Technology
Lofty Dreams: How The Flying Taxi May Finally Realize Our Desire for the Flying Car
Published
6 years agoon
If you thought that the future of transportation was just electric cars and autonomous vehicles, well, there’s a push to take things a little higher.
Certainly, gasoline-free, self-driving cars are all the rage right now, and rightfully so. We are deep into the testing phase of cars that reach level four automation (level five means they are fully autonomous).
However, other transportation technologies are aiming to leave the road behind and take occupants above the fray of cars and traffic, delivering them to their destinations through the air versus across the ground.
While the promise of the flying car introduced in Back to the Future Part II may have missed the mark by a few years, the next decade will see a revolution unlike any since humans first took flight.
What is a Flying Taxi?
Traditionally, the term flying taxi is often confused with established transportation services known as Air Taxis. The latter evokes smallish airplanes or helicopters that shuttle occupants short distances, city to city, usually from one airport to another.
The modern iteration on a flying taxi, however, takes the terminology of a short-haul flight to a whole new level.
What makes the flying taxi concept both unique and potentially viable in a modern setting is the ability for the aircraft to take off and land anywhere – no airport is necessary.
Thanks to vertical ascent and descent capabilities the aircraft currently being tested are more akin to helicopters, but the design isn’t merely limited to well-known methods of flight. In fact, some prototypes now resemble oversized drones and gondola cabs with an array of small rotors attached to the roof.
Many of the designs carry only a handful of riders – from as few as two up to between five and seven, not including the pilot for the non-autonomous concepts. Indeed crewless flight is still one to two decades away, but much like the driverless automobile the drive for flying taxis to one day be pilotless is an aggressive one.
The small size though is the key to the technology proving a significant addition to an already crowded transportation network. So too is the plan for many of these crafts to be electric, eliminating the noise and nuisance of a gas powered engine.
In rising above gridlocked avenues and streets, flying taxis would utilize every aspect of the urban setting. From the ground level (in some areas) to the airspace in between or just above a cities mid and high rise buildings to the rooftops of those same structures, the tech would undoubtedly make the most of its operational field. Most proposals call for those rooftops to transition into launch and landing pads for the taxi network.
An actual airborne taxi service to get occupants from point A to point B within a densely packed city won’t just stop at the city limits though. There are also plans that would expand that reach, flying short haul, low occupant flights between closely networked cities.
Places within an hour’s drive of each other such as Dallas to Fort Worth or Baltimore to Washington DC are obvious candidates. However, taxi flights also offer the opportunity to bridge locales like Boston and New York or Los Angeles and San Francisco.
More Than Just Flying Cars
While on paper the whole enterprise seems ridiculously cool and simple enough, the reality is something different.
Uber, the peer to peer ridesharing behemoth, is one of the most visible players in the race to get the flying taxi up and running with its Elevate and UberAir programs.
In partnership with space agency NASA, Uber is working towards their taxis taking flight in 2020 in Dallas-Fort Worth, Los Angeles, and Dubai. It’s an aggressive goal considering that Uber remains in the design phase and have yet to produce an actual working, to scale prototype.
But they are undeterred.
Jeff Holden, head of product at Uber, has said, “there’s been a great deal of progress that’s been hard to see from the outside because a lot of this is just hard work at the drafting table.”
He goes on the to note, “we feel really good. It’s been a really interesting process getting our vehicle manufacturing partners aligned on performance specifications so that they’re building vehicles that align with what we need to make Elevate successful. So lots of good progress there.”
Expanding upon the ideas of their uncrewed traffic management protocols or UTM, NASA helps to nail down the infrastructure side of the endeavor.
The UTM system is currently helping to corral the unruly nature of the growing drone industry. In theory, NASA’s UTM would lead to the creation of an entirely new system of air traffic control to guide the taxi flights.
Although the push for localized flying transports has yet to generate the same publicity as that of their earthbound automobile counterparts, Uber is far from the only player in the field. More than 15 different companies are working towards similar goals, and in many cases, a lot of investment dollars are flowing into these efforts to get them off the ground.
For example, Kitty Hawk is a startup owned and fully funded by Larry Page, co-founder of Google. Kitty Hawk is currently testing a recreational hovercraft in New Zealand meant to dovetail into their flying taxi program over the next three years.
Others companies wanting to get in on the action include aviation heavyweights Boeing and Airbus.
