“Uber” Technologies Inc. is now exploring the feasibility of a flying vehicle that is capable of vertical takeoff and landing for city use. The online transportation network company just issued a 98-page whitepaper titled “Fast-Forwarding to a Future of On-Demand Urban Air Transportation."
The paper is about tech companies seeking to develop a vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) aircraft that will become the daily transportation of the masses in the future, making it cheaper than owning a car, according to Bloomberg. As stated in the white paper, “Uber” chose to collaborate with vehicle developers, national governments and stakeholders instead of manufacturing VTOL hardware, simultaneously, attracting an abundant market of excited customers.
In addition, the whitepaper states the benefits of VTOL travel such as fewer emissions, less traffic congestion, noise-free travel and cheaper fare. This technology will be available within the decade, “Uber” stated. In other words, “Uber” wants to create a market of “air taxis” where people can travel with ease, convenience and comfort without compromising their safety.
“Uber” is not the only company that believes On-Demand Air Transportation is viable. Larry Page, CEO of Alphabet Inc., has also invested in flying cars. According to Bloomberg, “Page shelled out more than $100 Million on Zee.Aero, a flying vehicle manufacturer”, according to recode.
The ride-hail giant, “Uber”, is already investing in self-driving vehicles and purchasing Otto, the autonomous trucking company. Likewise, “Uber” has begun to take passengers in self-driving Volvo cars in Pittsburgh.
“Uber” envisions itself that flying cars are the transportation of the future; however, the giant company also recognizes that they still have a lot of years to develop their dream. The paper reads, "The vision portrayed above is ambitious, but we believe it is achievable in the coming decade." The barriers to success that it sees are lengthy, including regulations, limitations in battery technology, aircraft noise and safety.
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