Chinese manufacturer Ehang has unveiled the world's first passenger-carrying drone, which will function as a pilotless aerial vehicle.
The Ehang 184 drone measures around 1.4 metres high, and features eight propellors held on four arms that can be folded into the vehicle's body for storage.
According to the manufacturer, which was founded in 2013, users would enter the one-seater vehicle and input their final destination using a 12-inch touch screen located in front of the seat. The vehicle's computer would then calculate the quickest and safest route and transport its passenger there.
Ehang has called the vehicle the "safest, smartest and eco-friendly low-altitude autonomous aerial vehicle aiming on providing medium-short distance transportation solutions".
The 184's body is composed of a fibre-epoxy composite, while the frame and arms are made from aluminium alloy. The vehicle can remain aloft for up to 23 minutes, and can achieve a maximum speed of 100 kilometres per hour and an altitude of 3,400 metres. The 184's battery pack takes around four hours to recharge.
The company says the drone is designed so that even if one propellor fails, the vehicle will still be able to complete its flight. It also incorporates the "Ehangen fail safe system", which means in the event of a malfunction the drone will immediately land in the nearest available area.
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