IDL Motors' linear propulsion system gets demonstrated

We'll be honest with you -- IDL Motors' installation at Toy Fair 2008 was a bit short on details, but we're certainly digging what we saw. Apparently, both the Bullet Train & Cars and Z-drive creations were on display, and while the former used linear propulsion to whiz magnet-laden "cars" around a track, the latter enabled similar vehicles to climb steeper slopes than their previous prototypes. Still, we know what you're here for, so click on through to take a peek at the video.

[Via MAKE]

[Kurian @ Feb 25th 2008 7:34AM]

I wish I had those when I was a kid..
Heck.. I wish I had them now!

[Kurian @ Feb 25th 2008 7:37AM]

* Thinks of idea involving his cat *

[AutoTom @ Feb 25th 2008 9:42AM]

this would really give new meaning to 'monorail cat'

[Kurian @ Feb 25th 2008 10:37AM]

Never thought someone would think of that LOLCAT...

[mr friggles @ Feb 25th 2008 2:40PM]

The photo in that pic is the circuitry (insides) of the new ibook, definitely not a linear propulsion system.

Please stop censoring alternate technology, we deserve to see the pictures.

[silverblackvoid @ Feb 25th 2008 8:26AM]

want.

[Kabadisha @ Feb 25th 2008 8:35AM]

Electromagnets FTW!!!

[RichardBronosky @ Feb 25th 2008 10:16AM]

The marquee light effect in the pylons is pretty distracting. My brain won't let me watch the interesting part of the video when that is happening.

It's a lot like the fools who use their hazard lights in snow of heavy rain. It distracts other drivers, draws other drivers' eyes to the flashing, and ultimately increases your chances of being hit. Don't believe me? Next time you are on the freeway, get in the lane beside the concrete wall. Stair at the wall and try not to hit it.

[Roberto @ Feb 25th 2008 12:50PM]

I don't wanna be a party pooper, but I must pre-empt any alternative transportation wackiness.
Implementing this idea in the world's full-sized roads would require much more copper than is available all the mountains. Simply not realizable, even if money was no object.
Stick to developing the properly ranged and powered EV/hybrid.

[mr friggles @ Feb 25th 2008 2:31PM]

You must be one of the engineers who designed this, since you apparently know details about its development that weren't even freakin released yet. Go shove a battery up your nose.

[Dustin @ Feb 26th 2008 1:20AM]

This was a TOY fair, who said anything at all about putting this on streets?

[murray @ Feb 25th 2008 2:18PM]

Ants are gonna love this. And very tiny people.

[TIMMAH! @ Feb 25th 2008 3:52PM]

Cool, can't wait for the railgun hack...

[-Tj- @ Feb 25th 2008 6:21PM]

Reminds me of moving versions of the little plastic cars from the game of Life.......... wait a minute... this could be used to make game pieces on board games move by themselves! Hurry it up with this stuff, will ya, guys? I wanna see self-moving game board pieces!

[veyr0n @ Feb 26th 2008 4:18PM]

Crazy sh*t

[budsiskos @ Apr 4th 2008 10:08PM]

where can i buy one of these?