China Closer To Solving Hyperloop Train's Biggest Flaw
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources.
Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content.
Chinese researchers have announced breakthroughs that may resolve the most persistent engineering flaw in vacuum-tube maglev systems, an issue that has stumped Elon Musk and other developers.
Scientists in Shanxi province, working at the country's first full-scale maglev vacuum test facility, say they've developed a suspension system that dramatically reduces the intense vibrations that plagued earlier Hyperloop prototypes.
Why It Matters
Hyperloop technology has the potential to get passengers from point A to point B at record speeds. It uses magnetic levitation through vacuums, which means there is no air resistance on the front of the vehicle, allowing transport tubes to move at speeds of up to 200 miles per hour. The technology has been tested across the world, including India and Italy.
What To Know
However, current versions of the technology often produce intense vibrations that would make travel very difficult for passengers inside the tubes.
These turbulent oscillations, especially at speeds exceeding 373 mph, previously rendered the passenger experience physically intolerable, even "unbearable," according to some engineers.
However, Chinese researchers have now developed an AI-guided suspension system that counters the worst of these vibrations.
Scientists at the China Aerospace Science and Industry Corporation said that their suspension system reduced vertical vibrations by 45.6 percent and achieved comfort scores below the Sperling Index threshold of 2.5, a scale for assessing ride comfort and quality in rail vehicles.
People look at a demostration test sled after the first test of the propulsion system at the Hyperloop One Test and Safety site on May 11, 2016 in North Las Vegas, Nevada
People look at a demostration test sled after the first test of the propulsion system at the Hyperloop One Test and Safety site on May 11, 2016 in North Las Vegas, Nevada
Getty Images
The engineers combined two different approaches to neutralize disruptive motion in near-vacuum conditions.
The first simulates an invisible, stabilizing tether that is "hooked to the sky," adjusting to vehicle motion dynamically. The second uses a tuning algorithm to adapt to changing environmental inputs and correct deviations in real-time.
This approach is managed by an artificial intelligence module trained through genetic algorithms to control the suspension system.
Testing with a scale model vehicle was conducted using a motion simulator based in Shanxi.
What People Are Saying
A spokesperson for HyperloopTT, the Los Angeles-based company delivering Italy's hyperloop project, told Newsweek: "We're witnessing the transition from hyperloop as a futuristic concept to an imminent reality.
"Hyperloop is a system that moves people and goods safely, efficiently, and sustainably by bringing airplane speeds to the ground."
At a Boring Company launch event, Elon Musk said: "The Loop is a stepping stone toward Hyperloop. The Loop is for transport within a city. Hyperloop is for transport between cities, and that would go much faster than 150 mph."
What Happens Next
The scale model tests will evolve into full-scale tests in China while other projects across the world continue to advance.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Hamilton Spectator
27 minutes ago
- Hamilton Spectator
Defence spending boost can only go so far to lessen U.S. reliance: experts
MONTREAL - In early 2002, Glenn Cowan touched down in Kandahar province as part of the first wave of regular Canadian Army troops deployed to Afghanistan, serving in a U.S.-led brigade combat team. After joining Canada's elite special operations unit Joint Task Force 2 in 2003, he spent the next 13 years collaborating with American soldiers on raids, rescues and reconnaissance missions. 'If you're going to get into a fight with someone, you want the Americans on your side,' said Cowan, founder of ONE9. His Ottawa-based venture capital firm focuses on national security investments. The same might be said of the gear Canadian troops use, and the industry behind it. An infusion of fresh defence funding is poised to flood parts of Canada's aerospace, manufacturing and information technology sectors in a bid to reduce reliance on the United States, but experts say this country will remain firmly fastened to its neighbour as a military-industrial partner by necessity. While not a military powerhouse, Canada has expertise in areas ranging from flight simulation and shipbuilding to armoured vehicles and artificial intelligence. The $9.3-billion in additional defence spending announced by Prime Minister Mark Carney on Monday is poised to boost those sectors, with the goal of greater procurement from domestic companies. 'We're too reliant on the United States,' Carney said. 'We will ensure that every dollar is invested wisely, including by prioritizing made-in-Canada manufacturing and supply chains. We should no longer send three-quarters of our defence capital spending to America.' But a massive cash injection means Canada will have to scale up fast, including via foreign suppliers, said Jim Kilpatrick, in charge of global supply chain and network operations at Deloitte. 'Defence supply chains can often go 10 or 11 tiers deep,' he said, stressing their complex international reach. 