It's a Bird! No, It's a Car! Uber's Vision of Flying Transit Service

Post date: Nov 08, 2016 7:25:16 AM

Uber is looking to expand its service to flying cars within a decade. This latest technology news has shocked most people within the industry; their main concern that this brave proposal does not even match current technological advances. Regardless, the transit service is positive that the future of transport is in the sky. Their recent white paper talks about an age where commuters will enter a small aircraft which would then take off vertically and be within the commuter’s destination within minutes. These flyers would eventually be unmanned, says Uber.

Image Source: popsci.com

Perhaps this is not as bizarre as initially received. The company is already offering helicopter rides to Brazilian commuters. Their current plan is to convene in next year’s global summit to discuss possible relations and/or partnerships with aviation companies. The flying car would reduce land transport congestion and significantly save time for long-distance commuters. The unmanned capabilities are part of the company’s push for a more sustainable set-up. Self-driving technology would reduce the need to hire drivers and improve safety. The company believes that on-demand transportation, assured by technological advances, is the new face of the industry.

There is also the added appeal that these vertical take-off and landing aircrafts (VTOL) would eventually be less expensive than owning a car. Uber says that there will be option to have these VTOLs to be piloted but these are not necessary.

Image Source: theverge.com

Still, the company has to contend with current technologies. As of now, battery power is still not enough to produce hundreds of aviation crafts necessary to support an entire transportation market.

Joe Cianciotto keeps up-to-date on the latest technology news. Learn more when you like this Facebook page.