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The small but mighty electric helicopter that’ll have you rethinking the way you travel in the future

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The small but mighty electric helicopter that’ll have you rethinking the way you travel in the future

Who hasn’t been stuck in traffic and said, “I wish I could get out of this mess and fly over it all.”

That idea might be closer to reality than you think. 

An Australian startup called FlyNow Aviation is developing an auto-piloted electric helicopter, or eCopter, that aims to revolutionize urban air mobility.

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Auto-piloted electric helicopter  (FlyNow Aviation)

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What is an eCopter?

An eCopter is a vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) aircraft that uses a coaxial drive train with two-rotor propellers. Unlike a drone, which has multiple rotors, an eCopter has only two, making it more efficient and stable. It also has the advantage of being able to use existing regulations for certification. This means that the eCopter could be certified faster and cheaper than other eVTOL designs.

ELECTRIC AIR TAXI AS QUIET AS A DISHWASHER POISED TO CHANGE AIR TRAVEL

Auto-piloted electric helicopter  (FlyNow Aviation)

MORE: THE BEST TRAVEL GEAR FOR 2024 

The eCopter by the numbers

Flynow’s eCopter comes in three versions, depending on the function, payload and type of powertrain. The cargo version, C200B, can carry up to 441 pounds of goods, while the passenger versions, P1B and P2B, can seat one or two people, respectively.

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Auto-piloted electric cargo version helicopter  (FlyNow Aviation)

The B at the end stands for the battery-electric powertrain, which uses lithium-ion batteries to power the motors. However, the eCopter is also preparing for a hydrogen fuel cell version, which will be denoted by an H. This will allow for a longer range and lower emissions.

All three versions of the eCopter should have a flight/battery range of up to 31 miles and a cruising speed of 81 mph. If its predictions are correct, FlyNow believes you should be able to use its air taxis for the same cost as those you already pay for on the ground.

Auto-piloted electric passenger version helicopter  (FlyNow Aviation)

MORE: REVOLUTIONARY FLYING SPORTS CAR COMPLETES ITS MAIDEN FLIGHT 

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Why choose a coaxial rotor design?

One of the main challenges of eVTOL aircraft is the low energy density of batteries, which limits the range and endurance of the flights. Therefore, the drive train efficiency is key for the successful implementation of eVTOL aircraft. One of the factors that affect the efficiency is the rotor disk loading, which is the ratio of the weight of the aircraft to the area of the rotor disk. The lower the rotor disk loading, the more efficient the aircraft.

The coaxial rotor design has a lower rotor disk loading than a quadcopter-like design because it uses two rotors stacked on top of each other instead of four rotors spread around the body. This means that the coaxial rotor design can generate more lift with less power and also reduce the noise and vibration. The coaxial rotor design is so efficient NASA chose it for its Mars Helicopter “ingenuity,” which had to fly in an atmosphere that is only 1/100th as dense as Earth’s.

Auto-piloted electric passenger version helicopter  (FlyNow Aviation)

MORE: THE WORLD’S FIRST ELECTRIC FLYING CRAFT IS SET FOR LIFT-OFF

What makes the eCopter different from other air taxis?

There are many companies that are developing eVTOL aircraft for urban air mobility, such as eHang, Joby, Archer and others. Each of them has its own vision and design, and they all have their strengths and weaknesses. However, the FlyNow Aviation team believes its main unique selling point and distinguishing feature is affordability.

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It wants to make its aircraft accessible to the general public, not just the wealthy elite. The company is inspired by the history of mobility, where new means of transport became successful when they were affordable for the masses. For example, Ford with the Model T in the U.S. and Volkswagen with the Beetle in Europe.

The FlyNow Aviation team follows the same philosophy and aims to create a simple but intelligent and robust eVTOL aircraft that can be mass-produced and operated at low costs. They also want to create a positive social and environmental impact by reducing congestion, pollution and accidents on the roads.

Auto-piloted electric passenger version helicopter  (FlyNow Aviation )

MORE: IT’S A BIRD. IT’S A PLANE. NO, IT’S A FLYING JETSKI 

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How far along is the eCopter project?

FlyNow Aviation’s eCopter project started with two generations of scaled models, which were used to test the software and control systems. Then, the team moved on to a full-scale proof of concept, which was tested last summer.

