Summer Olympics

Seven 'Summer Olympics' stories June 2021 - December 2023

Can drones resolve 2024 Summer Olympics surfing controversy?

Bruce Crumley Dec 26 2023 - 2:30 am PT

Controversy over the construction of a reef-anchored judging stand is undermining excitement over the 2024 Summer Olympics’ surfing competition – only the second appearance of the sport in the quadrennial global gala’s history. Now a work-around solution is being forwarded by international officials, who propose using drones among other tech alternatives to provide scorers views needed for evaluating rides.

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Volocopter, short on partners, pauses Singapore air taxi plan: report

Bruce Crumley Nov 20 2023 - 11:25 pm PT

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European urban air mobility (UAM) company Volocopter is experiencing unexpected turbulence in its efforts to roll out initial air taxi services around the world, with its launch project in Singapore reportedly having been put on hold just as its plans to debut aerial activity in Paris have met sharp political opposition.

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Paris officials savage planned 2024 Olympics air taxi introduction

Bruce Crumley Nov 17 2023 - 1:46 am PT

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The planned global introduction of air taxi services next year during the Paris Summer Olympics already risks being grounded after city authorities from across party lines joined up this week to lavishly dump on what elsewhere in France and the world has been the tech’s much-ballyhooed debut.

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A $119 price among new Paris Olympics air taxi details revealed

Bruce Crumley May 18 2023 - 3:17 am PT

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Transport authorities in France have lifted the veil a bit more on demonstration air taxi services slated to debut during the Paris Summer Olympics next year, including the anticipated cost of a ride between Charles de Gaulle Airport and a riverside Seine vertiport of about €110 (just over $119).

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Wisk prepares for self-flying air taxi service in Oz’s Queensland

Bruce Crumley Jun 13 2022 - 1:11 am PT

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Next-generation aircraft manufacturer Wisk Aero is expanding its preparations for autonomous air taxi services beyond the US in cooperation with officials in Australia’s Queensland to bring advance air mobility (AAM) transport to the state.

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France tests anti-drone laser weapon for use at 2024 Olympics

Bruce Crumley Jul 8 2021 - 2:07 am PT

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France’s military successfully completed advanced testing of its anti-drone laser weaponry, and said the country plans on deploying the tech around the country within a couple years. Officials said they hoped to have drone-blasting energy defense systems up and running in time for the France-hosted World Cup of Rugby in 2023, and the Paris Summer Olympics the following year.

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After first French public demo, Volocopter eyes air taxi service for Paris 2024 Olympics

Bruce Crumley Jun 22 2021 - 2:13 am PT

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The future of European urban air mobility (UAM) drew a little bit nearer after German vehicle manufacturer Volocopter piloted the first public flight in France of its 2X copter. Company officials say they hope to have a similar craft in commercial air taxi service in time for the 2024 Paris Olympic and Paralympic Games.

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