Articles tagged with "urban-air-mobility"
Figure CEO predicts big for humanoids, eVTOLs, memory AI in 2026
In a LinkedIn post, Brett Adcock, CEO of the US robotics company Figure, outlined several bold predictions for technological advancements expected in 2026. He foresees humanoid robots capable of autonomously performing multi-day tasks in unfamiliar homes, powered by neural networks that translate visual inputs directly into motor actions. In aviation, electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft are predicted to achieve fully piloted operations meeting FAA safety standards, with urban validation missions signaling progress toward widespread air mobility. Additionally, AI is expected to evolve from text-based chatbots to multimodal voice agents with persistent memory, enabling more personalized, context-aware, and continuous interactions that resemble synthetic human intelligence. On the public safety front, Adcock anticipates the beta testing of 20-foot standoff weapon-detection systems in K–12 schools to address the rise in school shootings. Reactions to these predictions were mixed. Some expressed skepticism about the readiness of humanoid robots to perform complex, unsupervised
roboticshumanoid-robotseVTOLAIartificial-intelligenceurban-air-mobilitypublic-safety-technologySaudi Arabia Opens Pathway for Electric Air Taxis - CleanTechnica
Saudi Arabia is positioning itself as a pioneering market for electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, commonly known as electric air taxis. The country’s aviation regulator, the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA), has signed an agreement with Archer Aviation to develop a regulatory framework modeled on the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration’s eVTOL Implementation Pilot Program. This initiative aims to enable early operations in major cities like Riyadh and Jeddah, as well as in large-scale projects such as Red Sea Global, aligning with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 to embrace advanced technologies. The partnership will involve proof-of-concept demonstrations, experimental flights, and efforts to build public acceptance and an operational ecosystem for eVTOL aircraft. Archer Aviation, which recently partnered with Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund’s The Helicopter Company, views this collaboration as a way to safely and quickly bring electric air taxis to market. While the article expresses skepticism about the widespread adoption of electric air taxis globally,
energyelectric-aviationeVTOLSaudi-Arabiaclean-technologyurban-air-mobilitysustainable-transportationMeet the 5 air taxis set to define the future of urban mobility in 2026
The autonomous air taxi industry is poised for significant advancement in 2026, with several leading companies nearing certification and preparing for commercial operations. This marks a transition from experimental phases to practical urban air mobility solutions, promising to reshape transportation infrastructure and regulatory frameworks globally. Key players are developing innovative electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft designed for various urban and regional use cases, with plans to launch passenger services in multiple international markets. Joby Aviation leads the pack with its S4 aircraft, capable of carrying one pilot and four passengers at speeds up to 200 mph and a 100-mile range, targeting commercial flights in Dubai by early 2026. Archer Aviation’s Midnight aircraft, featuring 12 rotors and similar passenger capacity, aims for operations in Abu Dhabi with FAA certification underway. Vertical Aerospace’s VX4 offers both all-electric and hybrid variants with extended range and payload capacity, suitable for diverse industries beyond urban mobility. Lilium Jet focuses on regional routes with its six-passenger duct
energyelectric-aircrafturban-air-mobilityautonomous-vehiclesFAA-certificationelectric-motorsair-taxisXPENG Unveils A868: A Leap Toward Long-Range Flying Mobility - CleanTechnica
At XPENG Motors’ 2025 AI Technology Day in Guangzhou, the company’s low-altitude mobility division, XPENG Aridge, unveiled the A868, a vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) fixed-wing flying car designed for long-range intercity travel. Unlike typical flying car concepts, the A868 emphasizes practicality and range, featuring an aviation-grade extended-range hybrid system capable of traveling over 500 kilometers at speeds up to 360 km/h. Its six-person cabin targets business travelers and air mobility services, aiming to offer a more efficient and flexible alternative to cars and high-speed rail. The vehicle’s fully vertical take-off and landing capability requires minimal space—potentially only half a basketball court—enabling operations from rooftops, parking lots, or small helipads. XPENG positions the A868 as nearing mass production but acknowledges the critical importance of safety. The aircraft incorporates a six-axis, six-propeller, two-power-channel design to ensure continued flight even if a
robotAIflying-carVTOLurban-air-mobilityhybrid-systemintercity-travelChina launches VT35 pilotless drone taxi for intercity travel
