In 2013, Elon Musk, the creator of Tesla, gave us the concept of the hyperloop; leading to much excitement with firms proclaiming the possibility of a full-scale, working system by this point in time. Yet, the dream of the high-speed transportation system has not yet been realized. But, according to CNBC, TUM Hyperloop are still progressing with this project.
MUNICH — Hyperloop, a transportation system proposed in 2013 by Tesla and SpaceX founder Elon Musk, was anticipated to have been a reality by now, but this has yet to be realized.Although there has been much excitement surrounding the idea of a hyperloop system, it has yet to be implemented. Many think it could eventually challenge other forms of transport, like airplanes, by traveling through tubes at speeds of around 700 miles per hour.However, the vision of the hyperloop isn't over yet.
"I've been invested in this project for seven years now, we wouldn't keep going if we didn't believe in it," Gabriele Semino, project lead at TUM Hyperloop, told CNBC in an interview. "When the concept was first released, many had overly optimistic expectations, like it would be done in two or three years. But these timelines only apply when building software, not infrastructure."
Since its emergence, various firms have been in a race to invent their own hyperloop models. TUM Hyperloop, developed by the Technical University of Munich, is one of them. At the IAA auto show in Munich this month, they displayed the pod for passengers to sit in, and have constructed a 24-meter long tube to test the system prior to lengthening it.
Semino stated that by the end of this decade, the technology would be complete, with short tracks transporting passengers at full speed. Then, by the end of the next decade, hyperloop technology should have longer tracks constructed through continents.
Hyperloop Transportation Technologies (HTT) and Elon Musk's Boring Company are also researching the hyperloop concept.
Hyperloop technology has the potential to address a myriad of issues. An eco-friendly and ultra-fast form of transportation, it could lessen the need to fly or drive in places such as the U.S. or Europe. In addition, Semino believes it would take the pressure off existing train systems, while also creating a route for the transport of goods. “This isn’t just a pipe dream,” Semino declared. “Presently, the world needs more reliable infrastructure.”
Semino said that, of regions like the Middle East and China, Europe was likely to be the first to receive Hyperloop technology. According to him, Europe was making the most progress on the technology. He also noted that the European Commission was studying the possibility of establishing a framework for Hyperloop technology, remarking that "from a government framework point of view, Europe is the one that's most interesting right now".
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