Steorn's Orbo device exploded -- for dissection, not the apocalypse

With tail held firmly between legs, Steorn really had no choice but to take a less covert and cryptic approach to their public relations. Behold what shyster-Sean McCarthy calls a working device utilizing their Orbo "free infinite energy" technology (read: magnets). The exploded view below the photograph was cobbled together by Steorn forum members and is a best guess as to how the device "works" at this point in time. The stationary part -- the stator -- is colored green and blue and contains 8 magnets fitted into angled-slots around the central cavity. Within the cavity spins a rotor with an additional 4 magnets evenly distributed around the circumference. Between the two are those dastardly, watch-maker bearings which were to blame for the failed demonstration last week. So yeah, it certainly appears to be just another in a long series of magnetically driven perpetual motion machines debunked by the scientific community for centuries. Still, Steorn employees continue to assert the existence of their magical energy source; they just can't explain how it works or prove that it exists. You know at this point, their rabid self-deception and cult of believers investors are becoming just a tad creepy don't you think?

[Via BoingBoing]

[GuyJ86 @ Jul 11th 2007 6:45AM]

Does this machine also tell you how much you believe in god. I hear within Steorn there are several tiers, the highest being the grand wizard. Oh yeah this machine also means that we are aliens from the planet gorgon.

[Larry Lowe @ Sep 10th 2008 9:08AM]

The design is interesting....similar to every other attempt at creating sustained movement with the use of magnets. What I don't see in the design is the MU Shielding. I have attempted making these things many times. As soon as you get an armature to accelerate around towards a stationary magnet...the same amount of "come here" force is counteracted by the "ok...stay here" force. But...who knows? Perhaps all of you should just look at my invention diagram...it is way more simple...and only uses 1 magnet (just to keep a spinning gryo wheel stuck to a track surface. It's called the GPT (Gravity Powered Track). The function of the gryo wheel is the same as the "magic wheel" invented some years ago. What's new is the track design. I invented a way to achieve two downhill runs for one uphill run in a closed system. I have it posted in the pictures section of my myspace page: www.myspace.com/anamenson

[strider_mt2k @ Jul 11th 2007 7:03AM]

Orbo cares NOT for your puny Earth explanations!

[brackishboy @ Jul 11th 2007 9:53AM]

PERPETUAL MOTION DOES NOT WORK THAT WAY!

[Simon @ Jul 11th 2007 6:56PM]

Perpetual motion does not work that way? Perpetual motion does not work at all!

[shaun @ Jul 11th 2007 7:06AM]

I really don't know what to make of this...why couldn't the press conference just have been held in their lab?

[strider_mt2k @ Jul 11th 2007 7:07AM]

Because then we'd SEE, that's why!

[Xavier Gill @ Jul 11th 2007 7:07AM]

"their rabid self-deception"

Theres no self-deception here, they know they're lying.

[tchiseen @ Jul 11th 2007 7:14AM]

Oh I see now, it's two circles and some magnets! Of course this is the best invention ever created by humankind, and they have certainly succeeded in creating a device which defies centuries old bulletproof theorems from two pieces of polycarb and some fridge magnets. We're all idiots, and they're all right.

[strider_mt2k @ Jul 11th 2007 7:55AM]

If that's the case then my fridge should be self-powering!

Oh yeah wait I forgot, -THE LIGHTS, RIIIGHT.

Sorry!

[PJK @ Jul 11th 2007 7:20AM]

Seriously weak, I was expecting something at least a little more complex than a couple of wheels with magnets. I knew they were bullshitting but that's just pathetic. They had such a good buildup, and this is how they go out? They'd have impressed more if it was just a slinky at the top of a really big set of stairs. A+ for advertising, F for execution.

[blackfeather @ Jul 11th 2007 1:58PM]

Or even a slinky at the top of an escalator! - now THAT would be a perpetual motion machine...

[kyle allen @ Jul 13th 2007 2:01AM]

it doesent need to be more complex,thats what makes it so briliant. am i the only person here who understands this thing? p.s. its not for perpetual motion, magnets don't last forever

[Fraser Drew @ Jul 11th 2007 7:30AM]

I think that this actually makes real sense. Assuming they can make a frame/components strong enough to make it work. It is simple ideas like this that get overlooked, but can often be some of the best ideas.
If this works, think of the implications, battery less laptops, fuel-less cars, a power station in every home with no fossil fuels. IF it works. I have my doubts, as I'm sure someone must have tried before, but there is no reason why it can't work.

