Back to the Future's Hoverboard Prototype now Functional: Exploring the Transition of Movie Magic into Modern Technology
In a nod to the iconic "Back to the Future" franchise, luxury car manufacturer Lexus unveiled a working prototype of Marty McFly's hoverboard in 2015. Dubbed the "Slide" board, this innovative creation showcased the potential of magnetic levitation (maglev) technology in transportation.
The hoverboard, a collaboration between Lexus and scientists from IFW Dresdenevico GmbH, specialists in maglev technology, operates by using superconducting materials that, when cooled to extremely low temperatures with liquid nitrogen, become perfectly diamagnetic and can repel magnets. This causes the board to float above magnetic tracks.
The practical application of the hoverboard is similar to how maglev trains operate, with the board levitating above a dedicated magnetic guideway, not over arbitrary terrain. In real-world demonstrations, Lexus achieved the visual effect of a levitating hoverboard, but the required infrastructure (superconducting ramp, cryogenic cooling) meant the board couldn’t function like Marty McFly's movie prop, which worked over any surface.
The hoverboard test rider was professional skateboarder Ross McGouran. However, the hoverboard contains limitations. It requires a specialized track with embedded magnets and can only operate for a limited time before needing to be re-cooled. It is not suitable for use on regular surfaces.
The creation of the hoverboard is a testament to the enduring cultural impact of popular media, as maglev technology has been depicted in science fiction for many years, including in the "Back to the Future" trilogy. Beyond the hoverboard, maglev technology is being explored for various modes of transportation, from experimental maglev cars and motorcycles to levitating bicycles for frictionless riding.
Moreover, the development of technologies like the Lexus hoverboard is not confined to Earth. Maglev technology is being considered for space transportation and even for targeted drug delivery in medical devices. The potential use of maglev technology in aircraft propulsion systems is also being investigated.
It's worth noting that while the hoverboard remains science fiction for all-terrain use as of 2025, high-speed maglev trains are already operational in some countries, demonstrating the practical application of maglev technology in transportation.
Other "Back to the Future" predictions that have come true include video calls, wearable technology, biometric scanners, drone cameras, and gesture-controlled devices. The Lexus hoverboard serves as a reminder of the fascinating intersection between science fiction and reality, and the exciting possibilities that lie ahead for maglev technology.
The use of maglev technology in the creation of the hoverboard, a collaboration between Lexus and IFW Dresdenevico GmbH, showcases the potential application of science in transportation and innovation. Beyond the hoverboard, this technology is being explored for various modes of transportation and medical devices, such as targeted drug delivery. The practical use of maglev technology can already be seen in the operation of high-speed trains in certain countries. This demonstrates the intersection between science fiction and reality, and the exciting possibilities that lie ahead for advancements in science, technology, and medical-conditions.
