HOW TO AVOID TRAFFIC JAMS
GETTING stuck in a traffic jam can really be a grind, and it’s very unproductive. Airborne commuting is the answer, according to Chinese firm EHang which has invented an autonomous drone big enough to transport one person and some luggage. There’s no need for flying lessons as the EHang 184 takes off, flies and lands on complete auto pilot. You simply select your destination on the onboard touchscreen, and sit back in the air-conditioned cabin while zooming over the poor suckers stuck in the grid- lock beneath you.
The drone’s automated flight systems manage communication with air-traffic control and other aircraft, obstacle avoidance, and navigation. It has a maximum speed of 100km/h and can reach a maximum altitude of 3 500m. It’s kept aloft by eight rotors on four arms (184 stands for one passenger, eight propellers, four arms) and has a flight range of around 23 minutes depending on the passenger’s weight. At just 1.5 metres long when the arms are folded, the vehicle fits into a standard parking bay.
The EHang 184’s battery takes between two and four hours to charge. Failsafe systems will reportedly take over in the event of malfunctions, plus passengers can get the drone to stop and hover in place if needed.
While the company faces a number of regulatory obstacles – the EHang 184 doesn’t fit into drone regulations and it’s not a road vehicle – EHang vice president Clair Chen says “we are ready to sell to anybody.”
Don’t expect it to replace your Toyota Corolla any time soon though; the price tag is expected to be in the range of $200 000 to $300 000 (R3.3 – 4.9-million).