
'Elon Musk Left in the Dust': China Crushes U.S. Dreams by Fixing the Fatal Flaw That Killed the Hyperloop Once and for All
IN A NUTSHELL 🚄 Chinese scientists have developed a solution to reduce turbulence in ultra-high-speed maglev trains, addressing track imperfections.
in ultra-high-speed maglev trains, addressing track imperfections. 💡 The innovative system combines AI-powered suspension with electromagnetic actuators for a smoother ride.
suspension with electromagnetic actuators for a smoother ride. 🌌 China's vision extends beyond transportation, aiming to leverage maglev technology for future space launches .
. 🌍 The advancements could revolutionize global transportation, raising questions about international collaboration and scalability.
In recent years, the race to achieve ultra-high-speed transportation has captured the imagination of scientists and engineers worldwide. Among the most ambitious projects is the development of the vacuum-tube maglev train, a concept that promises to revolutionize travel by reaching unparalleled speeds. China's latest advancements in this field have shown promising results, addressing some of the critical challenges that have hindered such projects in the past. This article delves into the groundbreaking work led by Chinese scientists to overcome these obstacles and the potential implications for the future of transportation. Addressing the Turbulence Challenge
One of the primary challenges in developing high-speed maglev trains is managing turbulence and vibrations caused by track imperfections. Chinese scientists have recognized that even minor flaws in the track, such as uneven coils or bridge deformations, can lead to severe turbulence inside maglev pods. These vibrations could transform what should be a smooth ride into a jarring experience, particularly in the near-vacuum conditions required for high-speed travel.
To tackle this issue, the research team has devised a solution that significantly reduces turbulence intensity. By employing advanced simulation techniques and conducting physical tests with scaled-down models, they discovered that turbulence could be cut nearly in half. This achievement is noteworthy, as it transforms 'extremely severe bumps' into experiences that are 'pronounced, but not unpleasant.'
At the heart of this breakthrough is the meticulous study of track irregularities and the vertical bending of bridges. The team, led by Zhao Ming from the China Aerospace Science and Industry Corporation, has made substantial progress in mitigating the resonance that occurs at speeds around 249 mph (400 km/h) and 373 mph (600 km/h). These efforts underscore the importance of addressing infrastructure imperfections to ensure passenger comfort and safety.
'China Finally Sells Record-Breaking Plane': This 130-Foot Giant Can Dump 26,000 Pounds of Water in One Jaw-Dropping Drop Innovative AI-Powered Suspension Systems
The integration of artificial intelligence into maglev technology has opened new avenues for improving ride quality. The Chinese team has developed a hybrid suspension system that combines traditional passive air springs with cutting-edge electromagnetic actuators. These actuators are guided by AI, which employs two sophisticated strategies to minimize turbulence.
The first strategy, known as 'sky-hook' damping, simulates an invisible stabilizer attached to the sky. This method uses real-time speed data to counteract low-frequency jolts, enhancing passenger comfort. The second strategy involves PID control, a well-established engineering principle that adjusts forces using proportional, integral, and derivative tuning methods. The team optimized this system using NSGA-II, a genetic algorithm that enables the AI to adapt to varying track conditions.
Testing with a 1:10 scale model and six-axis motion simulators has yielded impressive results. Vertical vibration intensity was reduced by 45.6 percent, and Sperling Index scores remained comfortably below 2.5, even at high speeds. This achievement demonstrates that the ride is 'more pronounced but not unpleasant,' marking a significant leap forward in maglev technology.
'Old Rockets, New Threat': China Converts Aged Artillery Into Deadly Gliders Designed to Strike Fast-Moving Aerial Targets Beyond Transportation: China's Ambitious Vision
China's commitment to advancing maglev technology extends beyond achieving faster travel. The nation views this innovation as a stepping stone to broader technological achievements, including cost-effective space launches. The Datong research facility embodies this vision, with engineers already making strides in developing airtight concrete tunnels and millimeter-precise track joints.
While Elon Musk's Hyperloop project faced setbacks and ended its test track program in 2023, China remains undeterred. The Chinese team is optimistic that their hybrid suspension system, once tested at full scale, could revolutionize public transportation and reshape perceptions of high-speed travel.