The proof of concept demonstrated the mechanical, electrical, acoustic and systemic performance of the eCopter and validated the simulation results. The team is now working on the series development, which will incorporate the feedback and improvements from the testing phase.

Auto-piloted electric passenger version helicopter (FlyNow Aviation)

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When and where will the eCopter be available?

FlyNow Aviation plans to start commercial operation in 2026 with the cargo version C200B. The first customers will be companies that already have experience in the aviation industry, such as logistics, delivery, emergency and medical services.

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After the cargo version, the passenger versions P1B and P2B will be introduced to the market in the second step. This will depend on the availability of a functioning infrastructure, such as vertiports, charging stations, air traffic management and public acceptance. FlyNow Aviation believes a step-by-step approach will reduce the technical, financial and regulatory risks for all parties involved.

MORE: BEST TRAVEL ADAPTERS OF 2024  

Kurt’s key takeaways

The eCopter is an innovative and ambitious project that wants to bring urban air mobility to the masses. By using a coaxial rotor design, various versions and a step-by-step approach, the FlyNow Aviation team hopes to overcome the technical, financial and regulatory challenges that face the eVTOL industry. The team is confident its aircraft will be ready for commercial operation in 2026 and that it will offer a safe, efficient and sustainable way of flying over traffic.

What do you think? Would you feel safe flying in an eCopter over the city? Why or why not? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact

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Figure data breach exposes nearly 1M accounts

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Figure data breach exposes nearly 1M accounts

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If you have applied for a loan online, you probably shared more than you realized. Your name. Your email. Your date of birth. Maybe even your home address and phone number. Now imagine all of that sitting on a dark web forum.

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That is the reality for nearly 1 million people after hackers breached Figure Technology Solutions, a blockchain-focused fintech lender.

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What happened in the Figure data breach

Figure Technology Solutions, founded in 2018, uses the Provenance blockchain for lending, borrowing and securities trading. The company says it has unlocked more than $22 billion in home equity through partnerships with banks, credit unions, fintechs and home improvement companies. However, behind the scenes, attackers were working on a very different angle.

GOOGLE DROPPED DARK WEB MONITORING: SHOULD YOU CARE?
 

Nearly 1 million accounts were exposed after hackers breached fintech lender Figure Technology Solutions in a social engineering attack. (Felix Zahn/Photothek via Getty Images)

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According to breach notification data shared by Have I Been Pwned, information from 967,200 accounts was exposed. The leaked data included more than 900,000 unique email addresses along with names, phone numbers, physical addresses and dates of birth. That is a gold mine for identity thieves. Figure says the incident stemmed from a social engineering attack. What that means in simple terms is that someone inside the company was tricked into handing over access.

“We recently identified that an employee was socially engineered, and that allowed an actor to download a limited number of files through their account,” a Figure Technology Solutions spokesperson told CyberGuy in a statement. “We acted quickly to block the activity and retained a forensic firm to investigate what files were affected. We understand the importance of these matters and are communicating with partners and those impacted as appropriate. We are also implementing additional safeguards and training to further strengthen our defenses. We are offering complimentary credit monitoring to all individuals who receive a notice. We continuously monitor accounts and have strong safeguards in place to protect customers’ funds and accounts.”

Social engineering is the real weapon

When people hear the word blockchain, they think secure and untouchable. But attackers did not break cryptography. They targeted a human being. Groups like ShinyHunters specialize in this playbook. They reportedly claimed responsibility for the breach and, according to BleepingComputer, posted 2.5GB of data allegedly tied to thousands of loan applicants.

In recent weeks, the same group has claimed breaches involving companies like Canada Goose, Panera Bread and SoundCloud. Not every case is connected. Still, security researchers have observed a troubling pattern. Attackers impersonate IT support. They call employees. They create urgency. Then they direct victims to fake login portals that look nearly identical to real ones.

Once employees enter credentials and even multi-factor authentication codes, attackers gain access to single sign-on systems tied to major platforms like Microsoft and Google. From there, one compromised account can unlock a web of connected tools and internal systems.

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PANERA BREAD DATA BREACH EXPOSES 5.1M CUSTOMERS
 

Security researchers say the Figure data leak underscores how social engineering bypasses even blockchain-based platforms. (Maxim Konankov/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

Why this matters to you

If your information was part of the Figure data breach, criminals now have enough detail to craft convincing phishing emails or phone scams. They can reference your real name. They can cite your address. They can pretend to be a lender or bank calling about your application.