Boeing bought Aurora Flight Service Corporation late last year to give both their commercial and military programs in electric and autonomous flight a shot in the arm. Greg Hyslop, the Chief Technology Office for Boeing noted the deal reflects that the “the aerospace industry is going to be changing” and Boeing is aiming to be ready “for whatever that future may be.”
For their part, Airbus made a similar deal, with an investment in startup Blade, which already boasts a charter flight business that is, ironically enough, often cast as the Uber of charters. This in addition to Airbus’ in-house Vahana program.
Elsewhere, showing off at CES 2018 in Las Vegas, was an 18 rotor vehicle called the Volocopter, that until recently was flying around in the futuristic desert playground of Dubai, running test flights.
Straight out of a sci-fi movie, the Volocopter is a German designed pilotless drone that one must really see to believe and appreciate.
Dubai also has a partnership with Chinese firm EHang, whose own ambitions for flying taxis stems from the automation and delivery via drone aircraft of organ transplant materials.
Even part and component manufacturers are playing a pivotal role in making the sci-fi of flying vehicles real.
British engine maker Rolls-Royce has a propulsion system in development for use in flying taxis. They hope to have it available sometime within the next decade.
And yes, some auto manufacturers are getting into the game with Porsche in the early stages of exploring the possibility.
Just How Viable Is A Flying Vehicle?
As with any new technology, growing pains exist. Flying cars are no different. There will almost certainly be a level of turbulence before the population fully embraces the latest tech and its scalable for the masses.
Consider the now ubiquitous iPhone is less than 12 years old and was once a curiosity. The prevalence and the advancements of the device made in just over a decade are definitely remarkable. The hope is that a flying taxi can follow a similar fast-track path to success.
Of course, airborne taxis are a completely different realm. As much as humanity is yearning to see a car fly – and practically – it’s another thing when you ask those same people to take a ride. It will require a convincing sales pitch for commuters to trust a machine that has onboard parachutes as part of its standard equipment.
However, with cities more crowded and street-level gridlock a constant complaint of urban dwellers, it’s not difficult to envision city skies filled with swarms of on-demand taxis.
The CEO of Volocopter, Florian Reuter summarizes the ease of use autonomous flight offers. “Implementation would see you using your smartphone, having an app, and ordering a volocopter to the next voloport near you. The volocopter would come and autonomously pick you up and take you to your destination,” he said.
Discounting that level of simplicity and convenience is hard.
As cool as it all sounds, flying taxis – even with actual testing happening as we speak – remain a construct of the future. We noted that many of the target dates for these aerial taxi programs run between 2020 and 2030. For some, those timelines are highly ambitious.
Even those whose entire reputation derives from their lofty ambitions.
Elon Musk mused to Bloomberg during a recent interview his thoughts on flying cars, and it was less than favorable. “Obviously, I like flying things. But it’s difficult to imagine the flying car becoming a scalable solution,” he said.
Uber’s Holden, however, disagrees. “We’ve studied this carefully and we believe it is scalable,” he noted, also casting Musk’s comments as “off the cuff” and “random.”
Final Thoughts
Regardless of if it can actually happen anytime within the next few years, many are banking on it simply being a matter of time before we are living with the daily sight of flying taxi services buzzing over our heads.
While the initial product may prove a bit different from the original vision, few will argue should one of the longest held fantasies of future progress finally come true.
Written by – Anna Kučírková
You may like
Artificial Intelligence
Grok Goes Free: Elon Musk’s AI Chatbot Takes on ChatGPT and Gemini!
Published
35 mins agoon
December 13, 2024Elon Musk’s xAI has made a significant move in the AI landscape by making its Grok AI chatbot accessible to all users free of charge. Previously, Grok was a premium feature on X (formerly Twitter), requiring a subscription to access. This shift aligns Grok more closely with its competitors, such as OpenAI’s ChatGPT and Google’s Gemini, which have offered free versions of their AI chatbots for some time.
Key Features of Grok
While xAI hasn’t officially announced the change, users on X have reported that Grok is now freely available. Our tests have confirmed this, allowing users to interact with the AI directly through the X platform. However, the free version of Grok comes with certain limitations:
- Message Limit: Users can send up to 10 messages every two hours.
- Image Analysis: Users can analyze a maximum of three images per day and generate up to four images.