[Dave @ Jul 11th 2007 7:47AM]

The reason it cannot work is eddy currents in the magnetic flux act as a brake on motion.
I was expecting something using mu metal or the magnets being on cantilevered arms, but this design is pathetic.
The least I'd expect is superconductors used to create levitating zero friction bearings and the all the moving parts to be in a vacuum to eliminate air resistance.
7/10 for marketing
0/10 for science.

[PJK @ Jul 11th 2007 7:47AM]

Yes there are, numerous reasons, soon you'll come to realise what an idiotic statement you just made.

[andrew.l.wood @ Jul 11th 2007 7:49AM]

There is no reason? Except the laws of energy conservation. That's about as big a reason as you can get...
Or were you being sarcky?

[halycon404 @ Jul 11th 2007 7:56AM]

Um, you did take basic physics didn't you.. right? Magnets have dual polarity, positive and negative.. right? So if you have alot of magnets lined up evenly around the circumference of a circle. That means most of each magnet is either being pushed or pulled in some direction, I same MOST of the time because once the two magnets come to the point where they pass each other, they are neither generating a pushing nor a pulling force, they are simply another element of the machine that acts as drag. I mean really, didn't you ever play with magnets as a kid? Sure, if you give it a big enough push it'll go around for awhile, but sooner or later friction will have its due, and you'll get the same amount of energy out of it that you get out of pushing a kid around a marry-go-round. Which is to say ZERO, it may be fun and entertaining to watch it go around to some extent, but fun does not electricity make.

[Chris @ Jul 11th 2007 7:49AM]

It's not a simple idea that's been overlooked, it's a simple idea that's been debunked as often as 9 winged bicycle powered flying machines.

[Simon @ Jul 11th 2007 7:58AM]

LOL!!

Do you believe somethingthis simple has been overlooked? people have been trying to make a free energy device for such a long time and people who have claimed they had something that works either prove to be fraudsters or crazy (saying stuff like, it worked earlier or magically only ever working when the creator is alone).

There is a lot of skepticism for good reason, this is most likey BS, I hope that the investors didn:t spend too much money! Also there are so many questions, it looks like a simple device, why would it need way over 3 days prep work to setup? why didnt they bring a spare if it is so finicky? why did the spare bearings they installed fail also?

At the end of the day, extrodinary claims require extrodinary evidence. If they really so it, great! but dont be surprised if they fail. Of course we know the consiquences if it can work, but the physics really says it is not possible. It reminds me of the cold fusion and zero-point-energy debacles.

[strider_mt2k @ Jul 11th 2007 7:52AM]

(Must be an investor.)

Keep the dream alive man!

[Don @ Jul 11th 2007 10:35AM]

"(saying stuff like, it worked earlier or magically only ever working when the creator is alone)."

Seems like a perfectly reasonable excuse. It works for god every day! :rolleyes:

[Rocko @ Jul 11th 2007 5:32PM]

"it's a simple idea that's been debunked as often as 9 winged bicycle powered flying machines."


And then years later the scientists were proven wrong, and that bicycle powered flying machines were feasible

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gossamer_Albatross

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gossamer_Condor

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MIT_Daedalus

[supermeerkat @ Jul 11th 2007 7:35AM]

How cynical are you lot? All they do is promise a device that provides limitless, free and non-polluting enrgy and you start accusing them of lying. Shame on you!

[treetrunk @ Jul 11th 2007 7:39AM]

The disk in the middle is clearly opaque. I wonder why that might be?

[strider_mt2k @ Jul 11th 2007 7:41AM]

Because then we'd SEE, that's why!

[Simon @ Jul 11th 2007 7:04PM]

Because it's full of magic fairy dust

[CB @ Jul 11th 2007 7:45AM]

As soon as they get this up and running I'm going to use it to power my own perpetual motion machine.

[strider_mt2k @ Jul 11th 2007 9:32AM]

I post where I please.
I only have one handle.

I'm not affiliated with Gizmodo, nor with any of the websites I frequent.

Getting accolades isn't binding, it's just getting accolades.

[strider_mt2k @ Jul 11th 2007 9:33AM]

I post where I please.
I only have one handle.

I'm not affiliated with Gizmodo, nor with any of the websites I frequent.

Getting accolades isn't binding, it's just getting accolades.

[Rob @ Jul 11th 2007 9:15AM]

Strider??? How can you accept Gizmodo accolades and also post on the competition's site? Have some decency, man, use a different name!

[Rynth @ Jul 11th 2007 7:53AM]

Actually, this would work, but for one thing..

Theres nothing to slow the damn thing down, or keep it at a constant speed, so in theory, It'll just keep spinning until it reaches some stupid speed, then implode, or something..