Even if you never applied for a loan with Figure, this incident highlights something bigger. No platform is immune to human error. And social engineering works because it targets trust, not technology.

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The bigger lesson about blockchain and trust

Figure markets itself as blockchain native. Blockchain can provide transparency and strong cryptographic security. However, none of that protects against a well-crafted phone call.

Security failures often happen at the human layer. That is where attackers focus their energy. As more financial services move online, the attack surface grows. Loan applications, identity verification tools and cloud-based systems create convenience. They also create new targets.

How to protect yourself after the Figure data breach

You cannot control how companies secure their systems. You can control how you respond. Start by checking whether your email address appears in the exposed dataset, then take the steps below to lock down your accounts.

SUBSTACK DATA BREACH EXPOSES EMAILS AND PHONE NUMBERS
 

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Figure says an employee was tricked into granting access, allowing attackers to download sensitive customer data. (Luke MacGregor/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

Check if your email was exposed

To see if your email address was affected, visit https://haveibeenpwned.com/. Enter your email address to find out whether your information appears in the leak. When finished, return here and begin Step 1 below.

Take these steps immediately

  1. Change any exposed passwords right away. Do not leave a known leaked password in place. Update it everywhere you used it. Use a password manager to create strong, unique passwords for every account. Check out the best expert-reviewed password managers of 2026 at Cyberguy.com
  2. Turn on multi-factor authentication wherever possible.
  3. Never share login codes with anyone, even if they claim to be IT support.
  4. Install strong antivirus software to help block phishing links, malicious downloads and ransomware that often follow major breaches. Get my picks for the best 2026 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android and iOS devices at Cyberguy.com.
  5. Consider a data removal service to reduce your personal information on data broker sites, which scammers often combine with breached data. Check out my top picks for data removal services and get a free scan to find out if your personal information is already out on the web by visiting Cyberguy.com.
  6. Place a free fraud alert or credit freeze with the major credit bureaus.
  7. Monitor your bank and credit card statements weekly for suspicious activity.

Also, be cautious of unexpected calls about your accounts. If someone pressures you to act immediately, hang up and call the company directly using a number from its official website.

Kurt’s key takeaways

The Figure data breach is a reminder that technology alone cannot protect sensitive information. A single employee tricked into revealing credentials can expose hundreds of thousands of people. That is not a blockchain failure. It is a trust failure. If your data was involved, take action now. Even if it was not, treat this as a wake-up call. Your personal information has value. Criminals know it. Companies should know it too.

If one phone call can unlock nearly a million records, are companies investing enough in training people, or are they still betting everything on technology alone? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com

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Apple’s website leaks MacBook ‘Neo,’ which could be its new cheaper laptop

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Apple’s website leaks MacBook ‘Neo,’ which could be its new cheaper laptop

During Apple’s week-long product launch event on Tuesday, a listing for the “MacBook Neo (Model A3404)” appeared on a regulatory compliance page on Apple’s website under its line-up of 2026 MacBooks. First spotted by MacRumors, the listing appears to be an accident and has since been removed, but may have been a leaked reference to a rumored entry-level MacBook. Unfortunately, it didn’t include any additional details beyond the device’s name and model number.

The lower price and an “entirely new design” could help the new MacBook appeal to students and casual users, competing with Chromebooks and low-cost Windows laptops. A more affordable MacBook could be especially appealing after Apple announced the M5 MacBook Air on Tuesday, which has a higher starting price than last year’s Air.

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China’s compact humanoid robot shows off balance and flips

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China’s compact humanoid robot shows off balance and flips

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Humanoid robotics companies have already shown their machines can run at 22 mph, land backflips and even pull off front flips. So the new proving ground is not raw speed or acrobatics. It is control when something unexpected happens. That is where the EngineAI PM01 humanoid robot comes in.

In newly released footage, the compact humanoid keeps dancing after being deliberately pushed off balance. It performs a controlled forward slip, absorbs the disruption and smoothly regains rhythm within seconds. The motion looks fluid and surprisingly natural.

Then it lands another front flip, this time as part of a broader demonstration of balance and recovery.

