A University of Waterloo team is working to develop futuristic levitating pods that can move people or cargo at breathtaking speeds – Waterloo Region…

WATERLOO Its a concept seemingly ripped from a science-fiction script levitating pods that could transport cargo or people at breathtaking speeds topping 1,000 km/h through near-vacuum tubes.

The hyperloop concept, popularized by Tesla and SpaceXs Elon Musk, builds on ideas first conceived around compressed air and propulsion more than 200 years ago.

Today, there are several companies around the world working on ever-changing hyperloop technology, while students at post-secondary institutions, including the University of Waterloo, are developing prototypes to prove its feasibility.

I do think its quite likely, said Krista Porter, business lead for UWs 124-member hyperloop design team, Waterloop. As a human population all over the world, people are continuously striving to evolve I think its due time that something new comes up.

Founded in 2015, Waterloop is currently working on its fifth pod prototype, called Goose V, as team members get ready for a return to competition this year after being sidelined by the pandemic.

Propelled and levitated using a linear induction motor, the technology would see the pod reach high speeds through a near-vacuum tube thanks to greatly-reduced friction and air resistance.

Its basically a train, but youre removing all the inefficiencies, said team member Emrys Halbertsma.

At about 1.8 metres (six feet) long, Goose V carries a motor and battery pack, a motor controller, and guidance and braking systems; the hyperloop concept envisions full-size cargo or passenger pods, carrying up to 28 people each, and Waterloop hopes to design and build a working full-size pod in the coming years.

The team is also building its first test track at the Region of Waterloo International Airport; made of I-beams and about 100 metres long, the track is expected to be in use when UW hosts the Canadian Hyperloop Conference at the end of May.

This is just the first iteration of our test track, Porter said. We recently drafted up plans for a vacuum tube track, but we are still very much in the research phase of that, and also, were going to have to work hard to find funding to build that.

Porter said 10 teams from India, the United States and Canada have signed up so far for the upcoming conference. Waterloop will also be taking part in a competition as part of European Hyperloop Week in the Netherlands in July, and theyre hosting a green tech webinar on March 25 showcasing groups and teams at UW with a focus on sustainability.

Much of the teams progress is made possible through the generosity of sponsors that have provided everything from welding services to software and tools.

This is technology that requires money to make, and we are just a student team that does not generate any money ourselves, Porter said. If we didnt have sponsors, our team would not be where it is today.

Hyperloop technology can seem far-fetched and faces considerable challenges, cost and safety among them. Virgin Hyperloop, one of the key corporate players, announced last month that its going to focus on cargo rather than passengers.

Id say cargo is very feasible, said Halbertsma, adding theres clearly demand for the ability to move freight very quickly.

There are still a lot of unanswered questions, but its definitely technology thats worth exploring.

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A University of Waterloo team is working to develop futuristic levitating pods that can move people or cargo at breathtaking speeds - Waterloo Region...