(Newswire.net — October 23, 2014) Los Angeles, CA — Past prototypes of levitating hoverboards like the one used in Back to the Future II, could lift a rider above the ground, but have all proven uncontrollable… until now.
The Hendo hoverboard design solves the instability problem by using four disc-shaped engines instead of two. The engines generate a special magnetic field which “literally pushes against itself,” producing the lift which takes the board – and its rider – off the ground.
The Hendo hoverboard gets its name from Greg Henderson who developed a method to use electromagnetic fields to insulate buildings from the effects of an earthquake.
Dr. Henderson also came up with the idea that this technology could be used in many other ways, including personal transportation.
Don’t rush to get rid of the good old skate board just yet, the Hendo hoverboard levitates just one inch off the ground.
Another drawback is the surfaces over which the hoverboard can operate on. Hendo hoverboard can only operate on smooth, non-ferromagnetic surfaces – those which are not attracted to magnets.
It also is a bit noisy and can only hover for roughly seven minutes.
The prototype has still proven to be a great advance in controlled magnetic hovering without super conductors. The Henderson family still has 364 days to improve their creation before Marty McFly is scheduled to arrive in his his Delorean from 1985.
Many scientists agree that the concept is plausible so Arx Pax, the 20-person start-up company behind the hoverboard, has just launched a Kickstarter campaign in hopes of raising $250,000 needed for further development.
If they manage to raise funding, the Hoverboards could hit stores soon. Start saving now; the company estimates that the hoverboards will initially sell for around $10,000 each.