affluent individuals. This is not solely due to their high cost, but also because owners will need the resources to maintain and securely store these vehicles.
The Reality of Development
Despite the theoretical nature of these flying vehicles, companies like AeroMobil are already taking orders for their AeroMobil 4.0, with deliveries expected in the near future. Uber has plans to launch its air taxi service soon, and cities like Dubai and Tokyo are actively working to incorporate flying taxis into their transportation networks.
To understand the evolution of flying cars, we must revisit the past. In 1924, Popular Science predicted "flying autos," which were half-car and half-plane, promising to revolutionize travel. The first real attempt at such a vehicle was the Curtiss Autoplane, developed in 1917, which, while innovative, never achieved flight.
Since then, numerous designs have emerged, often focusing more on the flying aspect than the driving functionality. Today, the most promising designs are VTOLs, which prioritize vertical takeoff and landing capabilities. Various labels exist for these vehicles, with Airbus branding theirs as "personal aerial vehicles," while others, like the SkyDrive, function more like passenger drones.
Jonathan Carrier, AeroMobil's vice president, describes the latest designs as "supercars with superpowers," reflecting a return to the original vision of vehicles that can both drive and fly. Companies are betting on the combination of existing infrastructure and familiar takeoff methods to ease consumer acceptance.
Uber's vision for the future includes an air taxi service that will transform how we think about commuting. Imagine a woman who, after finishing her workday, hops into a VTOL and is home just in time for dinner. This future reimagines urban and suburban living, expanding the radius for potential homebuyers who can now live farther away thanks to the convenience of air travel.
Necessary Innovations
Before this vision can materialize, significant technological advancements are needed—particularly in autonomy. Scott Drennan, vice president of innovation at Bell, highlights that the biggest challenge lies in ensuring safety through autonomous flight systems. The Nexus air taxi, unveiled at CES 2019, exemplifies this ambition, designed for autonomous operation.
The public's acceptance of autonomous flying vehicles may take time, especially after a potential mishap raises concerns about safety. Bell's partnership with Uber underscores the importance of autonomy for affordability, as eliminating the need for a pilot could significantly reduce costs.
However, the transition from theory to practice faces several hurdles, including regulatory challenges and the need for robust air traffic control systems. Noise pollution is also a considerable concern, as these vehicles will inevitably create disturbances in residential areas.
Ultimately, the anticipation surrounding flying cars has persisted for over a century. Now, as we stand on the brink of potential breakthroughs, many wonder if society is ready to embrace this new form of transportation.
The Future Awaits
Increased visibility and testing will likely pave the way for acceptance. As Singh suggests, witnessing successful trials and established procedures will foster public confidence. After waiting for more than a century, the arrival of flying cars is on the horizon, but the journey to that future is just beginning.