Japanese automotive manufacturer Lexus has unveiled the technology behind its hoverboard and the secret is it only works on special magnetic tracks.
The board is similar in size to a skateboard but much thicker with two exhausts on the side releasing cooled nitrogen gas which gives a steaming impression. Inside the board are two cryostats — reservoirs in which superconducting material is immersed in liquid nitrogen at -197°C. The board is then placed above a track that contains permanent magnets and it levitates even when carrying the weight of a rider.
The project was developed by scientists from German companies IFW Dresden and evico GmbH. They tried a number of designs before settling on one that could stably support the weight of a rider.
Dr. Oliver de Hass, evico CEO, said: “The magnetic field from the track is effectively ‘frozen’ into the superconductors in the board, maintaining the distance between the board and the track— essentially keeping the board hovering. This force is strong enough to allow the rider to stand and even jump on the board.”
The development team then built a special skate park in Barcelona with 200 m of magnetic track installed under the surface of the park, and filmed people riding the board, including over a shallow pool of water. The video is available at www.lexus-int.com/amazinginmotion/
However, for people looking to buy one, Lexus said it remains a prototype and will not be on sale.