The "Z-Drive": Neato Linear Propulsion Prototype Toy
Phil Torrone uncovered this incredibly rad solid-state linear propulsion system that can send little cars or signs (or whatever) up and down a track by somehow pulsing in sequence underneath a shuttle's trio of magnets. Or at least that's how I suspect it works.
The toy guys showing this off at Toy Fair didn't have an actual product for sale but were just there trying to show it off to toy companies to see if anyone was interested. I am!
Amaing linear propulsion systems - no toy application (yet!) [MAKE]
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The thing that I wonder about is changing the speed; everything on the track seems to be going the same speed - I wonder if they can change the pulse frequency to alter the speed, because that would be a requirement for racing against someone. Still looks very fun, and there are probably cooler things to use it for besides just cars.
Brings back memories of the all the cheap slot car sets I used to have when I was a kid. Something about that spark when you set them on the track and the smell of the cars when the little electric motors got hot... good times.
I think you're right. A linear motor (that is, like a regular electric motor that's been unspooled). Same principle that drives maglev trains and has been used on at least one testbed for an otherwise conventional train.
I heard someone say "Miramar" in the video, and the company's located in San Diego, so these guys are just up the street from my work! Ooooh, I'd love to stop by & play with the Bullet Train!
Hmmm, very cool technology, I'd really love to see what kinds of toys come from this! It also seems that the propulsion system is providing power to the cars- the ones that are glowing do not appear to have much room for batteries, but then again it is hard to tell in this video.