Long ago, our ancestors and their ancestors promised us an exciting future filled with advanced technology, robots, and flying vehicles. We envisioned a world where we would travel like George Jetson, equipped with jet packs, Star Trek-like replicators, and more. However, reality hit hard when the world collectively dismissed these dreams as mere fantasies that would never come true.
It still feels like a shock to our system as we navigate through a world where social media has become the dominant force in technology, for better or for worse.
Fortunately, there are still individuals who yearn for the bright, futuristic world we were promised. These are the people who are willing to push the boundaries of science and technology in pursuit of something new and innovative. Some of these visionaries work for Suzuki, a motorcycle manufacturer that recently announced a partnership with SkyDrive, a Japanese startup that aims to develop eVTOL electric helicopter taxis for public use in Tokyo.
I am excited to visit Japan and experience this futuristic mode of transportation firsthand.
SkyDrive recently conducted demonstration flights in Osaka, Japan, at Expo 2025. The flights, lasting a few minutes each, took the SkyDrive helicopters from the Expo venue's vertiport over Osaka Bay.
Notable VIPs, including government officials and industry leaders, were present during the test flights. Suzuki, the manufacturer of the eVTOL taxis, was also a key player in this groundbreaking project.
Production of the eVTOL taxis began earlier this year, with Toshihiro Suzuki, the President of Suzuki, attending the inaugural riveting ceremony. While the exact number of helicopters produced remains unknown, SkyDrive aims to secure partnerships with global and local corporations, as well as Osaka Metro, to integrate their helicopters into the city's transportation network.
As someone who knows how to ride a motorcycle, I can't help but wonder if I could also pilot these eVTOL helicopters. After hearing about our friend Jen Dunstan's experience, I am tempted to move to Japan to find out.