The race to create the world’s first commercial taxi drones intensify as companies unveil their new creations. A new contender appeared at the 2019 Consumer Electronics show that grabbed everyone’s attention. Meet the Bell Nexus.
Bell Nexus Review
The Bell Nexus is a massive taxi drone built to carry four passengers at a time. This is a huge step up from the current line of taxi drone prototypes, only capable of carrying a maximum of two people, driver included. Of course, with this increased seating capacity means a larger frame overall. The Bell Nexus is bigger than the average taxi drone, with its design and size similar to that of a full-sized helicopter.
Unlike a helicopter however, it does not have a single large rotor on top for its main power. It has four massive rotors for its main propulsion, and the design makes it look like something straight out of a science fiction movie. It has a very futuristic look – which is appropriate as developers hint that it may take at least another five years before one can see it in action for the masses.
Capabilities
The Bell Nexus is capable of vertical takeoff and landing. This means that the taxi drone does not require a long ramp, or a large area to maneuver. It can simply use a small space to both land, drop off passengers, and takeoff with new ones in tow. It has four seats (plus a driver’s seat) inside and a bit of space for comfort as well. While it looks impressive, tests still have yet to conclude and it is still in its infancy stages.
Similar with other taxi drones, the Bell Nexus is far from complete. Test flights are still a long way off, set to begin around 2023. Will this be the face of taxi drones? I guess we have to wait to find out.
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