Hoverboards In The News

When Back to the Future II was released in 1989, hoverboards were nothing more than a pipedream. They have recently moved much closer to reality with the introduction of Hendo – a real-life hoverboard that’s expected to hit production sometime in 2015 (coincidentally, the same year Marty McFly travelled to…hmmmm).

The concept actually began with a technology for buildings called magnetic field architecture (MFA) in which structures could be lifted out of harm’s way during earthquakes or floods. In the process, what was discovered is a highly efficient method for transmitting electromagnetic energy that can be used to move people and materials of virtually any size and weight.

The prototype hoverboard uses a strong magnetic field to float about one inch above a non-ferrous metal substrate, such as aluminum or copper. It can carry loads of up to 140kg (about 300 pounds) for about 15 minutes. The first 11 prototypes, which were offered for $10,000 each as part of a Kickstarter campaign, are already spoken for. However, engine development kits are expected to become available in July 2015. We expect to see a hoverboard type ride at large amusement parks in the near future, not to mention new industrial applications for this technology.