The concept of the "Speeder" by A. L. I. Technologies to be exhibited in the Tokyo Motor Show 2019. (Image via Japan Today)

The future is here! Flying 'speeder' to debut in Tokyo Motor Show 2019

Alfonsus Adi Putra
Sports & Culture
Events & Festivals
Sep 14, 2019
1677
A sight for automotive geeks’ sore eyes, from drones to flying vehicles, book your flight ticket for the 46th Biennial Tokyo Motor Show 2019 (TMS) held in Tokyo Big Sight, Tokyo, from 24 October to 4 November.

Why is it a must for automotive geeks all around the world to attend the TMS? While it is recognized by the Organisation Internationale des Constructeurs d'Automobiles as one of the Big Five automotive exhibitions, in this event, you can see more concept cars than commercially made cars.

Taking “Open Future” as its concept and theme, more than a thousand exhibitors are going to display their products, ranging from spare parts to futuristic car concepts. And, of course, big names such as Toyota, Honda, Isuzu, and Suzuki are going to attend the event as exhibitors.

While the world is expecting a flying vehicle from the event, one of the exhibitors, A. L. I. Technologies revealed the plan that it was going to show its futuristic, flying vehicle. Have you watched Star Wars VI? Trying a new field than drones with Artificial Intelligence (AI) as it is used to make, A. L. I. called the vehicle “Speeder”.

As the movie shows you, the “Speeder” will not take you sky-high. Adapting the “Vertical Take-Off and Landing” (VTOL) sequence, the “Speeder” consists of two main engines located in the front and rear. As you may imagine, the propellers co-located with the engines generated force to take-off.

There are two small propellers at the sides of the “Speeder” to move forward and make a turn. Afraid not, riding the “Speeder” is like riding a motorbike, with accelerator and brakes located on the handle.

For the body, A. L. I stated that the “Speeder” would be ultra-light since it is made from Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastic (CFRP). “Speeder” aims to be able to float in a situation where wheels fail.

The specifications for the “Speeder” have to wait for the TMS to kick off.

Putting aside the news of flying vehicles, TMS will also feature an international drone competition! Approved by the World Air Sports Federation, the drone competition will be the first-ever to be held in Japan.

Not only for competition but also the event aims to promote drone use for Japanese society. Drone usage has been frowned upon by Japanese society due to the attack on Prime Minister’s residence in 2015. Since then, the drone has been restricted.

Dating on 1 – 2 November, the drone competition aims to attract more than 60 professional drone racers.

Source: https://japantoday.com/category/tech/'flying-motorbike'-to-debut-at-tokyo-motor-show

Event , Exhibition , Automotive , Asia , Japan , Tokyo-Motor-Show , Future