EHang Holdings has launched the VT35, a pilotless electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) air taxi designed for intercity travel across China’s major economic hubs. The two-seat VT35 features a 125-mile range on a single charge and can cruise at 134 mph, enabling significantly faster travel between cities compared to traditional road transport. With a compact design suitable for rooftop and vertiport landings, the VT35 supports a maximum takeoff weight of 950 kg and incorporates autonomous flight systems with redundant safety measures, voice and touch controls, and an eco-friendly electric propulsion system. The VT35 is currently undergoing certification and airworthiness testing by the Civil Aviation Administration of China, building on EHang’s prior experience with its commercial EH216-S air taxi. The company aims to establish one-hour aerial mobility networks connecting key regions such as the Yangtze River Delta and Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei, potentially reducing typical two-hour drives to under 30 minutes by air
robotautonomous-vehicleselectric-propulsiondrone-taxiurban-air-mobilityvertical-takeoff-and-landingenergy-efficient-transportationMore executives depart Hyundai’s air taxi startup Supernal
Hyundai’s electric air taxi startup Supernal is undergoing a significant leadership shakeup following the recent departure of its CEO and CTO and the pausing of its vehicle program. The company confirmed that chief strategy officer Jaeyong Song, chief safety officer Tracy Lamb, and chief of staff Lina Yang have also left. Supernal stated that this transition is part of a strategic review to align its program with long-term goals, while Hyundai Motor Group remains committed to its Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) business. Song’s exit is notable given his long tenure within Hyundai’s AAM group and Supernal, and Lamb brought extensive aerospace safety and piloting experience. Supernal has faced a challenging year, having shut down its Washington, D.C. headquarters late in 2024, conducted its first test flight in March 2025, but then laid off many employees and paused its air taxi program by early September. This turmoil comes amid a critical period for the electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL
robotelectric-air-taxiadvanced-air-mobilityurban-air-mobilityautonomous-vehicleselectric-vertical-takeoff-and-landingHyundai-SupernalTwo flying cars crash into each other in China rehearsal flight
During a rehearsal flight for the Changchun Air Show in northeastern China, two electric vertical takeoff and landing vehicles (eVTOLs) developed by Xpeng Aeroht collided mid-air due to "insufficient flight distance," resulting in one vehicle catching fire upon landing and one pilot sustaining minor injuries. Emergency responders quickly secured the scene, and the injured passenger was hospitalized but reported to be stable. Xpeng Aeroht, Asia’s largest flying car company, confirmed the incident is under investigation and emphasized that all other personnel were safe. Xpeng Aeroht’s flying cars, priced around USD 281,000 each, are designed to operate at altitudes between 300 and 500 meters with features such as a panoramic cabin and single-lever controls. The company has garnered significant attention with its modular flying car technology, including a road vehicle that carries a detachable two-person eVTOL. With over 4,000 orders and ongoing development—including a new factory in Guangzhou aiming for mass production by
roboteVTOLflying-carselectric-vehiclesurban-air-mobilityaerospace-technologyXpeng-AerohtFrom Kitty Hawk to Supernal: The Shrinking Future of eVTOLs - CleanTechnica
The article from CleanTechnica highlights a significant shift in the eVTOL (electric vertical takeoff and landing) aircraft industry, marked by Supernal’s recent decision to pause its eVTOL development. Despite strong backing from Hyundai and ambitious plans to launch a five-seat air taxi by 2028, Supernal’s retreat signals broader challenges facing the sector. Many eVTOL companies are struggling to transition from prototypes to certified, commercially viable aircraft amid high costs, regulatory hurdles, and operational complexities. Of 32 firms tracked, seven have abandoned their programs, three operate limited commercial services, one has pivoted business models, and 21 remain in pre-production, reflecting a more cautious and grounded industry outlook compared to earlier hype. The article also contrasts the fading enthusiasm for eVTOLs with the similarly challenged hydrogen vehicle sector, noting that both face fundamental economic, technical, and regulatory barriers. High-profile eVTOL failures include Kitty Hawk’s shutdown, Lilium’s bankruptcy, Volocopter’s
energyelectric-vertical-takeoff-and-landingeVTOLurban-air-mobilityhydrogen-vehiclesbattery-technologyaviation-industryUber Ready To Offer Air Taxis
The article announces a partnership between Joby Aviation and Uber to offer air taxi services through the Uber app, signaling a move towards integrating urban air mobility into mainstream transportation options. This collaboration aims to allow users to book air taxis conveniently alongside traditional Uber rides, potentially transforming urban travel by reducing congestion and travel times. However, the article does not provide specific details on the locations where these air taxis will initially be available or the timeline for when customers can start booking these services. Further information on operational cities, pricing, and regulatory approvals remains unclear, indicating that while the partnership is a significant step forward, the rollout of air taxi services is still in its early stages.
