IronLev, an Italian startup, is rewriting the rules of train travel with its latest experiment. They’ve taken the high-tech maglev (magnetic levitation) concept, which usually needs special tracks, and made it work on the same tracks your everyday trains run on. Think of trains floating above the tracks, cutting down on noise and wear and tear, all without having to lay a single new rail.
Founded in 2017 by the team behind Girotto Brevetti and Ales Tech, IronLev’s big idea is to use magnets in a new way. Instead of the power-hungry electromagnets used in traditional maglevs, their system uses passive magnets to create a lift. This means the train doesn’t touch the tracks, reducing friction and making the ride smoother and quieter. Imagine lifting a heavy suitcase with the ease of picking up a small backpack; that’s the kind of efficiency we’re talking about.
The recent trial on a track near Venice, Italy, saw a one-ton prototype zooming along at 43.5 mph, proving that IronLev’s tech could work in the real world. What’s exciting is that this system can fit onto the tracks already crisscrossing the globe, which are enough to circle the Earth 37 times!
Luca Cesaretti, one of IronLev’s co-founders, is all about the benefits. Not only could this technology slash the cost of building new maglev lines, but it could also be a game-changer for everything from amusement park rides to making buildings safer during earthquakes.
The trial wasn’t just a one-off. The team is keen to keep refining their system, aiming to bring this futuristic form of travel into the mainstream. With the world looking for faster, cleaner, and more efficient ways to get around, IronLev’s successful test could very well mark the start of a new era for rail transport.
