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The science at work here is actually pretty easy to explain. Know how magnets repel one another when their like poles are facing? And remember how rubbing a magnet on something, like a paperclip, briefly makes it magnetic too?
Well, there you go.
When the hovering object is powered up, it magnetizes the surface below it using induction and that creates a magnetic field that pushes the objects apart. But that also means by definition that the hoverboard only works above conductive surfaces like aluminum and — you guessed it — copper.
The novel work, for which they are seeking patents, is in the efficiency of the induction process and the ability to control the movements of the hovering objects.
originally posted by: Unresponsible
I like the forward-thinking of the creators. Floating, earthquake-proof buildings? Coolcoolcool.
It's also kind of Edison-esque. "Hmm...no surfaces for our hoverboards, eh? THEN WE'LL PAVE THE STREETS WITH COPPER!"
originally posted by: randyvs
Tell me technology isn't handed down. Everything is done according to the stars/time.
And they pass it off to our dumbasses as being forseen by "Visionaries".
First patented in 1905, 110 years ago!
Here they are in 2015.