With the exponential growth in technology, it really is no surprise that an aerial taxi service is envisioned for 2023. Last year, Uber worked alongside NASA to develop a helicopter-like prototype and in 2018 the peer-to-peer rideshare company is showcasing its updated drone-inspired design. Dubbed eVTOL (Electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing vehicle), the tech development will make for the "world's first urban aviation rideshare network."
The aerial taxi is designed to be stealthy and quiet, with a strong focus on the experience of the rider, as well as an adequate consideration for pedestrian safety. Uber has envisioned that the aerial taxis will begin to be tested in the field by 2020 and the service is projected to be live for on-demand commercial operations by 2023.
Futuristic Aerial Taxi Services
Uber Drew Inspiration from Drones for Its Flying Car Concept
Trend Themes
1. Aerial Rideshare Network - The eVTOL technology presents a disruptive innovation opportunity to create the world's first aerial rideshare network.
2. Vertical Take-off and Landing Vehicles - The development of eVTOL represents a trend toward creating more advanced vertical take-off and landing vehicles for urban transportation.
3. Drone-inspired Transportation - The use of drone technology as a source of inspiration for Uber's aerial taxi represents a trend toward applying advancements in one industry to another.
Industry Implications
1. Transportation - The development of aerial taxi services presents disruptive innovation opportunities for the transportation industry to revolutionize the way people navigate through urban spaces.
2. Aviation - The eVTOL technology presents disruptive innovation opportunities for the aviation industry to expand into the urban transportation market.
3. Technology - The development of eVTOL represents a disruptive innovation opportunity for the technology industry to create new, innovative transportation solutions.