Despite the promising advancements, challenges persist. Scaling the suspension system for real-world use and ensuring its reliability during emergencies are crucial steps that lie ahead. Nevertheless, the progress made thus far demonstrates China's unwavering commitment to pushing the boundaries of what is possible in transportation technology.
China Unleashes Next-Gen EREVs With Jaw-Dropping 870-Mile Range and Hesai LiDAR That Could Redefine Autonomous Driving Forever Charting the Future of High-Speed Travel
As the world watches China's pioneering efforts in maglev technology, the implications for global transportation are profound. The potential to travel at speeds previously deemed unimaginable could redefine the way we connect cities and countries. However, achieving such a vision requires overcoming technical hurdles and ensuring passenger safety.
The advancements in AI-controlled suspension systems and infrastructure optimization herald a new era in transportation innovation. Yet, questions remain about the scalability and viability of these technologies on a global scale. How will other nations respond to China's progress, and what role will international collaboration play in advancing high-speed travel technology?
As we stand on the brink of a transportation revolution, one question lingers: can the world come together to realize the dream of safe, efficient, and ultra-fast travel that transcends boundaries and redefines the future of mobility?
Our author used artificial intelligence to enhance this article.
Did you like it? 4.5/5 (24)

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Sustainability Times
a day ago
- Sustainability Times
'Elon Musk Left in the Dust': China Crushes U.S. Dreams by Fixing the Fatal Flaw That Killed the Hyperloop Once and for All
IN A NUTSHELL 🚄 Chinese scientists have developed a solution to reduce turbulence in ultra-high-speed maglev trains, addressing track imperfections. in ultra-high-speed maglev trains, addressing track imperfections. 💡 The innovative system combines AI-powered suspension with electromagnetic actuators for a smoother ride. suspension with electromagnetic actuators for a smoother ride. 🌌 China's vision extends beyond transportation, aiming to leverage maglev technology for future space launches . . 🌍 The advancements could revolutionize global transportation, raising questions about international collaboration and scalability. In recent years, the race to achieve ultra-high-speed transportation has captured the imagination of scientists and engineers worldwide. Among the most ambitious projects is the development of the vacuum-tube maglev train, a concept that promises to revolutionize travel by reaching unparalleled speeds. China's latest advancements in this field have shown promising results, addressing some of the critical challenges that have hindered such projects in the past. This article delves into the groundbreaking work led by Chinese scientists to overcome these obstacles and the potential implications for the future of transportation. Addressing the Turbulence Challenge One of the primary challenges in developing high-speed maglev trains is managing turbulence and vibrations caused by track imperfections. Chinese scientists have recognized that even minor flaws in the track, such as uneven coils or bridge deformations, can lead to severe turbulence inside maglev pods. These vibrations could transform what should be a smooth ride into a jarring experience, particularly in the near-vacuum conditions required for high-speed travel. To tackle this issue, the research team has devised a solution that significantly reduces turbulence intensity. By employing advanced simulation techniques and conducting physical tests with scaled-down models, they discovered that turbulence could be cut nearly in half. This achievement is noteworthy, as it transforms 'extremely severe bumps' into experiences that are 'pronounced, but not unpleasant.' At the heart of this breakthrough is the meticulous study of track irregularities and the vertical bending of bridges. The team, led by Zhao Ming from the China Aerospace Science and Industry Corporation, has made substantial progress in mitigating the resonance that occurs at speeds around 249 mph (400 km/h) and 373 mph (600 km/h). These efforts underscore the importance of addressing infrastructure imperfections to ensure passenger comfort and safety. 'China Finally Sells Record-Breaking Plane': This 130-Foot Giant Can Dump 26,000 Pounds of Water in One Jaw-Dropping Drop Innovative AI-Powered Suspension Systems The integration of artificial intelligence into maglev technology has opened new avenues for improving ride quality. The Chinese team has developed a hybrid suspension system that combines traditional passive air springs with cutting-edge electromagnetic actuators. These actuators are guided by AI, which employs two sophisticated strategies to minimize turbulence. The first strategy, known as 'sky-hook' damping, simulates an invisible stabilizer attached to the sky. This method uses real-time speed data to counteract low-frequency jolts, enhancing passenger comfort. The second strategy involves PID control, a well-established engineering principle that adjusts forces using proportional, integral, and derivative tuning methods. The team optimized this system using NSGA-II, a genetic algorithm that enables the AI to adapt to varying track conditions. Testing with a 1:10 scale model and six-axis motion simulators has yielded impressive results. Vertical vibration intensity was reduced by 45.6 percent, and Sperling Index scores remained comfortably below 2.5, even at high speeds. This achievement demonstrates that the ride is 'more pronounced but not unpleasant,' marking a significant leap forward in maglev technology. 