Drones may be all the rage in the tech world, but what about your own personal-transport aerial vehicle?
Pop.Up is a modular, fully electric, zero emissions concept vehicle system designed to relieve traffic congestion in crowded cities.
Its multi-module design means passengers can take advantage of both ground- and airspace.
The passenger capsule can connect to this four-rotor air transport module to whisk rushed commuters above busy roads and crowded areas.
“I think it will be incredible,” says Mathias Thomsen from Airbus.
“You’re in your capsule, you don’t have to go in and out, it’s integrated, it’s seamless, it will be the most pleasant way of getting around town, getting to the airport. I think it will be irresistibly nice.”
Seems far-fetched, but Thomsen says they’re actually on course to make the technology a reality in the next five to ten years.
One big barrier is the required infrastructure and regulations to allow autonomous passengers vehicles to fly above busy urban environments.
“It’s not so much the infrastructure, but it needs to be there and city planning, urban planning, it takes a bit of time,” says Thomsen.
“So we actually see a good timeline for the technology maturation and the regulatory environments to work together within the next five to ten years.”
Pop.Up uses an artificial intelligence system that builds user knowledge and manages the travel complexity while offering alternative usage scenarios.
The passenger vehicle connects to two different electric propelled models—one wheeled module for ground, one rotored module for air.
The interactive module allows users to choose their destination, scan social media and choose the perfect music playlist for their journey.
Passengers can plan and book their journey using an app on their smart device.
“It’s operated by a platform, we’re thinking request via your app or other devices,” explains Thomsen.
“We have wearable technology which identifies you when you get in.
“You have a big display that tells you what’s going on, you get access to your own content, you can enjoy your space and take back time while you travel.”
Thomsen says as various industries move towards autonomy and connectivity, collaborations like this between the automotive and aviation industries will become more common.
“The four main technology areas that we are looking at right now at Airbus is connectivity, it’s electrification, it’s autonomy and it’s how we can create new mobility solutions,” he says.
“And when we start thinking about that we realize that here at the automotive world it’s the same themes. That’s why we can see synergy in coming together and joining forces.”
The Geneva Motor Show opens to the public on March 9 and runs through March 19.
In total 900 models are being shown by 180 exhibitors, including 148 world and European premiers, according to organizers.
(AP)
