Is Lexus targeting a new customer base: fans of Back to the Future? Toyota’s luxury car division is reportedly working on a real-life version of the hoverboard, the undeniably cool transportation device from the beloved sci-fi franchise.
Although dozens of engineers have tried their hands at bringing the hoverboard to life, this marks the first time a major manufacturer has done so. The timing couldn’t be better, considering 2015 is the year the first film takes place.
So how exactly does it work? The basic technology is straightforward; the hoverboard uses liquid nitrogen-cooled superconductors and permanent magnets, along with materials such as bamboo. The levitation is achieved magnetically thanks to the semiconductors and high-powered magnets – both of which rely on the liquid nitrogen for cooling purposes.
Similar technology is already being used around the world – including in Japan, where Lexus is headquartered. The country’s famous maglev train utilizes magnetic levitation, operating without touching the ground at speeds of up to 270 mph.
Lexus released a teaser video (above) of its hoverboard, which in just one day has amassed more than 3.1 million views. What looks like smoke coming out of the board is actually nitrogen. Many viewers have been skeptical of the technology, questioning the mechanics and whether it’s simply a marketing ploy. However, the company confirmed to Gizmodo that it is in fact creating the device. According to the outlet, the prototype has been in development for 18 months.
USA Today adds that Lexus commissioned an independent contractor to create the device, which can hold the weight of a human. The company will conduct further tests with skaters in Barcelona this summer.
Unfortunately, there’s a major downside to Lexus’ hoverboard; it can only operate over controlled environments (unlike in the movies). The reason it’s levitating on what appears to be concrete is because there are actually magnets beneath the surface.
If Lexus brings its hoverboard to the market, it will face stiff competition from the many developers working on similar technology. Last year, we reported on Hendo, a prototype of a functional hoverboard that uses four engines to create a magnetic field that generates a lift force after it pushes against itself. Like Lexus’ device, Hendo only functions on controlled surfaces. The company has already raised half a million dollars on Kickstarter.