'Jet-like' maglev pods are coming to Abu Dhabi's Yas Island

2016-06-29T17:36:00-04:00

skyTran’s computer-controlled, 2-person “jet-like” vehicles employ magnetic levitation technology instead of wheels. The patented high-speed, low-cost, elevated PRT system built at the NASA Ames Research Centre, will have cars zipping above traffic along magnetic lines from one destination to another across the island, a statement said.

More transportation news on Archinect:

Hyperloop hopefuls turn to 'passive' maglev technology

2016-05-10T13:47:00-04:00

"Utilizing a passive levitation system will eliminate the need for power stations along the Hyperloop track, which makes this system the most suitable for the application and will keep construction costs low," [...] "From a safety aspect, the system has huge advantages, levitation occurs purely through movement, therefore if any type of power failure occurs, Hyperloop pods would continue to levitate and only after reaching minimal speeds touch the ground."

Hyperloop Transportation Technologies (not to be confused with Hyperloop Technologies Inc., a peer company also hoping to realize Elon Musk's hyperloop vision) published a statement yesterday announcing the company had licensed "passive magnetic levitation" technology to power their Hyperloop prototype.

Billed as "a cheaper, safer alternative" to maglev technology, the passive magnetic levitation doesn't require as much infrastructural build-out, as it doesn't need to be powered by sources along the track. The system is "passive" insofar as instead of using superconducting magnets or powered electromagnets, it uses "permanent room-temperature magnets, similar to the familiar bar magnet". You can read all about the technology here.

More Hyperloop on Archinect:

Archinect - News

'Jet-like' maglev pods are coming to Abu Dhabi's Yas Island

Hyperloop hopefuls turn to 'passive' maglev technology