Integration and Future Plans
Grok is currently integrated into the X platform, but reports suggest that it may soon be launched as a standalone app. This would bring it in line with ChatGPT and Gemini, which have dedicated apps for iOS and Android. Musk has also hinted at future updates for Grok, including the ability to process documents in formats like PDFs and Word files, which would enhance its utility for various tasks.
Funding and Valuation
xAI recently secured $6 billion in funding, valuing the company at over $40 billion. This funding will be used to expand its supercomputer facility in Memphis, Tennessee, which houses the powerful Colossus system, essential for xAI’s AI research. The investment positions xAI to compete more aggressively in the rapidly evolving AI market.
Competitive Landscape
The introduction of a free tier for Grok is seen as a strategic effort to compete with other popular chatbots like ChatGPT, Gemini, Microsoft’s Copilot, and Anthropic’s Claude. While both ChatGPT and Grok are conversational AIs, they differ in style and capabilities:
- Conversational Style: Grok tends toward an informal conversation style, while ChatGPT typically maintains a more formal tone.
- Real-Time Data Access: Grok can access real-time data, potentially providing answers that ChatGPT might not cover due to its reliance on pre-trained data.
User Reception
The response from users has been enthusiastic since Grok’s access was made free. Many users have praised its unique personality and responsiveness compared to other chatbots. For example, one user noted that they appreciated Grok’s “attitude” and “panache,” highlighting its more casual interaction style.
Conclusion
By making Grok available for free, xAI aims to broaden its user base and enhance competition within the chatbot market. As it continues to evolve with new features and capabilities, Grok could become a formidable player alongside established names like ChatGPT and Gemini. With ongoing updates anticipated, users can look forward to an increasingly versatile AI tool that meets a variety of needs in everyday interactions.
Artificial Intelligence
Google’s Veo AI: A New Era of Video Creation!
Published
18 hours agoon
December 12, 2024Google has taken a significant step forward in AI-powered video generation with the launch of its Veo AI model. This powerful tool, accessible through Google’s Vertex AI platform, allows businesses to create high-quality videos from simple text or image prompts, marking a major advancement in content creation technology.
Key Features of Veo AI
Versatile Video Creation
Veo can generate videos in a wide range of styles, from cinematic to playful, catering to various business needs. The model is capable of producing high-quality 1080p resolution videos and can create clips that exceed one minute in length, showcasing its versatility and depth.
Enhanced Image Generation
In conjunction with Veo, Google’s Imagen 3 technology is also available on Vertex AI, enabling advanced image editing and branding integration. This synergy allows users to leverage high-quality images as a foundation for their video content, enhancing visual appeal and engagement.
Robust AI Protections
Google has implemented safeguards to prevent the creation of harmful content and copyright infringement. This commitment to ethical AI usage is crucial as businesses increasingly rely on automated tools for content generation.
DeepMind’s SynthID Technology
Veo integrates DeepMind’s SynthID technology, which adds digital watermarks to AI-generated content. This feature addresses concerns about misinformation and misattribution, ensuring that users can verify the authenticity of the generated media.
The Future of AI-Powered Content Creation
With the increasing adoption of AI tools like Veo and Imagen 3, businesses are poised to revolutionize their content creation processes. These powerful tools can help streamline workflows, enhance creativity, and deliver more engaging content to their audiences.
Impact on Industries
The introduction of Veo is expected to have significant implications across various sectors, including marketing, entertainment, and education. For example:
- Marketing Teams: Can quickly produce promotional videos tailored to specific campaigns.
- Content Creators: Gain the ability to prototype video ideas rapidly without extensive resources.
- Educators: Can create engaging instructional videos that enhance learning experiences.
Competitive Landscape
Veo’s launch comes at a time when competition in the generative AI space is intensifying, particularly with OpenAI’s upcoming Sora product. By being first to market with a comprehensive video generation tool, Google aims to solidify its position as a leader in the AI-driven content creation landscape.
Comparison with Other Tools
While other models may struggle with understanding complex text prompts accurately, Veo’s advanced natural language processing capabilities allow it to interpret and generate coherent video narratives effectively. This advantage positions Veo as a strong contender in the rapidly evolving market for generative media.
Conclusion
Google’s Veo AI is a significant step forward in AI-powered video generation. This tool empowers businesses and individuals to create high-quality videos easily and efficiently. As AI continues to advance, we can expect to see even more innovative applications that will revolutionize the way we produce and consume media.
