ORLANDO, Fla. \u2014 In just a few years, catching a ride in Central Florida could mean stepping into a car with no driver, or even lifting off in an air taxi. Tech leaders from across the country gathered in Championsgate this week for the Florida Autonomous Vehicles Summit, where companies unveiled the latest advancements in driverless and aerial mobility. \u201cIt\u2019s an emerging and exciting area of growth that we\u2019re seeing,\u201d said Jeff Brandes, host of the summit and a longtime advocate for transportation innovation in Florida.<\/p>\n
Smarter Buses, Safer Roads<\/p>\n
Among the showcased technologies: a school bus already operating in Osceola County, fitted with cutting-edge sensors to improve safety for students. \u201cThis year, we have about ten new school buses that will be equipped with interior and exterior systems,\u201d said Jessica Kim, Chief Operating Officer of NeoCity Links. \u201cWhere there are certain blind spots, the bus driver will get an alert sent to the dashboard with an alarm and a flashing light.\u201d<\/p>\n
The technology allows drivers to be warned in real time of potential dangers inside or outside the vehicle, from a student crossing behind the bus to an obstacle in the road.<\/p>\n
Driverless Cars on the Horizon<\/p>\n
Self-driving vehicles were the main attraction of the summit. Earlier this year, Waymo, a leader in autonomous driving, began mapping Orlando streets as part of its preparation to roll out testing in the region.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou\u2019re seeing testing in Orlando, and other markets as well,\u201d Brandes said. \u201cIf you follow those timelines, you\u2019re going to be looking at the middle of 2027 or 2028 for driver-out in this market, and then them growing out to other markets in Florida.\u201d<\/p>\n
That means in just a few years, driverless rides could be sharing the road with commuters across Central Florida.<\/p>\n
Flying Over Traffic?<\/p>\n
But the vision for the future doesn\u2019t stop on the ground. Companies are also developing air taxis, small, electric aircraft designed to fly passengers across cities and skip highway congestion altogether. The Orlando International Airport is already exploring potential landing and takeoff sites for these \u201cself-flyers.\u201d \u201cWe\u2019ll probably see some pilots going on pretty early,\u201d Brandes said. \u201cBut when I think they\u2019ll be in our daily lives? A decade.\u201d<\/p>\n
As autonomous cars and flying taxis edge closer to reality, Central Florida is positioning itself as one of the nation\u2019s testbeds for the next generation of transportation, where the future could soon be driving – or even flying – itself.<\/p>\n
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