'Old Rockets, New Threat': China Converts Aged Artillery Into Deadly Gliders Designed to Strike Fast-Moving Aerial Targets Beyond Transportation: China's Ambitious Vision China's commitment to advancing maglev technology extends beyond achieving faster travel. The nation views this innovation as a stepping stone to broader technological achievements, including cost-effective space launches. The Datong research facility embodies this vision, with engineers already making strides in developing airtight concrete tunnels and millimeter-precise track joints. While Elon Musk's Hyperloop project faced setbacks and ended its test track program in 2023, China remains undeterred. The Chinese team is optimistic that their hybrid suspension system, once tested at full scale, could revolutionize public transportation and reshape perceptions of high-speed travel. Despite the promising advancements, challenges persist. Scaling the suspension system for real-world use and ensuring its reliability during emergencies are crucial steps that lie ahead. Nevertheless, the progress made thus far demonstrates China's unwavering commitment to pushing the boundaries of what is possible in transportation technology. China Unleashes Next-Gen EREVs With Jaw-Dropping 870-Mile Range and Hesai LiDAR That Could Redefine Autonomous Driving Forever Charting the Future of High-Speed Travel As the world watches China's pioneering efforts in maglev technology, the implications for global transportation are profound. The potential to travel at speeds previously deemed unimaginable could redefine the way we connect cities and countries. However, achieving such a vision requires overcoming technical hurdles and ensuring passenger safety. The advancements in AI-controlled suspension systems and infrastructure optimization herald a new era in transportation innovation. Yet, questions remain about the scalability and viability of these technologies on a global scale. How will other nations respond to China's progress, and what role will international collaboration play in advancing high-speed travel technology? As we stand on the brink of a transportation revolution, one question lingers: can the world come together to realize the dream of safe, efficient, and ultra-fast travel that transcends boundaries and redefines the future of mobility? Our author used artificial intelligence to enhance this article. Did you like it? 4.5/5 (24)


Euronews
3 days ago
- Euronews
US foiled plan to bring toxic fungus from China to university lab
A Chinese scientist entered the United States last year with a toxic fungus stashed in his backpack, according to federal authorities who filed charges against him and a girlfriend who worked in a university lab. The pathogen is known as Fusarium graminearum, which can attack wheat, barley, maize, and rice, and sicken livestock and people, the US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) said in a court filing in Detroit, Michigan. The FBI said a scientific journal describes it as a "potential agroterrorism weapon". On Tuesday, authorities charged Yunqing Jian, 33, and Zunyong Liu, 34, with conspiracy, smuggling, making false statements, and visa fraud. "The alleged actions of these Chinese nationals, including a loyal member of the Chinese Communist Party, are of the gravest national security concerns," US Attorney Jerome Gorgon Jr said. Jian appeared in court and was returned to jail to await a bond hearing on Thursday. An attorney who was assigned only for her initial appearance declined to comment. In July 2024, Liu was turned away at the Detroit airport and sent back to China after changing his story during an interrogation about red plant material discovered in his backpack, the FBI said. He initially claimed ignorance about the samples but later said he was planning to use the material for research at a University of Michigan lab where Jian worked and where Liu previously worked, the FBI said. The FBI said authorities found a scientific article on Liu's phone that was titled, "Plant-Pathogen Warfare under Changing Climate Conditions'. A week before arriving in the US, according to investigators, Liu exchanged messages with Jian, who said, "It's a pity that I still have to work for you". The FBI said Liu replied: "Once this is done, everything else will be easy". Months later, in February, FBI agents visited Jian at the campus lab. She said, "100 per cent no," when asked if she had been assisting Liu with the pathogen at the lab. The FBI said it found a signed statement on her phone expressing her support for the Communist Party of China. Messages between the two in 2024 suggest that Jian was already tending to Fusarium graminearum at the campus lab before Liu was caught at the Detroit airport, the FBI said. The university does not have federal permits to handle it. The US does not have an extradition treaty with China, which makes Liu's arrest unlikely unless he returns.


