Chapter 10
TRANSPORTATION OF THE FUTURE, AUTONOMOUS CARS AND COMMERCIAL FLIGHTS IN FLYING TAXIS
The transportation of the future is evolving rapidly thanks to artificial intelligence, connectivity and new energy sources. Two of the most promising innovations are autonomous cars and commercial flying taxis , which could transform urban mobility and reduce congestion in cities.
Autonomous cars: the revolution of land transport
Autonomous vehicles are cars equipped with sensors, cameras, radars and artificial intelligence systems that allow them to drive without human intervention.
Features and operation
Levels of autonomy: they are classified into 5 levels, from basic assistance (level 1) to total autonomy (level 5).
Advanced sensors: Use LIDAR, cameras and radars to detect the environment.
Accident reduction: they eliminate human errors, which are responsible for 90% of accidents.
Energy efficiency: many are electric, reducing the carbon footprint.
Traffic optimization: Vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) communication systems improve traffic flow.
Challenges
Regulation: each country must adapt its laws to allow its circulation.
Cybersecurity: protection against possible computer attacks.
Social acceptance: generating trust in passengers and pedestrians.
Flying taxis: the aerial revolution in cities
Flying taxis are electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft designed for rapid urban travel.
Advantages and applications
Urban air mobility: reduces travel times in congested areas.
Sustainability: They run on electric motors, minimising emissions.
Lower noise: designed to be quieter than helicopters
City landing capability: can operate from helipads or specific stations.
Companies and projects
Joby Aviation and Archer Aviation : Developing flying taxis with backing from companies such as Toyota and United Airlines.
Volocopter : in advanced testing in Germany and Singapore.}
EHang : Chinese company pioneering autonomous passenger flights.
Challenges to overcome
Infrastructure: need for "vertiports" in cities.
Air regulation: integration with conventional traffic.
Security: ensuring reliable and fault-free operations.
Initial cost: Expensive to implement, but prices will decrease over time.
The future of transportation is all about more efficient, safe and sustainable mobility. Autonomous cars and flying taxis will be key in smart cities, optimizing travel time and reducing pollution. As technology and regulations advance, we will see mass adoption of these systems in the coming decades.
Will there be specific routes? Will they connect with other public transport systems?
Yes, flying taxis (eVTOL) are designed to operate within specific air routes and connect with other public transportation systems. Here are some key details:
Specific routes and air regulation
Urban air corridors: safe routes will be established to avoid interference with commercial aircraft and helicopters.
Controlled altitude: they will fly at an intermediate height between buildings and conventional aviation, optimising airspace.
Management with artificial intelligence: Advanced air traffic systems (UTM, Urban Traffic Management) will regulate autonomous flights.
Connection with trains and subways: Some projects, such as Volocopter in Singapore, seek to integrate eVTOLs with train and subway stations.
Urban vertiports: platforms will be built on the roofs of buildings, airports and strategic areas to facilitate the transition between land and air transport.
Fast charging and sustainability: clean energy is planned to be used to reduce environmental impact and improve efficiency.
In cities such as Paris, Dubai and Los Angeles, these systems are already being tested to integrate flying taxis with mass transit. It is expected that, in the next decade, these connections will become a reality in large metropolises.
Pilot tests in cities such as Seoul, New York and São Paulo have begun pilot tests of air taxis, establishing specific routes to evaluate the viability of this new transport system. In Seoul, the government has developed urban air corridors for flying taxis. In New York, tests are being carried out in the Manhattan area to connect airports and strategic points. In São Paulo, one of the cities with the highest vehicular traffic, air mobility solutions are being tested to reduce congestion in key areas.
Challenges to overcome
Infrastructure: need for "vertiports" in cities.
Air regulation: integration with conventional traffic.
Security: ensuring reliable and fault-free operations.
Initial cost: Expensive to implement, but prices will decrease over time.
Social and economic impact: The introduction of autonomous cars and flying taxis could have a significant impact on the local economy and the labour market. Demand for engineers, maintenance technicians, air traffic operators and software developers will increase. New business models will also be created around shared mobility and tourism. In terms of accessibility, these systems could improve transport in areas with few mobility options, facilitating access to essential services.
Considerations for existing infrastructure: Cities will need to adapt to integrate these new transportation systems. This could involve changing building regulations to include vertiports in buildings and public spaces. In addition, traditional traffic management will need to be adjusted to coordinate the flow of ground and air vehicles, avoiding congestion and ensuring safety. City administrations will also need to invest in advanced air traffic control systems to manage flying taxi traffic efficiently.
The future of transportation is all about more efficient, safe and sustainable mobility. Autonomous cars and flying taxis will be key in smart cities, optimizing travel time and reducing pollution. As technology and regulations advance, we will see mass adoption of these systems in the coming decades.