roboturban-air-mobilityair-taxisJoby-AviationUberautonomous-vehiclestransportation-technologyUber will add Blade’s helicopters to its platform as early as 2026
Uber plans to integrate Blade Air Mobility’s helicopter services into its app as early as 2026, initially targeting popular routes such as airport transfers near New York City and Southern Europe. This development follows Joby Aviation’s recent acquisition of Blade’s passenger business for up to $125 million, excluding Blade’s medical division. The partnership is positioned as a precursor to eventually launching Joby’s electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) air taxis on Uber’s ride-hailing platform, though Joby’s own commercial eVTOL service is slated to begin first in Dubai in 2026, with U.S. markets to follow. The collaboration builds on existing relationships: Blade helicopters have previously appeared on Uber’s platform in limited promotions, and Uber holds a 2.5% stake in Joby. Joby, which went public via a SPAC merger in 2021 and has raised significant funding from investors including Toyota, has emerged as a leader in the eVTOL space amid the collapse
energyelectric-vertical-takeoff-and-landingeVTOLelectric-air-taxiurban-air-mobilityJoby-Aviationsustainable-transportationHyundai’s eVTOL startup Supernal pauses work following CEO and CTO departures
Hyundai’s electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) startup Supernal has paused its aircraft development program following significant leadership changes and staff reductions. The company’s CEO Jaiwon Shin and CTO David McBride have both departed amid these upheavals. Supernal had conducted initial test flights of its technology demonstrator earlier in 2024 and was preparing for its first untethered flight, aiming for a commercial launch in 2028. However, the new leadership will now reassess the timeline for the project. The company has not commented on McBride’s departure but confirmed that David Rottblatt is serving as interim COO during this transition. Supernal’s difficulties reflect broader challenges in the emerging electric air taxi industry, where some startups are thriving with new funding and partnerships, while others have failed. Since spinning out from Hyundai Group in 2021, Supernal has faced setbacks including layoffs and the closure of its Washington, D.C. headquarters. Hyundai plans to appoint new leadership with strong
energyelectric-vehiclesurban-air-mobilityeVTOLHyundaiaviation-technologystartupsWorld's first flying car built by US firm to start operations
US-based company Alef is set to begin test operations of the world’s first flying car at Silicon Valley’s Hollister and Half Moon Bay airports. After nearly a decade of development, Alef’s vehicle—classified as an ultralight—can function both as a road car and a vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) aircraft. The initial tests will focus on integrating the flying car safely alongside other aircraft in controlled, non-towered airport environments. Alef plans to start with its Model Zero Ultralight and eventually expand to other models, including the commercial Model A. The fully electric flying car offers a driving range of 200 miles and a flight range of 110 miles, consuming less energy per trip than typical electric vehicles like Tesla. Its ultralight classification exempts it from certain legal certifications but restricts operations to daylight hours and prohibits flights over densely populated areas. Alef has already garnered over 3,300 pre-orders, with an expected price around $300,000
energyelectric-vehiclesflying-carelectric-aviationsustainable-transportationurban-air-mobilityelectric-flightOlympic Air Taxi Sets Record Flight
Archer Aviation’s electric air taxi, named Midnight, recently achieved a record-setting flight during testing in California. This milestone demonstrates significant progress in the vehicle’s performance and reliability as the company advances toward obtaining FAA certification. The successful test flight is a critical step in Archer’s preparation to deploy its air taxi service for the 2026 Los Angeles Olympic Games. The company aims to provide innovative urban air mobility solutions during the event, highlighting the potential for electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft to transform transportation in congested cities.
