The Crown Prince of Dubai was present at the trial launch of the world's first flying unmanned taxi.
On Monday, a test take-off of the world's first unmanned flying taxi took place at Jumeirah Beach Park in Dubai. The event was attended by Sheikh Hamdan bin Muhammad Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai.
A two-seater vehicle called AAT, developed by the German company Drocal, is able to transport people without the participation of a pilot.
"After the striking success of the first unmanned subway in the region, we are pleased to see the AAT test flight today," said Sheikh Hamdan, "this is another testament to our commitment to positive change."
“The promotion of innovation and the adoption of the latest technologies contribute not only to the development of the country, but also the creation of bridges to the future,” he added.
Mattar Al Thayer, CEO and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), said the AAT has "the highest safety standards."
"It is also equipped with additional emergency parachutes, nine autonomous battery systems and a quick battery charging system and a plug-in system," he said.
The battery installed in the prototype takes two hours to fully charge. In the production version, this time will be significantly reduced, he said.
Al Thayer said: "The AAT test flight reflects the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President and Prime Minister and ruler of Dubai, to turn Dubai into the smartest city in the world."
AAT can be ordered using the application. Over the next five years, the RTA will work with the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority to ensure the integration of AAT in the emirate’s transport system.
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