'Canada will not be self-sufficient in defence products required by our military.' The country's relatively small production capacity means it will continue to shell out money on American equipment, technology and aircraft, including 88 U.S.-built F-35 fighter jets at a cost of tens of billions of dollars, experts say. However, some of that spending will go to American military giants that have a big presence on Canadian soil, even if the profits end up in pockets south of the border. General Dynamics churns out light armoured vehicles bristelling with turreted mortars and assault guns in London, Ont., as well as tactical communications systems in Ottawa. Lockheed Martin works on 'advanced technology systems' such as naval command software in five provinces. Defence contractor Raytheon counts 8,500 employees and 2,500 suppliers in Canada. 'The wider Canadian economy features a lot of branch plants,' noted David Perry, CEO of the Canadian Global Affairs Institute. While high-tech weapons and machinery come to mind at the mention of defence procurement, much of the extra funding this year may well go to more mundane items. Housing and infrastructure upgrades for Canadian troops make up some of the biggest priorities for Chief of the Defence Staff Gen. Jennie Carignan, she told Quebec radio host Patrick Lagacé on Thursday. Perry also highlighted the ripple effects of that spending for myriad business types beyond the purely military realm. 'Some of it is done through the big stuff — we think about fighter jets. But a lot of it pays for office furniture, software licenses, electricity contracts, snow removal, grass cutting.' Taking a step back, Perry framed defence investment in terms the prime minister, formerly the head of the Bank of Canada and the Bank of England, could appreciate. 'If you think of our defence relationships as an investment portfolio, the PM is saying we're way over-indexed in the Dow Jones and the S&P,' he said. 'Diversify.' This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 13, 2025.
Newsweek
35 minutes ago
- Newsweek
Owner Tries 'Gentle Parenting' on Foster Dog—German Shepherd Has Thoughts
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. A German shepherd is earning praise online for its no-nonsense parenting style in a viral TikTok clip that shows the dog stepping in when a foster pup's antics go a little too far. The video, shared by TikTok user @babooneka, has amassed 2.1 million views since it was posted on June 7, gaining widespread attention from viewers charmed by the older dog's approach. Text overlaid on the clip reads: "I'm fostering this dog but my German shepherd said he doesn't do gentle parenting." In the video, a foster dog is seen using its paw to splash water from a bowl onto a wooden deck in an outdoor area. Moments later, the German shepherd strides over, apparently determined to restore order. The German shepherd uses its paw to push the other pup away from the water bowl, then grabs the foster dog by the skin of its neck a few times. Toward the end of the clip, the German shepherd manages to drag the other dog off the deck and onto a grassy patch. A caption on the post reads: "My German shepherd is THE real foster mom around here." The playful yet assertive interaction between the two dogs fits with what scientists understand about canine social behavior. A March 2019 study published in Scientific Reports noted that "dogs can form relationships of comparable qualities with both humans and other dogs," and that these relationships vary across multiple components depending on the partner. Stanley Coren, a professor emeritus in the department of psychology at the University of British Columbia and author of several books about dogs, says that dogs thrive on positive social interactions, regardless of species. In a February 2013 article for Psychology Today, Coren explained: "Although dogs are happiest when they are in a social situation, the species that they are interacting with is less important than the quality of the interactions." He added: "Dogs that have been properly socialized will congenially approach virtually anything that is alive, regardless of its species, and, unless they receive hostile signals, they will attempt to establish a good-natured relationship." Viewers on TikTok flooded the comments section with amused reactions. User Jennifer Dawn Allen wrote: "He said you wanna act like a baby I'm gonna carry you like one." The original poster responded: "He is so strict." Another user, Elizabeth Shekhets, asked: "Is he available to babysit human kids too? I have two and I'm tired." Some commenters noted the German shepherd's initial patience. User roberta freyta said: "To be fair... he did TRY being gentle but that kid didn't listen." The original poster replied: "He tried but got fed up." User agent cool mane joked "He's wondering when did we stop parenting around here," to which the original poster replied: "He called me out." Rala added: "I love when older dogs show younger dogs manners like they themselves were not absolutely chaotic as a puppy haha." Newsweek has contacted the original poster for comment via TikTok. This video has not been independently verified. Stock image: A German shepherd dog staring ahead with a stern look in an outdoor setting. Stock image: A German shepherd dog staring ahead with a stern look in an outdoor setting. Getty Do you have funny and adorable videos or pictures of your pet you want to share? Send them to life@ with some details about your best friend and they could appear in our Pet of the Week lineup.