AFP
4 days ago
- AFP
South Korea election hit by misinformation
With the country set to vote on Tuesday for a new leader to replace ex-president Yoon Suk Yeol, who was impeached over a botched martial law declaration, there has been an explosion of false claims online. AFP takes a look at some of the worst offenders: What are the claims? Many of the claims focus on foreign interference, tapping into local fears of meddling by China, or fabricating support for the conservative camp from the United States. One of the most prominent falsehoods circulating online suggested weaknesses in the overseas voter registration system, with Chinese nationals exploiting the system to cast fraudulent ballots. Image Screenshot of a false Threads post captured May 8, 2025 "Even foreigners can vote as long as they have an email address!" read one widely shared post, which AFP Fact Check debunked. Who gets targeted? Opposition leader and election frontrunner Lee Jae-myung is a popular target for disinformation. Many claims focus on his purported allegiance to Beijing -- feeding into a long-running narrative among conservatives that casts progressive candidates as sympathetic to, or even controlled by, China. For example, photos debunked by AFP journalists showed Lee kowtowing to a Mao statue, and wearing a face mask with the Chinese flag on it. Image Screenshot of a misleading post shared on Facebook, taken December 18, 2023 Image Screenshot of a misleading claim shared on Facebook, captured March 26, 2024 This trend reflects the fact that many voters are less swayed by claims politicians are pro-North Korea, said Choi Jin-bong, a media communications professor at Sungkonghoe University in Seoul (archived link). "It's now the claim that progressives are subservient to China that resonates -- especially amid worsening US-China tensions," he told AFP. "Even when false, these narratives remain politically useful to conservatives as a last-ditch effort to blunt what looks like an inevitable Lee victory." What about the conservative candidate? The disinformation involving South Korean conservatives tends to focus on their ties to the United States. Doctored images have shown Trump supporting former prime minister Han Duck-soo's presidential campaign announcement. Image Screenshot comparison between the doctored image shared on Facebook (L) and the photo published by The Washington Post Han since dropped out of the race, after a failed bid to become the conservative People Power Party (PPP) nominee. Another claim involved a popular right-wing YouTuber falsely telling his 1.5 million subscribers that the Pentagon had endorsed PPP candidate Kim Moon-soo. US Forces Korea told AFP it was "completely untrue". Image Screenshots from the YouTube channel Shin In-gyun's Defense TV But even if they are patently false, the claims "remain persuasive because they benefit political actors", Lee Jun-han, a politics professor at Incheon National University, told AFP (archived link). "They tap into Korea's polarised landscape and its geopolitical anxieties, rallying each side with narratives that play on fear, identity and outside influence." What about AI? In April, a deepfake video surfaced showing Lee supposedly ending a hunger strike -- which he went on in 2023 to protest then-president Yoon's policies -- and joking about eating fried chicken. The video, which was shared widely in South Korea's right-wing online ecosystem, was generated using a real photo of Lee in a hospital bed. An AFP analysis identified numerous signs of AI manipulation -- disappearing background elements, warped body parts and inconsistent surroundings. Image Screenshot comparison of a keyframe from the AI-generated clip (L) and the original photograph published by Yonhap, with visual inconsistencies marked in red The video was fake, but it fed into a pre-existing narrative that Lee's protest was performative. "AI-driven misinformation poses a serious threat to democracy by obstructing voters' access to reliable information," said Song Kyeong-jae, a democracy and technology expert at Sangji University (archived link). "When decisions are made based on manipulated content, they are irreversible -- and the resulting social and political consequences can be profound." Fudged numbers Other claims have also sought to misrepresent pre-election polling, which has consistently shown Lee commanding a large lead over his conservative rivals. A viral graphic, shared days before early voting began, falsely claimed PPP candidate Kim was leading Lee in recent polls. In reality, the numbers came from January and February, and the original source clearly listed the survey dates. Image Screenshot comparison of the falsely shared graphic (L) and the AsiaToday graphic published on May 11, with the cropped out dates highlighted by AFP These were deliberately cropped out to mislead viewers into thinking the results were current. Official May polls showed Lee with a commanding lead of five points or more.