9 ms·

Is this actually true?

p1mrx 3y ago
We would first need to build a superconducting track for the hover scooters (containing magnets) to ride on. Assuming we ever figure out how to mass produce the superconductor inexpensively. Perhaps if the track were arranged in a grid-like pattern, the scooter could use superconducting electromagnets to accelerate and steer.
- depereo 3y ago
  If it's a room temperature superconductor there's probably 10% US GDP available annually to figure out the manufacturing considerations.
- kijin 3y ago
  I would actually welcome scooters that only work on specialized tracks. Walking safely on the sidewalk will become as easy as staying away from those tracks.
  - ncr100 3y ago
    It would be SO MUCH QUIETER than tires on asphalt. No rubber-particulate pollution, either.
  - j13n 3y ago
    European cities found that shared space between pedestrians and vehicles reduced speeds and increased safety. Carving up public spaces into those that are safe and those that can trivially injure or kill ruins the outdoors for so many.
    - gibolt 3y ago
      The key is not giving the car priority. Efficient and pleasant pedestrian movement is the main goal.
- dgb23 3y ago
  Somehow I fear such large magnets might come with unwanted side effects?
cthalupa 3y ago
Yes and no. There's no possible way to have a superconductor be an actual hoverboard out in the broader world - the magnetic field of the earth is just nowhere near strong enough. You can make specialized areas where it would work, though. It's even been done already with LN2 cooled superconductors - https://www.theverge.com/2015/8/4/9091951/lexus-hoverboard-video https://www.theverge.com/2015/8/4/9091951/lexus-hoverboard-v... SC could help enable nearly lossless transmission over power in HVDC lines, but HVDC lines are already significantly more efficient than our regular ones and we don't build them for a variety of reasons, so it might not make much of an impact there for regulatory/NIMBY/etc. type reasons.
- Laaas 3y ago
  That Lexus hoverboard is extremely cool. How did I miss this commercial?
- ant6n 3y ago
  The superconducting transmission line doesn’t need big towers, a clear path, a direct path or a shortest path. It’ll be more like a thick pipe, perhaps buried. Much easier it get a right of way, less environmental impact, less paperwork, less time to build.
  - robnado 3y ago
    I don't know if I would want such a strong electromagnet passing through my neighborhood.

We would first need to build a superconducting track for the hover scooters (containing magnets) to ride on. Assuming we ever figure out how to mass produce the superconductor inexpensively. Perhaps if the track were arranged in a grid-like pattern, the scooter could use superconducting electromagnets to accelerate and steer.

depereo 3y ago
If it's a room temperature superconductor there's probably 10% US GDP available annually to figure out the manufacturing considerations.
kijin 3y ago
I would actually welcome scooters that only work on specialized tracks. Walking safely on the sidewalk will become as easy as staying away from those tracks.
- ncr100 3y ago
  It would be SO MUCH QUIETER than tires on asphalt. No rubber-particulate pollution, either.
- j13n 3y ago
  European cities found that shared space between pedestrians and vehicles reduced speeds and increased safety. Carving up public spaces into those that are safe and those that can trivially injure or kill ruins the outdoors for so many.
  - gibolt 3y ago
    The key is not giving the car priority. Efficient and pleasant pedestrian movement is the main goal.
dgb23 3y ago
Somehow I fear such large magnets might come with unwanted side effects?

cthalupa 3y ago

Yes and no. There's no possible way to have a superconductor be an actual hoverboard out in the broader world - the magnetic field of the earth is just nowhere near strong enough. You can make specialized areas where it would work, though. It's even been done already with LN2 cooled superconductors - https://www.theverge.com/2015/8/4/9091951/lexus-hoverboard-video https://www.theverge.com/2015/8/4/9091951/lexus-hoverboard-v... SC could help enable nearly lossless transmission over power in HVDC lines, but HVDC lines are already significantly more efficient than our regular ones and we don't build them for a variety of reasons, so it might not make much of an impact there for regulatory/NIMBY/etc. type reasons.

Laaas 3y ago
That Lexus hoverboard is extremely cool. How did I miss this commercial?
ant6n 3y ago
The superconducting transmission line doesn’t need big towers, a clear path, a direct path or a shortest path. It’ll be more like a thick pipe, perhaps buried. Much easier it get a right of way, less environmental impact, less paperwork, less time to build.
- robnado 3y ago
  I don't know if I would want such a strong electromagnet passing through my neighborhood.