LAS VEGAS (AP) — Chinese drone maker Ehang (EE'-hang) has unveiled what it calls the world's first drone capable of carrying a human passenger.
The company pulled the cloth off the Ehang 184 at the Las Vegas Convention Center during the CES gadget show Wednesday. In a company video showing it flying, it looks like a small helicopter but with four doubled propellers spinning parallel to the ground like other drones.
According to Ehang, the electric-powered drone can carry up to 220 pounds and fly for 23 minutes at sea level. The cabin fits one person and a small backpack and even has air conditioning and a reading light.
U.S. authorities are just starting to lay out guidelines for drone use, and a human-passenger drone seems certain to face strict scrutiny.