Hey, look!! A squirrel..

[rockintom @ Jul 13th 2007 2:18PM]

However, in *fact*, you are an idiot.

[tehpwnmstr @ Jul 17th 2007 12:45PM]

actually friction (in the low-friction bearings would slow it down, but i doubt enough to make a real difference

[mccloudm @ Jul 11th 2007 7:57AM]

yes yes, but will it blend?

[Papito @ Jul 11th 2007 8:32AM]

Hey don't you get it?

It's Quantum Physics at the heart of the device.

Remember Neils Bohr and the "Copenhagen Interpretation" thing....The wheel does turn potentially...when your not looking at it!

[strider_mt2k @ Jul 11th 2007 8:27AM]

They've already endeared so many with their various demonstrations that blending an accurate mock-up of Orbo would only serve to lock them securely in their (rightful) place in geek HISTORY.

I also call for the blending of the failed Orbo!
BLEND
BLEND
BLEND

[TH @ Jul 11th 2007 8:14AM]

I find it amazing that at this day and age, these kinds of obviously impossible machines still get this much publicity, and that people take this seriously enough to turn up to the demo or write rebukes to papers etc.

Orbo does make a point. It's not about physics, though, but about the human nature.

[Jack @ Jul 11th 2007 8:15AM]

I hear thier next project is a calculator that divides by 0 without imploding

[Scott A @ Jul 11th 2007 8:31AM]

"You know at this point, their rabid self-deception and cult of believers investors are becoming just a tad creepy don't you think?"

I don't think their investors are creepy, I think the investors are highly intelligent. Any of those investors out there, contact me because I have a super secret device I can't even tell YOU about. Just give me the money and I gaurentee that I will get results when I am alone with the device (it won't work for anyone else and it cannot be recorded either or it won't work). I think a nice sum of say $100,000 per investor would be very nice for me, I mean so I could make my device work.

Come on people, he is a sam artist, and he really is good because he has a lot of people willing to give him money and others who are willing to give him the benefit of the doubt.

[homer @ Jul 11th 2007 8:35AM]

same happen to leonardo da vinci, they called him loser when he invented the helicopter.

[Peter @ Jul 11th 2007 10:56AM]

Quite the opposite, Leonardo investigated perpetual motion, found it baseless and wrote papers debunking it as a wasted of time.

[oke-doke @ Jul 11th 2007 4:30PM]

you honestly cant call that POS divinci made a helicopter. if you do, then i can just build a box in my back yard, put some wires in it and say it is a working teleportation machine, just needs to be plugged in. and in however many years until they do make one, ill be the inventor of the teleporter!

[Simon @ Jul 11th 2007 7:07PM]

Yeah - very similar in fact, because his helicopter didn't work either!

[ratnikh @ Jul 12th 2007 12:22AM]

"same happen to leonardo da vinci, they called him loser when he invented the helicopter."

Leonardo DeVinci did not invent the helicopter. Leonardo designed concepts for a flying machine that was based on generating vertical lift (that bears no relation to ou rmodern helicopters whatsoever). He never made a working model. There is a vast difference between an invention and designing concepts. This is not to say that Leonardo didn't have fantastic inspiring and brilliant ideas, because he had many.

But to say that we shouldn't mock someone who is clearly making claims that violate all the known and proven laws of physics is silly. Claims of perpetual motion are ridiculous and should be summarily ignored unless extraordinary evidence is presented without regard for location, time or audience present. This has never been the case. There is no creation of energy without expenditure of energy and/or matter. In either case you lose something and the gains never exceed the losses, and in most cases the losses FAR outweigh the gains.

Those who believe perpetual motion just might be true display a fundamental ignorance of basic physics and scientific principles. Go back to the plibrary and do some reading. I will not call you foolish, however, because it's not my position to judge you, nor the circumstances of your education (or possible lack thereof).

[Oban @ Jul 11th 2007 8:36AM]

My 68 Mustang has over 380k miles on it and I have not had to put a drop of fuel in it for over 10 years. There is no lie in the above statement. Hint (I don't have to plug it in either and it has no solar panels)

[emehrkay @ Jul 11th 2007 8:56AM]

you clearly have an Orbo as a motor

[Linds @ Jul 11th 2007 9:09AM]

but have you driven the mustang anywhere in the last 10 years?

[Sean Harrison @ Jul 11th 2007 9:21AM]

He failed to mention if the car has moved in ten years. Sometimes it is what isn't said that is most important. :P

[jowee @ Jul 11th 2007 9:27AM]

your 68 sitting in the driveway for a decade too? :(