An electric flying vehicle called Skai was shown yesterday near Los Angeles, California. Skai is made by Alaka’i Technologies. The vehicle has six rotors（旋翼）on the roof and seats inside for five people.

Like a drone（无人机）, the vehicle from Alaka’i Technologies takes off and lands vertically（垂直地）. It’s one of many similar electric flying vehicles in production, including ones from Boeing and Airbus. But most of them are powered by batteries, which can add a lot of weight. The Skai instead uses very light hydrogen fuel cells to run its rotors, giving it a range of 400 miles（644 kilometers）and the capacity to carry 1,000 pounds（454 kilograms）in people or goods, the company says.

Alaka’i says it’s planning a test flight near its Massachusetts headquarters. It will be flown by an on ⁃ board pilot（飞行员）, but the technology exists to eventually fly it remotely and even autonomously. However, it will be years before the Federal Aviation Administration（FAA）allows the autonomous flight of passenger vehicles, said Thaddeus Lightfoot, who helps companies navigate FAA rules.

“Drone⁃ like vehicles such as the Skai must first simply prove their airworthiness, like any common plane. After that, getting commercial certification is another complex process. The technology is interesting, but the regulatory road will be very long,”said Lightfoot, adding that the idea of allowing people to fly in a large aircraft without a pilot is“well outside the current regulatory system.”

Hanvey, CEO of Alaka’i Technologies, said that it could take at least a decade before the company realizes his goal of electric flying vehicles ferrying passengers over major cities at   nearly 120 mph. Before that, he hopes to see Skai aircraft used by first responders to send in food or water following disasters like hurricanes or wildfires. It could also serve as a mobile cell tower, staying in the sky for up to 10 hours over a neighborhood to provide communication services, he said.

In some science-fiction movies, robots refuse to die no matter how people fight back (反击). Now, it has turned into a fact. For the first time, researchers have created a robot that can take a beating (挨打) and keep on working. Developed by scientists from Cornell University and the University of Vermont, the new robot looks like a spider with four legs.

Until now, even the most advanced robot was almost certain to break down when damaged. That’s because its computer doesn’t know how to operate the machine after its shape has been changed.

To solve this problem, the scientists put some sensors (传感器) into the machine. The sensors can read how the machine is working and send signals to the computer.

Using this information, the system follows a new way to tell the machine’s shape at any given moment. The computer considers a lot of possible next steps, and it calculates how best to move the robot forward the longest possible distance, before trying to move it again.

The new technology is a major advance in robotics(机器人技术), scientists say. It may someday help researchers create better artificial arms and legs that give new freedom to people who lack them. The new know ledge might also help scientists understand how people and animals tell their own sense of place in space.

“Designing robots that can fit changing environments has been a difficult problem,” says scientist Olaf Sporns of Indiana University. “This work provides a new way toward solving this important problem.”

Make life as easy as possible with devices and gear designed to simplify your travels — whether that means charging on the go, neat organizers or lightweight storage for no-trouble quick trips.

LARQ Bottle Filter (过滤器)

This innovative drinking bottle with a low-pressure sucker is designed to filter water on the go, wiping out pollutants such as chlorine (氯) for a refreshing taste. The filter will work on up to 151 litres of water before needing to be replaced — the equivalent (等同) of around 300 single-use plastic bottles. Available in 500ml (£58) and 740ml (£68) sizes.

Stubble & Co Adventure Bag

This 42-litre backpack has an easy-access clamshell (翻盖) design that opens to reveal zipped parts of various sizes, including a waterproof pocket for shoes. It also features a laptop sleeve, water bottle pocket and hidden parts for valuables. Available in black, olive, blue and orange. £195.

Shokz OpenFit

Shokz’s lightweight earphones sit on top of the ear canal, meaning they’re comfortable enough to wear for long periods. The 28-hour battery life ensures you won’t need to charge them on an overnight trip, though it’s easy enough to do so by plugging in the small, accompanying case. The Shokz App allows you to customize the controls, too. £179.

July Carry On Pro

For those who prefer not to carry luggage on their backs, this smart roller is the perfect overnighter. It has two separate internal parts, a waterproof polycarbonate (聚碳酸酯) hard shell and a zipped front part in which to store a laptop. The integrated, removable power bank allows travelers to charge devices on the go. £275.