robotelectric-air-taxiurban-air-mobilityArcher-Aviationautonomous-flightaviation-technologydrone-taxiArcher’s electric aircraft hits 126 mph in record 55-mile flight
Archer Aviation has achieved a significant milestone with its Midnight electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, completing its longest piloted flight to date. Conducted in Salinas, California, the flight lasted 31 minutes and covered 55 miles, reaching speeds over 126 mph in Conventional Takeoff and Landing (CTOL) mode. This test demonstrated the aircraft’s range, reliability, and versatility, as it can operate in both CTOL and VTOL modes. The Midnight has also reached speeds nearing 150 mph in other flight patterns, indicating steady progress toward full operational capability. United Airlines, a major partner, celebrated the achievement, highlighting the aircraft’s quiet operation as advantageous for urban air taxi services. Archer’s CEO Adam Goldstein emphasized that surpassing the 50-mile mark at speed marks a clear step toward commercialization. With four test pilots actively flying the Midnight as part of the FAA certification campaign, the company is focused on regulatory approval in the U.S. and plans to
energyelectric-aircrafteVTOLaviation-technologysustainable-transportationelectric-propulsionurban-air-mobilityJoby Aviation to buy Blade Air Mobility’s ride-share business
Joby Aviation, an electric air taxi developer, has agreed to acquire Blade Air Mobility’s helicopter ride-share business for up to $125 million. The acquisition includes the Blade brand and its passenger operations in the U.S. and Europe, while Blade’s medical transport division remains separate. Blade, founded in 2014, operates a digital platform that enables customers to book private helicopter rides on short routes, serving more than 50,000 passengers in 2024. The deal provides Joby with immediate access to Blade’s network of 12 terminals in key markets such as New York City, including dedicated lounges and bases at major airports and Manhattan locations. Joby plans to integrate its air taxi management software into Blade’s passenger service and eventually replace helicopters with its own electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft. This acquisition is seen as strategically important for Joby’s planned commercial launch in Dubai and future global expansion. Founded in 2009, Joby has spent over a decade developing
robotelectric-vertical-takeoff-and-landingeVTOLurban-air-mobilityair-taxiautonomous-vehiclestransportation-technologyAustria's 2-seat electric helicopter takes to skies freely for first time
FlyNow Aviation, an Austrian startup focused on urban air mobility, has successfully completed the first untethered flight of its two-seat electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, the eCopter, at a new test facility in Eastern Austria. This milestone marks a significant step beyond previous tethered tests near Salzburg Airport, overcoming air traffic restrictions and allowing for more realistic flight data collection. The eCopter features a coaxial dual-rotor design, distinguishing it from other multi-rotor air taxis, and aims to provide efficient, clean, and affordable personal flight solutions for urban environments. The eCopter is designed to reach speeds up to 80 mph (130 km/h) with a 30-minute battery endurance, enabling trips of around 30 miles (50 km). It is relatively energy-efficient, consuming about 30 kWh per 100 km, and produces low noise levels comparable to a household dishwasher at typical flight altitudes, making it suitable for dense urban
energyelectric-helicopterurban-air-mobilityeVTOLbattery-technologyclean-energyaviation-innovationChina unveils new wind tunnel facility for low-altitude aircraft testing
China has inaugurated its first compounded wind tunnel dedicated to low-altitude aircraft testing in Guangzhou, developed by the Guangdong Aerospace Research Academy (GARA). This new 4.5-meter class facility is designed to simulate flight conditions for drones, air taxis, and other low-altitude vehicles, enabling engineers to study aerodynamics and optimize flight performance more efficiently. The wind tunnel integrates traditional aviation testing systems with innovative "windshaper" technology, creating a hybrid platform that accelerates testing cycles while reducing research costs. This advancement addresses previous bottlenecks, such as long waiting times at overbooked facilities like the one in Harbin, cutting testing processes from over a year to just three to four months. The facility is expected to play a crucial role in the Guangdong–Hong Kong–Macao Greater Bay Area, a national hub for high-tech innovation, by fostering collaboration through a planned data-sharing platform called "Bay Area No.1." This development supports China's broader economic and technological goals by bridging the gap
droneswind-tunnellow-altitude-aircraftaerospace-testingurban-air-mobilityflight-performanceGuangdong-Aerospace-Research-AcademyElectric aircraft achieves world's first piloted airport-to-airport flight
