Flying robot taxis to begin trials this year

A drone that can transport humans has been given the go-ahead to carry out trials in the US, reports The Telegraph.

The Ehang 184, a small single-person helicopter, will begin service in Las Vegas later this year.

“Rather than one large rotor above the body, the ‘taxi drone’ has four rotors underneath the body, resembling a remote control drone,” continues the report.

A two-hour charge will keep the drone flying for 23 minutes at sea level with passengers and luggage weighing up to 100kg. Higher altitudes will deplete the charge much faster.

Ehang hopes to incorporate the new drone into Nevada’s transportation system, although with unmanned drones being a hot-topic of debate in the US, they may face stiff opposition.