Flying cars could become a reality in Tokyo as city carries out first demo

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Category: Technology/Innovations

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Unlocking Word Meanings

Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article.

  1. fine-tune / ˈfaɪnˈtun / (v.) – to make small adjustments or improvements to something in order to achieve the desired outcome or performance level
    Example:

    The director fine-tuned the script to improve the emotional impact of the story.


  2. demo / ˈdɛm oʊ / (n.) – a short presentation or display that showcases the features and capabilities of a product, typically for promotional or instructional purposes
    Example:

    The company organized a live demo of its new smartphone to highlight its advanced camera functions.


  3. propeller / prəˈpɛl ər / (n.) – a device with two or more blades that rotates rapidly to move an object forward, such as an aircraft or a boat
    Example:

    The boat’s propeller efficiently powered it through the water, allowing for smooth and swift navigation.


  4. commercialize / kəˈmɜr ʃəˌlaɪz / (v.) – to introduce a product or service into the market for sale or distribution, especially with the aim of making a profit
    Example:

    The company is focused on commercializing its new product in the European market.


  5. jointly / ˈdʒɔɪnt li / (adv.) – in cooperation or collaboration with others
    Example:

    The two companies agreed to work jointly on the development of a new eco-friendly packaging solution.


Article

Read the text below.

A ‘flying car’ has lifted off for the first time in Tokyo, in front of dozens of spectators gathered to watch what could be the future of the automobile. And as regulations are fine-tuned, experts say the race is on to become the first city to host commercial aerial vehicles.


With the turn of a switch, the Hexa ‘flying car’ takes off and performs twists and turns 10 meters in the air in a demo flight outside the Tokyo Big Sight convention center. Developed by US firm LIFT, the single-seat Hexa is equipped with eighteen electric motors and propellers.


“We are very used to moving two-dimensionally as people. But the ability to move and spin is very dynamic. It gives you a great sense of control,” explains pilot Jace McCown.


Unlike airplanes and helicopters, eVTOL, or “electric vertical take-off and landing,” vehicles offer quick point-to-point personal travel, at least in principle. They could do away with the hassle of airports and traffic jams and the cost of hiring pilots, they could fly automatically.


Battery sizes, air traffic control and other infrastructure issues are among the many potential challenges to commercializing them.


“Right now it is for entertainment, and we are waiting for regulations to change to allow us to take it in to do transportation and things like that,” adds McCown.


While the government of Tokyo has said that flying cars can only be realized after 2030, it hopes that they could tackle issues such as traffic congestion and reaching disaster areas. The demonstration on May 17 comes as various Japanese automakers and aviation companies join the competitive eVTOL market.


In 2022, All Nippon Airways (ANA Holdings) partnered with US firm Joby to bring electric air taxi services to Japan. Last year, carmaker Suzuki announced it will jointly start producing flying cars with Japanese start-up SkyDrive.


The flight demonstration comes as part of SusHi Tech Tokyo 2024, currently underway in the city, introducing a wide range of cutting-edge technology and products with a theme of ‘life in the year 2050.’


May 17 marked the opening of a new section of the fair, showcasing exhibits of various robots that assist people’s work and living spaces, including a self-moving sofa, automated trolley and pet robots.


This article was provided by The Associated Press.


Viewpoint Discussion

Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.

Discussion A

  • Do you believe that flying cars are really the future of automobiles? Why or why not? Do you think your country could easily adapt to the introduction of flying cars? Discuss.
  • What do you think are the potential benefits and drawbacks of incorporating flying cars into urban transport systems (ex. benefit: reduced traffic congestion, drawback: infrastructure challenges)? Discuss.

Discussion B

  • What technological advancements do you envision seeing by 2050 (ex. smart cities, more space missions)? Do you think such technological advancements will be present in many countries? Why or why not? Discuss.
  • What technological advancements do you find concerning (ex. surveillance technologies, artificial intelligence)? Discuss.