Technology
The world’s first certified passenger-carrying air taxi takes flight
Imagine flying over the city in a pilotless, electric-powered aircraft that can take you from point A to point B in minutes without a pilot onboard. Sounds like science fiction, right? Well, not anymore.
China-based Ehang has become the world’s first company to receive airworthiness certification for its fully autonomous, passenger-carrying air taxis.
What are electric air taxis?
Ehang’s EH216-S air taxis are electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft that can carry up to two passengers or 600 pounds of cargo. They are powered by 16 electric rotors and can fly at speeds of up to 80 mph and distances of up to 18 miles.
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How do electric air taxis operate without pilots?
The air taxis are controlled by a centralized command and control center that monitors the flight status, routes and weather conditions.
Passengers can simply select their destination on a touchscreen inside the cabin and enjoy the ride without worrying about piloting the aircraft.
The air taxis do not require traditional infrastructure such as airports or runways. They can take off and land vertically from any flat surface, such as a rooftop, parking lot, or park.
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The air taxis use electric power to reduce environmental harm caused by emissions. They can be fully charged in two hours and have low noise levels.
The EH216-S vehicles have multiple redundancies in their systems, such as backup batteries, rotors, and communication links.
They also have emergency landing systems and parachutes in case of any malfunction.
How did these China-based electric air taxis get the approval to fly?
Since 2014, over 40,000 test flights have been conducted in various locations around the world. In January 2021, Ehang applied for a type certificate from the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC), which is the official recognition of the airworthiness of an aircraft.
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The CAAC evaluated Ehang’s air taxis for over 500 parameters, such as structural strength, software simulation, flight performance and electromagnetic compatibility. The process took more than 1,000 days and involved extensive laboratory, ground and flight tests.
On October 15, 2023, Ehang announced that it had received certification from the CAAC, making it the first company in the world to obtain such a certification for passenger-carrying eVTOL aircraft. This means that Ehang can now start commercial operations of its air taxis in China. As Ehang’s founder-chair and CEO Huazhi Hu said, “Embracing the certification as our springboard, we will launch commercial operations of the EH216-S air taxis, prioritizing safety above all.”
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What are the potential applications of electric air taxis?
Ehang’s air taxis have a wide range of potential applications for urban air mobility (UAM), which uses aerial vehicles to provide transportation services in urban areas.
They can help you avoid traffic jams and save time on your commute. They can also take you to places that are hard to reach by car or public transportation. Whether you need to go to a business meeting, a tourist attraction or a hospital, Ehang’s air taxis can get you there quickly and conveniently. Ehang’s air taxis can also offer you a new perspective of the city with views of the skyline, landmarks and nature, all from above.
Beyond just transporting people, these aircraft can be used for delivering goods, such as packages, medical supplies or food. They can also be used for emergency situations, such as natural disasters or accidents. In those situations where time is of the essence, these vehicles could transport much-needed medical personnel or equipment to the scene quickly and safely.
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What are the challenges for pilotless air taxis?
Ehang’s air taxis are a groundbreaking innovation that could revolutionize the future of transportation. However, they also face some challenges in terms of regulation, technology, market demand and social acceptance.
Ehang’s air taxis need to comply with the laws and regulations of different countries and regions where they might operate. They also need to coordinate with other aircraft that use the same airspace. Ehang has been working closely with regulators to establish standards and policies for UAM.
One big hurdle is working to gain social acceptance and trust from the public. The manufacturer needs to educate and inform us about the benefits and risks of UAM. It also needs to address the potential issues and concerns of noise, privacy and environmental impact. For its part, Ehang has been conducting public demonstrations and campaigns to raise awareness and confidence in UAM.
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Kurt’s key takeaways
Ehang’s air taxis are a pioneering achievement that could transform how we travel in cities across this country. By receiving the first industry approval for fully autonomous, passenger-carrying air taxis, Ehang has opened up new possibilities and opportunities for UAM. But with all new technology comes challenges, and those are what Ehang needs to tackle to be successful moving forward.
How do you feel about the idea of traveling in an air taxi with no pilot? Do you think this is a recipe for trouble? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact.
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Technology
Microsoft pauses Windows 11 updates for PCs with some Ubisoft games installed
After installing Windows 11, version 24H2, you might encounter issues with some Ubisoft games. These games might become unresponsive while starting, loading or during active gameplay. In some cases, users might receive a black screen. The affected games are:
• Assassin’s Creed Valhalla
• Assassin’s Creed Origins
• Assassin’s Creed Odyssey
• Star Wars Outlaws
• Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora
Technology
Fox News AI Newsletter: Mr. Miyagi's dramatic return
Welcome to Fox News’ Artificial Intelligence newsletter with the latest AI technology advancements.
IN TODAY’S NEWSLETTER:
– ‘Cobra Kai’ used AI to bring back ‘Karate Kid’ character in controversial ‘nightmare’ scene
– Nvidia stock dips despite optimistic forecast for ‘Age of AI’
– AI-powered dog robot sniffs out invasive fire ants
WAX ON, WAX OFF: Netflix’s “Cobra Kai” used artificial intelligence to bring back the most influential character in the “Karate Kid” universe — the late Pat Morita’s Mr. Miyagi.
‘AGE OF AI’: Nvidia released its earnings report on Wednesday and projected that fourth-quarter sales were above Wall Street estimates, but investors balked as those figures fell short of the lofty expectations the artificial intelligence giant has garnered during its historic rise.
K-9 PEST PATROL: High-tech canines are being trained to sniff out invasive fire ants, using artificial intelligence to identify their nests with remarkable precision. This breakthrough could change the way we manage invasive species and protect our environment.
MACHINE BIAS: On Tuesday, the Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights released presidentially-mandated guidance that lays out how schools’ use of artificial intelligence can be discriminatory toward minority and transgender students, “likely” opening them up to federal investigations.
Subscribe now to get the Fox News Artificial Intelligence Newsletter in your inbox.
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Stay up to date on the latest AI technology advancements and learn about the challenges and opportunities AI presents now and for the future with Fox News here.
Technology
A fully electric Chrysler Pacifica is in the works
Chrysler is working on a fully electric version of the Chrysler Pacifica minivan, according to Green Car Reports. The EV version reportedly would “likely” come a year after the company debuts a Pacifica design refresh that features elements of the Halcyon concept that Stellantis showed off earlier this year.
At the moment, the Pacifica lineup includes a standard gas-powered minivan and a plug-in hybrid with an estimated 32-mile electric-only driving range before it switches over to gas. Chrysler CEO Christine Feuell, who confirmed the plans to Green Car Reports during the LA Auto Show on Thursday, wouldn’t say whether the company will keep the plug-in hybrid alongside the all-electric model.
Chrysler will reportedly need to rejigger the Pacifica’s “Stow ‘N Go” seating system, which lets owners fold seats down to make a flat loading floor, to accommodate Stellantis’ BEV powertrain. Feuell told the outlet that one solution it’s considering would involve storing the second-row seats underneath the front seats. Another idea reportedly involves putting second-row outboard seats on rails that let them slide sideways.
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