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EngineAI pushes back on CGI skepticism as its PM01 humanoid robot demonstrates controlled recovery and dynamic motion. (Liu Lihang/Xinhua via Getty Images)

EngineAI PM01 humanoid robot shows advanced balance control

Speed gets attention. Recovery earns trust. When someone shoves the PM01, it does not freeze. It recalculates its center of mass, adjusts joint torque and corrects posture in real time. That level of control depends on tight coordination between sensors, actuators and AI algorithms. The front flip adds another challenge.

Front flips are typically harder than backflips. Rotating forward shifts the body weight ahead of the support base. That makes landings less forgiving. The EngineAI PM01 humanoid robot executes the move with coordinated arm swing, core stabilization and accurate landing mechanics. This is not about flashy tricks. It is about controlled dynamic motion under stress.

Why the compact size of the EngineAI PM01 matters

The PM01 stands just under 4 feet tall. That smaller build works to its advantage. A lower center of mass reduces tipping risk and requires less rotational force during flips. Its lighter structure also helps distribute impact forces more efficiently when it lands.

By comparison, EngineAI’s larger SE01 stands about 4 feet, 6 inches tall and weighs 88 pounds. The PM01 is roughly 10.5 inches shorter and about 17.6 pounds lighter. That size difference makes it more agile in research and development settings.

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Full-sized humanoids face greater mechanical stress during high-impact maneuvers. They need stronger actuators, reinforced joints and heavier structural support to stay stable. Compact robots like the EngineAI PM01 can achieve advanced movement with less overall strain.

CHINA’S ROBOTICS GIANT PUTS 200 ROBOTS TO THE TEST

The PM01 robot stands on display at EngineAI’s robot retail flagship store in Shenzhen, Guangdong Province of China. Newly released footage shows the PM01 humanoid absorbing a push and recalculating its center of mass within seconds. (VCG/VCG via Getty Images)

AI hardware powering the EngineAI PM01 humanoid robot

Under the hood, the EngineAI PM01 humanoid robot combines advanced perception with serious computing power. It uses an Intel RealSense depth camera for visual awareness and spatial mapping. A dual-chip setup integrates Nvidia Jetson Orin with an Intel N97 processor. That architecture supports real-time AI workloads and rapid balance correction when the robot is pushed or slips.

The robot features 24 degrees of freedom, including 12 joint motors. This design allows smooth coordinated movement across its limbs and torso. In the small humanoid segment, PM01 competes with models like the Unitree G1 and the Booster T1. It walks at up to about 4.5 miles per hour, faster than the T1, though still below some larger high-speed humanoid platforms built for sprint performance.

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EngineAI appears less focused on headline-grabbing speed and more focused on refined stability and controlled motion.

EngineAI pushes back against CGI claims

As humanoid videos go viral, skepticism follows. EngineAI recently addressed CGI accusations by releasing footage of its T800 humanoid physically interacting with its CEO. The company clearly wants to demonstrate that its robots operate in the real world.

That credibility push matters. In a crowded robotics market, bold claims are common. Physical demonstrations help separate engineering progress from digital effects.

WARM-SKINNED AI ROBOT WITH CAMERA EYES IS SERIOUSLY CREEPY

The nearly 4-foot-tall EngineAI PM01 uses AI-powered sensors and joint motors to recover from slips and continue moving. (VCG/VCG via Getty Images)

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What this means to you

Right now, this looks like a polished demo. However, balance and recovery are critical for real-world use. If humanoid robots are going to work in warehouses, hospitals or our homes, they must handle bumps, slips and unexpected contact without causing damage. A machine that can brace itself, fall safely and stand back up is far more practical than one that performs a single choreographed stunt. As humanoids move closer to everyday environments, resilience becomes just as important as athletic performance. The more stable they are, the more comfortable people will feel sharing space with them.

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Kurt’s key takeaways

Humanoid robots can already run fast, flip and move with serious athletic ability. What companies are racing to perfect now is something more practical: balance when things go wrong. The EngineAI PM01 humanoid robot shows how compact design and real-time correction can help a machine stay upright, recover quickly and keep moving without chaos. That kind of control matters far more in a crowded warehouse, hospital hallway or public space than a perfectly staged stunt. We are starting to see the shift from viral demo moments to robots built for everyday reliability. The real breakthrough is not the flip. It is what happens after the push.

When humanoid robots can absorb a shove, land a flip and get back to work without missing a beat, how close are we to seeing them in your neighborhood? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com.

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