Waterloop, a student design team at the University of the Waterloo, unveiled to the public the new prototype they designed and built for the upcoming SpaceX Hyperloop competition.
Hyperloop is a high-speed passenger train that uses levitation, solar power and almost no air resistance in a low-atmosphere tube track, and linear induction motors for a fast and efficient fifth mode of transportation. The team will take their pod, Goose II, to the competition hosted by SpaceX, a company Elon Musk founded in 2002. Waterloop is the only Canadian team attending the competition.
“This is cutting-edge, futuristic stuff for a better, cleaner world. Just imagine getting to Montreal from Toronto in half an hour,” said Jason Pan, administration lead for Waterloop. “We can’t wait for the competition. But first, we’re so happy to give a sneak peek of our new, enhanced pod to the people who have supported us in our journey,” said Jake Malliaros, team captain.
An interdisciplinary team, Waterloop is made up of students from each of Waterloo’s six Faculties, from undergraduates to master’s-level. They handle all aspects of design, marketing, sponsorship and construction for the project. Serhiy Yarusevych, a professor of mechanical and mechatronics engineering at Waterloo, advises them.
“It’s inspiring to see this group of students with varying skills, interests and backgrounds come together with a common goal,” said Feridun Hamdullahpur. “They are demonstrating the curiosity, dedication and skill that often lead to world-changing discoveries, all while embodying the Waterloo spirit of innovation and collaboration.”
The Hyperloop Pod Competition II takes place in Hawthorne, California August 25 to 27. Teams will compete for maximum speed on SpaceX’s a one-mile track. Waterloop attended the first Hyperloop Pod Competition in January 2017.