Dubai, known for its extreme buildings and cutting-edge technology, is set to revolutionize transportation once again with the introduction of self-flying taxi drones in July 2017. Passengers will be able to order a drone through an app and fly to their desired destination with complete autonomy and the highest safety standards. The Chinese drone, Ehang 184, has been in development for years and features eight rotors mounted on four arms, with a passenger cabin in the center that can accommodate one person and a small luggage compartment. The drone can fly up to 160 kilometers per hour, but in Dubai, it will be limited to a maximum speed of 100 kilometers per hour and a maximum altitude of 1,000 meters, with a range of 50 kilometers and a flight time of 30 minutes.
Passengers will not fly the drone themselves but will input their desired destination on a touch screen, and the drone will fly autonomously while being monitored by ground stations. In case of an emergency, the drone can safely and quickly land on its own. The introduction of a network of flying taxis is expected to change the face of Dubai, but the question remains whether other cities will follow suit. If so, we may soon be flying to the bakery or the cinema as a normal mode of transportation.
