While flying cars may sound as if they belong in science fiction, rapidly developing technologies in aerospace and aircraft design seem to have brought them closer to reality—potentially helping to create a faster, cheaper, cleaner, safer, and more integrated transportation system. Below are a series of articles exploring autonomous aerial passenger vehicles and opportunities and challenges facing the next era of elevated mobility.
Major aircraft manufacturers, technology startups and network operators are taking the business of urban aerial transportation seriously and investors have already put hundreds of millions of dollars toward research and development. Despite the progress, there are various challenges to consider with respect to consumer acceptance, safety, regulations, infrastructure, and air traffic management.
There is an important and exciting dialogue occurring between industry players, leaders and investors about the future of transportation. Innovative technology and consumer trends are changing the speed of development. It won’t be long before entirely autonomous and tailored systems will be ready to transport individuals by land and air. This series aims to map out what that transformative future will look like and how soon it will be a reality.