Real-life hoverboard unveiled

  • 05/08/2015
Real-life hoverboard unveiled

The Back to the Future hoverboard is finally here.

After several hoaxes and false starts, Japanese car maker Lexus has unveiled a functional hoverboard, similar to the famous floating skateboard from Back to the Future II.

The 18-month project was a collaboration between Lexus and German magnetic levitation experts IFQ Dresden and Evico GmBH.

Lexus showcased the product in a video featuring a custom-built skatepark in Barcelona, fitted with 200 metres of magnetic track beneath the surface, which allows the hoverboard to be used.

Professional skateboarder Ross McGouran, who performs a series of stunts in the video, says the board was "a whole new experience".

"I've spent 20 years skateboarding, but without friction it feels like I've had to learn a whole new skill, particularly in the stance and balance in order to ride the hoverboard."

The hoverboard works by two cryostats fitted to the skate deck, which each contain superconducting material immersed in liquid nitrogen to keep it cooled to -127degC.

"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," says Evico chief executive Dr Oliver de Hass.

"The force is strong enough to allow the rider to stand and even jump on the board."

There are currently no plans for commercial release of the hoverboard, but Lexus says the project was an important one.

"Embarking on this project we set out to push the boundaries of technology, design and innovation to make the impossible possible," says Lexus vice president of international operations Mark Templin.

"With this project we call 'SLIDE', we collaborated with partners who share our passion for creating enjoyment out of motion. Even through combining our technology and expertise, we discovered making a hoverboard isn't an easy process."

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