Newsweek
39 minutes ago
- Newsweek
Man Gets Ready To Go on a Date—Then Discovers Neighbor's Revenge
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. A home resident's tale of sweet revenge against an inconsiderate neighbor has gone viral on Reddit, drawing hundreds of reactions from readers who have dealt with their own difficult neighbors. The post, titled "My neighbor blocked my driveway one too many times, so I had his car towed during his Tinder date," was shared by u/VryCuteAjaBharDuChut in the r/revengestories subreddit. The post has garnered more than 32,000 upvotes and over 1,200 comments since it was uploaded about a month ago. "For context: my neighbor is the type of guy who thinks rules are for other people. An arrogant 6 feet something hunk, in his mid 20s," the poster wrote. "He constantly parks in front of my driveway, fully blocking it, despite multiple warnings, notes, and in-person 'hey man, seriously, stop' conversations. His excuse? 'I'm just here for a bit.' A bit apparently means an eternity … 3-5 hours every d*** time." After repeated run-ins, the situation reached a boiling point. "Last week, I come home and surprise. He's there again. Blocking my driveway with his crusty silver sedan. I see him through his window getting ready, cologne and everything. He's going out. I decide, tonight's the night," the poster said. Rather than leaving another note or having yet another conversation, the frustrated resident took decisive action. "So I do what I should've done weeks ago. I call a tow truck. No warnings or notes. Got it towed straight up." Stock image: A man stands outside a car with his arms stretched forwards, while another pokes his head out the driver's window of a vehicle. Stock image: A man stands outside a car with his arms stretched forwards, while another pokes his head out the driver's window of a vehicle. Getty While the story has been widely applauded online, experts caution against escalating neighbor disputes. In a recent survey conducted by Talker Research on behalf of Newsweek, 1,000 U.S. adults were asked about their most intense or unusual conflicts with neighbors. The results highlighted a range of issues, from noise complaints and lawn battles to property damage, boundary disputes, and unwanted intrusions. Gregg Ward, executive director at The Center for Respectful Leadership, told Newsweek that retaliating against neighbors can backfire. "If your neighbor doesn't behave in ways you want them to, the last thing you should do is get into a tit-for-tat battle with them," Ward said. "This happens all too often, and it never ends well. In short, don't respond to disrespect with more disrespect—it will just make everything worse." 'Most Hollywood Revenge Story Ever' About 45 minutes after the Reddit user called the tow-truck service, as the poster sat on the porch enjoying a beer, a young woman arrived, clearly dressed for a date. She knocked on the neighbor's door, and, when he came out smiling, he quickly realized his car was missing. "She's confused. He's flipping out. He starts looking around like someone robbed him," the poster wrote. At that point, the resident informed them both: "I casually say, 'If you're looking for your car, it got towed. You were blocking my driveway. Again.'" The woman's reaction sealed the moment. "He tries to argue but the girl just says, 'Wait, you parked in front of his driveway?' He tries to explain, but she just says, 'Wow. That's trash,' and walks off," according to the post. The Reddit user said the neighbor has since changed his behavior. "I haven't seen him block my driveway since, and he never called another girl home after that. His confidence took a major hit," the poster added. Reddit users overwhelmingly supported the original poster's actions, with many praising the patience shown before finally calling the tow truck. U/_Roxxs_ said, "That's hilarious," and u/dj_is_here said it was the "Most Hollywood revenge story ever." TORONTOTOLANGLEY simply wrote, "You're my hero," while u/Intrepid_Lack7340 posted: "He blocked you, you blocked him. Fair is fair." Schtweetz commented: "You did a favor to the date too. She didn't have to find out what he's like later in the game." Newsweek has contacted the original poster for comment via the Reddit messaging system. Do you have a home-related video or story to share? Let us know via life@ and your story could be featured on Newsweek.
