Drone taxis and deliveries: Science fiction gets closer to reality in Seoul
A drone taxi and a drone delivery were tested in South Korea’s
capital on Wednesday as the country moves closer to launching unmanned air
vehicles by 2025.
The
event, near Seoul’s Han River, offered a glimpse into the future and what
flying vehicles might look like in a densely populated city. South Korea is
investing around 24.5 billion won ($22 million) through 2022 to develop the
so-called K-Drone System.
The
demonstration in a quiet riverside park started with the flight of several
small drones, which are designed to monitor traffic conditions and alert for
any potential danger. A siren rang to signal the all clear before a larger,
two-seater drone, made by Chinese company Ehang, began its takeoff.
No
human passengers were on board the 5.6 meter-wide drone due to safety
regulations. Instead, it carried 70 kilograms of rice bags in its seats. The
vehicle glided above the river for around 10 minutes at a height of about 36
meters and reaching speeds of up to 50 kilometers (31 miles) an hour.
When the Ehang 216 passenger-grade auto aerial
vehicle’s electric battery is fully charged, it can fly for as long as 30
minutes, according to Bill Choi, Ehang’s Asia business head. The company’s
drones are already in use in China, for deliveries, firefighting and some
tourism purposes, he said.
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