Israel is celebrating about the $15 billion buyout of its startup Mobileye to Intel for driverless cars and buses, and Dubai is making its own inroads in driverless tech – from the future. This July the city will launch a fleet of flying taxis powered by electricity. The made-in-China driverless drones — called Ehang 184 will pick up passengers this summer.
“The 184 provides a viable solution to the many challenges the transportation industry faces in a safe and energy-efficient way,” said Ehang founder and CEO Huazhi Hu.
By 2030 Dubai wants one-quarter of all its journeys made by self-driving vehicles.
“This project supports Dubai’s government’s direction to become the smartest city in the world,” said H.E. Mattar Al Tayer, director general of RTA, the Dubai transportation authority.
Passengers pick where they want to go inside the vehicle, using a smart screen. The flying drone takes care of the rest.
The name 184 stands for one person, 8 propellers, 4 arms, and the passenger drone can cruise at about 80 miles an hour. All flights will be monitored by ground control.
Author: Bhok Thompson
Bhok Thompson is a Singapore-based engineer, entrepreneur, and self-proclaimed “eco-tinkerer” who thrives at the intersection of sustainability, business, and cutting-edge technology. With a background in mechanical engineering and a deep fascination with renewable energy, Bhok has dedicated his career to developing innovative solutions that bridge environmental consciousness with profitability. A frequent contributor to Green Prophet, Bhok writes about futuristic green tech, urban sustainability, and the latest trends in eco-friendly startups. His passion for engineering meets his love for business as he mentors young entrepreneurs looking to create scalable, impact-driven companies. Beyond his work, Bhok is an avid collector of vintage mechanical watches, believing they represent an era of precision and craftsmanship that modern technology often overlooks. On weekends, you can find him exploring the vibrant street food scene in Singapore—because, as he says, "Innovation starts with good energy, and nothing fuels creativity like great food!" Reach out: [email protected]
