Explore the flying taxi and the driverless car as non-traditional smart solutions of transport in UAE.
Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) of Dubai is planning to introduce Autonomous Air Taxi (AAT) or self-flying taxi. In September 2017, a two-seater AAT underwent a successful maiden concept flight. This is the first of its kind in the world. The effort echoes Dubai's Autonomous transportation Strategy that seeks to achieve 25 per cent of transportation in an autonomous way.
The aerial taxi has autopilot or autonomous flying capability thus enabling the movement of people without human intervention or a need for flight licence holder. The taxi will be integrated with public transport systems such as metro, tram, public buses, marine transit modes and taxis in Dubai.
It has a variety of unique features that include top security and safety standards and multiple substitutes in all critical components such as propellers, motors, power source, electronics and flight controls. It has 18 rotors to ensure safe cruising and landing of the taxi in case of any rotor failure and it is fitted with a full aircraft emergency parachute. It also boasts of luxurious interiors and leather seating.
Seniar is the first unified navigation app across the UAE. Residents and tourists can search destinations and various attractions by Makani number, Onwani number, postal code or the name of the destination. The app provides motorists with easy-to-follow, accurate directions to their destinations, cutting down travel time and distance. You can download the app from iTunes and Google Play.
In April 2015, Dubai Government launched the Makani (my location) system. Makani is Dubai's smart addressing system. Under this system, each building would be assigned a unique 10-digit number that can be used to search the location through Google and HERE maps. In addition, in 2016, Dubai Government divided the emirate into 14 districts. Each district was given a name for identification.
The UAE Government is making use of artificial intelligence to improve the transportation sector. Read about the initiatives.
Learn about the objectives of Smart Mobility Think Tank - MoEI.
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