When Ehang declared to the world that it would build the world’s first autonomous passenger-carrying quadcopter, the disbelief was clearly visible. How could such a “self-flying” quadcopter work? Wouldn’t this endanger human lives? These were just a few of the questions that many people in the tech community asked. However, two years later, Ehang has finally done it!

It’s Here!

The Ehang 184, as the quadcopter has been named, was released on February 4th and it has exceeded the expectations of many. The Chinese drone maker released video footage of its piloted test flights which it conducted in China. Ehang 184 has been subjected to more than 1,000 test flights to ensure that it was absolutely safe for human passengers over the last several months and this was a culmination of their hard and diligent work.

The tests included a vertical climb in which it went up to 300 meters high, a weight test in which the quadcopter ferried 230 kilograms, a routed flight in which it covered 15 kilometers and a speed test in which it clocked 80.7 mph. This was not all that was tested.  In order for Ehang 184 to be considered safe for human travel, it has to be tested under different weather conditions as well. The tests were done in high heat, heavy fog and even in a typhoon, passing them all!

Like Uber, But On Air

The goal of this venture by the Chinese drone manufacturer is to venture into public transportation by providing an air taxi. The egg-shaped quadcopter is expected to begin ferrying passengers across major cities soon enough, especially those who desire to avoid the heavy traffic that plagues most major cities. This is the next frontier for unmanned aerial vehicles and most drone companies are already in the process of designing their own versions of Ehang 184. One of the main competitors for Ehang will be the German drone maker, Volocopter which is set to display their autonomous air taxi at Dubai’s World Government Summit later this month.

The Roll-Out Plan

Ehang says it sees the 184 being a luxury ride for the rich initially as the initial capital required will be massive. After more research and development has been done, more flight paths will be established and the service will become available at a lower cost.

Ehang says that more improvements will be made to the 184. The passenger experience is on top of the list and more options will be revealed soon for the passengers. Ehang also plans to add manual control as an option so that those passengers with piloting experience can take charge of their flight if they so wish. It is also working on being able to accommodate more weight. It’s exciting to see what the future of automated drone taxis have in store.