Sweden-based company Hövding has unveiled its third-generation inflatable bicycle helmet, complete with built-in Bluetooth capability. Called the Hövding 3, this airbag-like device syncs with smartphones so it can send messages to friends and / or family in case of an accident. Simply put, it’s worn around the neck like a collar, and upon impact, it automatically inflates, just like a car airbag, instantly protecting the head. Read more for two videos and additional information.
Taiga Motors may be known for their electric snowmobiles, but the Orca is their first foray into personal watercraft. This all-electric watercraft is powered by a 23kWh battery producing 134kW of power (180 hp) and can hit a top speed of 65 mph, while offering two-hours of continuous use on a full charge. It also features a waterproof digital display that can be used to show GPS maps, LTE / Wi-Fi / Bluetooth connectivity, information from water temperature sensors, onboard cameras feeds and sonar. Read more for a video, additional pictures and information.
When jet ski meets yacht, you get the Vanqraft V16, which measures in at 16-feet long. With enough room for a total of six passengers (driver included), this watercraft boasts jet-ski-like controls, and is powered by a 1.8L Yamaha engine with jet propulsion generating 200 horsepower, which is good for a top speed of 40 knots in the standard model or 50 knots in the supercharged Veloce version. Read more for a video, additional pictures and information.
British inventor Richard Browning, also known as “Rocket Man”, has successfully completed a historic flight over the Solent from the UK (Hurst Castle) to the Isle Of Wight (Fort Albert). Weighing around 55-pounds, this jet-powered suit consists of five micro gas turbines capable of producing more than 1,000 bhp combined, strapped to the wearer’s hands, forearms and rear. When turned on, they propel the rider upwards and into the air. Read more for the video and additional information.
Photo credit: David Vultaggio
What if you could take an air taxi straight from your apartment building without having to take an elevator down to the ground floor first? Industrial designer David Vultaggio’s Bentley Majestic Walker passenger drone lets you do just that. Simply put, it takes off and lands vertically from a landing / charging pad that hangs off the sides of buildings. Read more for additional pictures and information.
The Volocopter 2X, a multi-rotor aircraft, is officially the first air taxi to take off from an International Airport, or Helsinki International Airport to be specific. Unlike other test flights, this one was fully integrated with the airport’s Air Traffic (ATM) and Unmanned Aircraft Traffic Management (UTM) systems. Their latest model features 18 rotors and a full stabilization system that enables it to carry two passengers plus hand luggage at up to 68 mph. Read more for a video and additional information.
Hyundai Motor Group debuts an all-new, vehicle-mounted prototype electric scooter. When docked on a vehicle, the scooter is automatically charges using electricity generated while driving, ensuring that the user can complete their journey seamlessly. It’s powered by a 10.5 Ah lithium battery, enabling the scooter to hit a top speed of 12.5 mph and provides it with a 12.4-mile range when fully charged. Read more for a video, additional pictures and information.
Andreas Bruckner of Box Manufaktur unveils his latest project, a 6×6 overlanding truck that just might be the ultimate expedition vehicle. Sporting a composite panel system for greater strength and less weight, it’s based on a 26-ton, 6×6 MAN truck tuned to generate 500 horsepower and 1,500 pound-feet of torque, plenty for climbing steep inclines with a full payload. Read more for a video tour and additional information.
Flying taxis are coming soon, and some of them will look like Volocopter’s all-new VoloCity. This all-electric aircraft can seat two adults comfortably and offers autonomous flight as well as in-app summoning functionality. Currently, it’s been designed to meet European Aviation Safety Agency certification standards, and comes equipped with 18 rotors. Read more for a video, additional pictures and information.
Researchers at China’s Tsinghua University recently demonstrated an autonomous bicycle in Beijing that can not only balance itself, but avoid obstacles while doing so. Powered by the Tianjic chip, it’s capable of following certain trajectories and even respond to vocal commands. The chip merges computer science-based machine learning and human brain-inspired networks, which means it can perform several actions independently at the same time. Read more for a video and additional information.