Personal aerial transportation systems (PATS) - A potential solution for the urban mobility challenges?

摘要

Personal Aerial Transportation Systems (PATS) are an emerging form of transportation that promise to combine the best of ground-based and air-based transportation and to overcome the problems associated with either of these forms of transportation. PATS are discussed as a means to reduce urban congestion by making use of free space in the air. Based on research carried out in the European project myCopter, this paper aims to contribute to a better understanding of the potential of personal aerial vehicles (PAVs) in a future transport system. The paper concentrates on a) expectations regarding the potential benefits of PAVs for individuals and for society as a whole, and b) public concerns that are raised in relation to PAVs, as an early indicator for potential societal conflict. The paper applies the concept of constructive technology assessment (CTA) and draws on a combination of system analysis approaches, scenario techniques and focus group discussions. The results are presented and avenues for further research are discussed.