Vertical Aerospace has achieved a historic milestone by completing the world’s first piloted airport-to-airport flight in a full-scale, winged tilt-rotor electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft designed for commercial use. On July 16, 2025, the VX4 prototype flew 17 miles from Cotswold Airport to RAF Fairford, reaching speeds of 115 mph and an altitude of 1,800 feet. This flight, approved by the UK Civil Aviation Authority, demonstrated the VX4’s ability to integrate with real-world airport operations and marked its first public landing, witnessed by thousands. Following the flight, the VX4 was displayed at the Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT), the world’s largest military air show, where Vertical Aerospace was the sole electric aircraft exhibitor. Vertical Aerospace is positioning the VX4 not only for commercial urban air mobility but also as a versatile platform for defence, logistics, and special missions, emphasizing its quieter, cleaner operation
electric-aircrafteVTOLvertical-aerospacehybrid-electric-propulsionurban-air-mobilityaviation-energy-technologyelectric-aviationNew battery to power Chinese flying taxis with more speed, safety
Chinese battery manufacturer Gotion High-tech has partnered with eVTOL developer Ehang to equip Ehang’s flagship EH216 aerial vehicle with Gotion’s advanced 46-series cylindrical battery cells. This upgrade promises to enhance the EH216’s performance by providing longer range, stronger power output, and improved safety. The collaboration builds on a prior agreement from December 2023 and aims to accelerate the commercialization of low-altitude urban air mobility by improving battery technology tailored for short-range autonomous flights. Ehang, a pioneer in China’s eVTOL sector, has demonstrated significant progress with its EH216-S model, which currently offers a top speed of 80.8 mph and a flight duration of up to 25 minutes. Notably, Ehang tested a version with solid-state batteries that achieved a continuous flight of over 48 minutes, highlighting ongoing efforts to advance battery technology for aerial applications. Gotion, ranked as the sixth-largest global power battery manufacturer with a 3.4% market share,
energybattery-technologyeVTOLaerial-vehicleselectric-vertical-takeoff-and-landingenergy-storageurban-air-mobilityChina firm unveils maiden commercial flying car with 18.6-mile range
China’s GAC Group has unveiled its first commercial flying car, the Govy AirCab, at the Hong Kong International Auto and Supply Chain Expo. This two-seater electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) vehicle features a lightweight design with a 90% carbon fiber fuselage and offers a range of approximately 18.6 miles (30 kilometers) per charge. It can be fully charged in 25 minutes and supports rapid charging to 50% in 15 minutes, enabled by high-density cylindrical batteries. The AirCab includes advanced features such as 5G connectivity, voice assistant, climate and music controls, a cloud-based self-check system, flight redundancy, and Level 4 ground autonomy with a detection range of over 984 feet (300 meters). The passenger cabin is designed to separate from the power unit for safety in case of malfunction. GAC targets the emerging “low-altitude economy” focused on urban air taxis and short-hop personal aircraft, positioning the Govy
electric-vertical-takeoff-and-landingeVTOLcarbon-fiber-materialselectric-vehicle-batteriesurban-air-mobilityautonomous-flight-systems5G-connectivityTrump signs orders to encourage flying cars, counter drone threats
President Donald Trump signed a series of executive orders aimed at accelerating the development and deployment of advanced aviation technologies, including drones, flying taxis (electric vertical takeoff and landing vehicles or eVTOLs), and supersonic commercial jets. The orders direct the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to enable routine beyond-visual-line-of-sight drone operations, deploy AI tools to expedite waiver reviews, and update integration roadmaps for drones in national airspace. Additionally, the FAA is tasked with lifting the longstanding ban on supersonic flights over U.S. land, citing advancements in noise reduction and aerospace engineering that make such travel safe and commercially viable. Trump also initiated a pilot program for eVTOL projects focusing on medical response, cargo transport, and urban air mobility. To address national security concerns, the administration established a federal task force to monitor drone activity near sensitive locations like airports and large public events, aiming to enforce laws against misuse and mitigate risks posed by disruptive drone technology. The orders emphasize reducing reliance on foreign-made drones, particularly from China, by prioritizing U.S.-manufactured drones and promoting exports to allied countries. These initiatives build on prior efforts to integrate commercial drones and unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) into various sectors, with the broader goal of fostering high-skilled job growth, enhancing emergency response capabilities, and maintaining American leadership in global aviation.
dronesflying-carseVTOLsupersonic-jetsaerospace-engineeringartificial-intelligenceurban-air-mobility