# Levitating Public Vehicles The Prototype Aero Train is Like a Real-Life Landspeeder By Meghan Young | Published 2011-05-14 | Autos Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/prototype-aero-train References: [dvice](http://dvice.com/archives/2011/05/working-train-t.php) & [irs.mech.tohoku.ac.jp](http://www.irs.mech.tohoku.ac.jp/sugahara/index_en.html) We may have seen [levitating vehicles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/levitating-cybertruck) before, but this prototype Aero Train is unique in that it doesn't use magnets to lift off of the ground. Instead, it is categorized as a "ground effect vehicle" because it uses fast-moving air and several [plane wings](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/electric-aircrafts) to levitate itself above the ground instead. Developed by a bunch of Japanese researchers led by Yusuke Sugahara from the Tohoku University, this prototype Aero Train could be a very exciting addition to [public transportation](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/treo). Although this model is quite shaky and travels sturdily at only slow speeds, it will most likely pave the way for Aero Trains that are capable of traveling at 124 miles per hour in a "U-shaped concrete channel." This prototype Aero Train was unveiled during the IEEE International Conference on Robotics in Shanghai, China. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 4.6/10 - Popularity: 56% | Activity: 74% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 90% men, 10% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Autos](https://www.trendhunter.com/autos) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Ground Effect Vehicles:** Developing new and innovative designs for ground effect vehicles that use fast-moving air to levitate themselves above ground instead of traditional magnet technology. - **Levitating Public Transportation:** Exploring new technological innovations for public transportation using levitation technology, such as Aero Trains, which can travel at high speeds and reduce traffic congestion. - **U-shaped Concrete Channels:** Investigating and designing new infrastructure systems, such as U-shaped concrete channels, to accommodate new levitating transport technologies and increase efficiency in public transportation. ### Where This Applies - **Transportation:** Integrating levitation technology into transportation, including public transit and personal vehicles, to create faster and more efficient means of getting around. - **Aerospace:** Applying ground effect technology used in the Aero Train to develop safer and more efficient aircraft designs. - **Infrastructure:** Revolutionizing the transportation infrastructure industry by developing new structures that can accommodate and optimize the use of levitating public transportation systems, such as U-shaped channels. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Magnetic Wall-Scaling Electric Vehicles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/trois-mobility-concept.md) - [Bullet Train-Inspired Vehicles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mitsubishi-shinkansen.md) - [Luxury Electric Hovercrafts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/arosa-hovercraft.md) - [Ultra-Fast One-Person Electric Vehicles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/airspeeder-mk4.md) - [Futuristic Bladeless Planes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/jetopetra.md) - [Hydrogen-Powered Hypersonic Airplanes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sky-magnetar.md) - [Flying Car Concepts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/flying-car-concepts.md) - [Zero-Emission Flying Saucers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/zeva-zero.md) - [Public Hovercraft Transport Systems](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/rapid-transit-hovercraft.md)