The world's first passenger drone from Chinese company Ehang Inc. is now officially ready for testing in Nevada.
Unveiled at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas last January, the passenger-carrying Ehang 184 can fly for 23 minutes at about 60 miles per hour. It can also transport a passenger from one point to another at an altitude of 11,000 feet.
Ehang worked with the Governors Office of Economic Development (GOED) and the Nevada Institute for Autonomous Systems (NIAS) in getting testing clearance and government regulatory approval, the company said in a press release.
"The State of Nevada, through NIAS, will help guide Ehang through the FAA regulatory process with the ultimate goal of achieving safe flight," said GOED's Tom Wilczek.
Wilczek added that he envisions a future where "drone taxis are part of Nevada's transportation system."
The partnership with NIAS will provide a "one-stop shop" for Ehang as they work on obtaining the Certificate of Airworthiness.
Flight trials will take off sometime this year at the Nevada FAA UAS Test Site.
This development is the latest in the growing number of uses for drones.
From being popular only among hobbyists, drones are now moving to the commercial sector, where different industries could likely benefit from the technology.
Wal-Mart, for example, is working on testing a UAV that would help with inventory check.
Amazon, meanwhile, has revealed its plans of using drones to deliver packages.
For Ehang to be successful in its venture, however, safety must be the top priority.
In an interview with BBC, Macquarie analyst Douglas McNeill said that drones "will first have to prove their worth in less people-facing roles such as deliveries of small cargo."
"The other question is whether people will be willing to fly in a pilotless aircraft, and that seems like a big leap," McNeill added. "Consumers are led by what regulators say are safe. And if they say these drones are safe, people might be more willing."