World Governments Summit: Flying Cars and Robots Enter Reality

A Unique Approach to Electric Vehicles

When asked what sets his company apart from other electric vehicle (EV) manufacturers, Gu highlighted the unique blend of technology and automotive engineering that defines his organization. He emphasized that the company's origins are deeply rooted in technology rather than traditional automotive manufacturing.

"Actually, the DNA of our company is quite different from other Chinese EV brands," he explained. "We started as a tech brand, and this focus has driven us to take a full-stack approach to intelligence."

This approach integrates software, hardware, and data to go beyond just electrification. Gu noted that over the past 12 to 18 months, there has been a significant emergence of AI power in the mobility sector. He pointed to in-house semiconductor chips, large language models, and large-scale data processing as the foundation for what he calls "physical AI."

Expanding Beyond Electric Vehicles

Gu stated that the same technological capabilities underpin not only electric vehicles but also flying cars and robots. "Exactly, because they all deploy the same capabilities," he said. "These capabilities apply to flying drones, humanoid robots, and can even train them to tackle real-world challenges."

The company is planning to begin deploying flying cars to consumers within months. "Our flying car company is aimed to launch the real product to end consumers by the second half of this year," he mentioned. "You're probably going to see real flying cars deployed in different regions in China."

At the same time, humanoid robots are expected to enter large-scale production and be used in commercial and industrial settings. "Our humanoid robot is aimed to be volume produced by the end of this year," he added. "It will be used in our stores, office buildings, and as factory tour guides."

Safety and Controlled Environments

Addressing safety concerns, Gu explained that the company is relying on established technologies and controlled environments during the early deployment phase. "We are using a very well-proven, direct lifting propelling system, which has a lot of safety redundancies built into it," he said.

He added that initial operations would take place in regulated areas, including designated flying zones outside city centers. "It's actually very easy to pilot and also very intelligent," he noted. "Taking off and landing can be automated."

Pricing and Regulatory Considerations

On pricing, Gu mentioned that the first commercial flying-car package is expected to cost less than 2 million renminbi in China. "This whole package, we think it's going to be below two million RMB, about less than US$300,000 in China," he said.

Regulatory approval remains a key factor for wider adoption, he added. "Right now, in China, we still need to get approval from the aviation authorities," he said. "I think with China's approval, and the flying taking place in large quantities, you'll give comfort to international countries and markets."

The Future of Mobility

Looking ahead, Gu believes that intelligence-driven systems could fundamentally reshape mobility and daily life. "I think we are actually at a really transformative period of history," he said. "Robo-taxi, cars driving by themselves… three-dimensional travel versus two-dimensional."

"All these will dramatically disrupt the way of life and mobility as we know it," he added.