Artificial Intelligence
OpenAI’s 12 Days of Christmas: A Festive Feast of AI Innovations!
Published
20 hours agoon
December 12, 2024OpenAI is set to unveil a series of exciting new features, products, and demos over the next 12 days, starting December 5th. This festive season, the AI powerhouse is bringing a special gift every day, culminating in the highly anticipated launch of Sora, its groundbreaking AI-powered video generation model.
What is Sora?
Sora is designed to revolutionize video creation by allowing users to generate realistic and detailed videos from simple text prompts. Similar to how AI models like DALL-E and Midjourney have transformed image generation, Sora aims to do the same for video, making it accessible for a wide range of creative applications.
Key Features of Sora
- Text-to-Video Generation: Users can input detailed text prompts, such as “a futuristic city with flying cars,” to create stunning video visualizations. The model can generate videos that range from simple animations to complex narratives.
- High Fidelity Output: Sora can produce videos up to one minute long, maintaining high visual quality and adherence to user instructions. This capability allows for the creation of engaging content suitable for various platforms.
- Interactive Elements: The model supports multiple characters and specific motion types, enabling users to craft dynamic scenes that reflect their creative vision.
A Glimpse into the Future of AI Video
While Sora is not yet publicly accessible, early demonstrations have showcased its impressive capabilities. The ability to generate videos from text prompts opens up new possibilities for content creators in fields such as marketing, entertainment, and education.
Road to Public Access
OpenAI has been gradually refining Sora through a series of tests and feedback loops. Initially, the model was accessible to a selected group of developers and artists who provided valuable insights into its strengths and limitations. However, recent leaks and controversies have temporarily halted public access.
Recent Controversies
A group of artists recently leaked access to Sora in protest against what they described as “art washing” by OpenAI. They created a front end that allows users to generate short videos using the Sora API, raising questions about ethical practices surrounding AI-generated content 1.
A Bright Future for AI Video
Despite the setbacks, OpenAI remains committed to making Sora available to the public. The company envisions a future where AI-powered video generation becomes a powerful tool for creators, filmmakers, and businesses alike.
Industry Implications
As more creators adopt AI tools like Sora, we can expect significant shifts in how video content is produced and consumed. This technology could democratize video creation, allowing individuals without extensive technical skills to produce high-quality visual narratives.
Conclusion
OpenAI’s 12 Days of Christmas promises exciting advancements in AI technology, with Sora leading the charge in transforming video generation. As the company continues to refine this innovative model and address current challenges, it aims to empower creators with tools that enhance storytelling capabilities and expand creative horizons. Stay tuned for more updates as OpenAI unveils its festive innovations!
Recent Posts
- Grok Goes Free: Elon Musk’s AI Chatbot Takes on ChatGPT and Gemini!
- Mahanagar Gas Partners with Nawgati to Boost CNG Adoption!
- Nazara and Lysto Partner to Launch Blockchain-Based Marketing Platform!
- Swiggy Instamart Aims to Boost Sales per Order!
- Google’s Veo AI: A New Era of Video Creation!
- Tata Emerges as a Key Player in Apple’s Supply Chain!
- OpenAI’s 12 Days of Christmas: A Festive Feast of AI Innovations!
- Spotify Hits India: Celebrating Creative Excellence in Advertising!
- CRED Expands Beyond App: Users Can Now Use CRED Coins Offline and Online!
- Freshworks Appoints Srinivasan Raghavan as Chief Product Officer!
- Flipkart to Revolutionize Medicine Delivery with 10-Minute Service!
- DeepMind’s Genie 2: A Leap into Infinite 3D Worlds!
- Nykaa Fashion CEO Nihir Parikh Resigns, Abhijeet Dabas Appointed as New Business Head!
- PhonePe’s Share.Market Unveils “Sheets”: A Game Changer for Stock Trading!!
- Google Extends Software Support for Pixel 6, 7 Series!
- OpenAI Explores Advertising as Revenue Stream Grows!
- Uber Takes to the Waters: Launches Boat-Hailing Service on Kashmir’s Dal Lake!
- Amagi Acquires Argoid AI to Power AI-Driven Innovation in M&E!
- Allen Career Institute Eyes Unacademy Acquisition in $800 Million Deal!
- OpenAI Faces Allegations of Accidental Data Deletion in NY Times Copyright Case!