The concept of a hyperloop has been around for centuries. It is only recently that the concept has become a reality. Inventor Elon Musk coined the term in a project brief in 2013. Since then, the idea has been open-sourced, with several companies entering the race with prototypes and students building working models. This approach has also increased the pace of innovation, as students are increasingly building and testing their own prototypes.
The first Hyperloop system is being developed in California. The technology involves magnetic pods that are levitating inside a tube. The entire process will take less than an hour and costs less than $100 for one-way travel. As a result, the technology will increase the number of people who can live in different cities and reduce congestion. It will also be much cleaner, and can be powered by solar energy. Virgin America is already testing a prototype and promises smooth travel.
Another innovation is the technology behind Hyperloop. The technology uses magnetic levitation inside a low-pressure tube to overcome air and friction. This creates a vacuum-like environment that is close to that of a 200,000-foot-high mountain pass. Because the tube is sealed and weatherproof, the system can operate at extremely high speeds without the need for massive amounts of energy. However, the cost and practicality of building a full tube are major concerns.