French artist Nils Guadagnin has created the ultimate gadget, the hoverboard from Back to the Future 2. The board floats using simple electromagnetism and a laser stabilization system that corrects the board’s balance. Towards the end of the clip when the artist pushes the board, it easily recovers using this stability system.
The Technology Behind the Hoverboard
Unfortunately, the only problem with this board is that it’s an artistic installation and cannot take the weight of a rider. The electromagnetic system which levitates the board is integrated into the board and the plinth. This system uses a combination of powerful magnets and a laser stabilization system to keep the board balanced and floating. The laser stabilization system is particularly fascinating as it continuously adjusts the board’s position to maintain equilibrium, making it appear as though it is effortlessly floating in mid-air.
While this hoverboard is not yet capable of supporting a human rider, it represents a significant step forward in the development of hover technology. The principles used in this artistic installation could potentially be scaled up and refined to create a functional hoverboard in the future. The concept of using electromagnetism for levitation is not new, but combining it with laser stabilization adds a new layer of precision and control.
Future Prospects and Real-World Applications
It’s a shame that this hoverboard cannot yet be ridden, but it’s the closest yet to a real hoverboard. Let’s hope some big corporation can take his lead and produce a working production hoverboard soon. Fingers crossed. The potential applications of this technology extend beyond just hoverboards. For instance, similar electromagnetic and stabilization systems could be used in transportation, such as maglev trains, which already use magnetic levitation to achieve high speeds with minimal friction.
Moreover, the principles behind this hoverboard could inspire innovations in other fields. For example, in the medical industry, precise levitation and stabilization technologies could be used in delicate surgical procedures or in the development of advanced prosthetics. In the entertainment industry, we could see new forms of interactive exhibits or rides that utilize hover technology to create unique experiences.
The hoverboard created by Nils Guadagnin is not just a nod to a beloved sci-fi movie; it is a glimpse into the future of technology and its potential to transform various aspects of our lives. As research and development in this area continue, we may soon see practical and commercially viable hoverboards and other levitating devices becoming a reality.
Via Gizmodo Via Fubiz
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