Future of High-Speed Transportation
In the future, we envision a world with self-driving cars and flying taxis. However, in the past, we've also seen unusual modes of transportation. For instance, an American company named Hyperloop proposed rapid trains capable of reaching speeds of 700 mph through vacuum systems. This ambitious concept echoes a time when a cat was transported through an underground suction pipe and remarkably survived. These innovations prompt us to consider why humans don't travel in similar transport pods, showcasing both futuristic advancements and unconventional historical experiments in transportation technology.The transportation technology available today typically moves at an average speed of 50 to 100 mph. Despite promising prototypes tested in the Nevada desert, Hyperloop faced significant challenges. They needed to construct large, straight tubes spanning cities, as the trains struggled with turns. In 2020, the company achieved a milestone with a successful test run reaching 107 mph with two passengers. Despite this success, the company shifted focus from passenger transport to moving objects. Does this shift imply that this form of transportation won't be viable for people in the future?Historically, pneumatic tube systems in existing buildings pose challenges, requiring meticulous planning during initial design phases. There's also a risk of valuable items getting stuck or damaged during transport, limiting the system to objects under 5 lbs and necessitating continued manual labor. In New York City, the post office used a similar system until 1953, with pipes running underground up to 6 stories deep. Dubbed 'rocketeers' for their speed, operators handled nearly 100,000 letters daily, a third of the city's mail. They famously sent a book and important documents through the tubes, alongside humorous items like a fake peach or a sandwich. Once, they even transported a cat, though how it navigated the high-speed system remains a mystery. Ultimately, the project was abandoned due to costs and the city's expanding population overwhelming the small tubes. Hyperloop envisioned applying similar principles for high-speed human transportation, highlighting the enduring allure of pneumatic transport innovations.More water means more weight, resulting in decreased speed. However, an Asian company recently claimed to have developed the fastest pneumatic train. Earlier this year, they demonstrated a prototype on a mile-long testing track, achieving speeds of 387 mph. This theoretical device could transport someone from New York to Los Angeles in under an hour or from London to Paris in just 15 minutes. The company considers the test a success, showcasing seamless interaction between the vehicle and the track. Despite this achievement, the project revealed significant challenges. Power outages, leaks, fires, or simple human errors could lead to catastrophic accidents. Additionally, the train's high speed and rapid acceleration might cause passenger discomfort. Beyond Hyperloop trains, the future of transportation might include more advanced solutions. Innovative methods for moving from one place to another could reduce travel time, expenses, and accidents. One promising idea is the development of fast trains that float using strong magnets. These magnetic levitation (maglev) trains hover above tracks, enabling high speeds with minimal noise and vibration. They are less prone to getting stuck since they don't make contact with the tracks, and they don't require fuel, making them more resource-efficient. Instead of traditional engines, maglev trains utilize magnetic fields generated by special coils in the tracks and train walls.To push these advancements forward, six magnetic levitation (maglev) lines are currently operational in Asia, and similar projects may soon appear in the U.S. The first planned route aims to connect Washington, D.C. and Baltimore, eventually extending to New York. Additionally, around 20 companies are exploring the concept of flying taxis. These small planes could provide urban transportation at reasonable prices, such as a $70 trip from Manhattan to Kennedy Airport, without disturbing those on the ground. Challenges include reducing flight expenses, managing urban noise, and establishing regulations for flying over busy cities.Meanwhile, driverless cars are becoming more of a reality, with many automobile companies testing prototypes. Although questions about safety and regulation persist, autonomous vehicles promise to reduce accidents caused by distracted driving, as robots do not get distracted. These cars are designed to take fewer risks and drive more cautiously to ensure safety. However, they are currently expensive, with prices expected to exceed $100,000 each. Delivery drones are another emerging technology, with projects already in implementation. For instance, a UPS drone delivered medicine to homes in the U.S. after receiving approval from the Federal Aviation Administration. This marked a significant milestone for drones, although widespread use awaits further safety regulations. Currently, UPS employs drones primarily in rural areas and around hospitals.To address traffic congestion, underground roads and tunnels may offer a viable solution, potentially more effective than flying cars due to weather independence. One concept involves lowering cars via large elevators onto fast-moving metal platforms. This system could enable higher speeds with reduced accident risks, such as wildlife crossings, and may also prove cost-effective by minimizing traffic delays. Additionally, underground roads could lead to quieter, more aesthetically pleasing cities.
