TUM Hyperloop I Test track in Ottobrunn opened
The Future of Mobility – New Developments in the Hyperloop Project
The Hyperloop project, based on an idea by Elon Musk, has made great progress in recent years and has undergone an impressive development at the Technical University of Munich (TUM).
Today is the day: The first European TUM Hyperloop demonstrator in passenger size is being presented to the public! It will be used to test and further develop various aspects of the Hyperloop system. In the future, extensive research and experiments will be conducted to optimize the interaction between tracks, capsules, energy supply, and other components—until one day, the first person can travel from Munich to Frankfurt in just 26 minutes. The demonstrator serves as a platform to test new ideas and technologies that will ultimately contribute to the realization of a functional Hyperloop network.
From Science Fiction to Reality
Is this the next step toward a new, ultra-fast, and emission-free generation of transportation?
From our perspective, yes. That’s why we support this project as a sponsor, standing behind the passionate and creative team at TUM. Our dedicated development team was always available to assist the students with technical advice and to provide the necessary support in developing the right sealing and damping solutions for the Hyperloop. To ensure the optimal seal for the transport tube, these were tested using our physical testing methods according to the specific requirements for a partial vacuum.
After successful test results, the sealing rings for the 24-meter Hyperloop demonstrator were produced and installed.
The Hyperloop project at TUM is an outstanding example of how science and research can be used to find innovative solutions to modern challenges. Matthias Klug adds:
"It also shows how a dedicated student initiative and strong collaboration between the university, politics, and industry can lead to impressive results."
If the Hyperloop concept continues to progress and proves its feasibility, it could bring about a revolutionary change in transportation. Fast, efficient, and environmentally friendly travel could fundamentally transform the way people move. TUM and its partners are committed to driving this vision forward and contributing to the future of transportation.
Our Contribution as a Sponsor
- Development of a suitable segment seal
- Leak tests according to TUM specifications
- Production of sealing rings between segments for the partial vacuum transport tube
- Consulting and technical support
[...] The Hyperloop is the vision of a completely new and emission-free mode of transportation at speeds of over 400 km/h. We are now building a 24-meter-long test tube for 3.5 million euros. Bavaria embodies the spirit of high-tech and start-ups. The largest faculty for aerospace in Europe is being established in Ottobrunn. With the Hightech Agenda, we are investing more than any other federal state: 3.5 billion euros, creating 13,000 new study places and 1,000 professorships. Technology is the future.
Dr. Markus Söder, Member of the State Parliament (MdL) and Bavarian Minister
Elon Musk got the ball rolling
Ten years ago, Elon Musk published a white paper describing the Hyperloop concept. It outlines a high-speed transportation system based on a combination of a near-vacuum tube and levitating capsules. The goal was to enable travel speeds of up to 1,200 km/h, ushering in an entirely new era of transportation.
In 2015, a student initiative was launched at TUM with the mission of developing prototypes for the SpaceX Hyperloop competitions. From 2015 to 2019, the TUM initiative won all four competitions against strong international competition. This highlights the competence and dedication of TUM students, which we aim to support.
We are now able to show the public what future Hyperloop systems could look like. The transition from model scale to real dimensions, and especially Europe’s first passenger test under vacuum conditions, marks an important milestone. It paves the way for scaling the technology and developing longer test segments in the near future.
Gabriele Semino, Project Manager at TUM Hyperloop
From the Hyperloop Vision
to the Demonstrator
In 2020, the TUM Hyperloop research program was established at the Department of Aerospace and Geodesy at TUM. The program's goals are the development of Hyperloop technology as well as the study of the application and feasibility of a European Hyperloop network. It aims to produce groundbreaking research results and contribute to the future of transportation.
Finally, in 2022, the symbolic groundbreaking ceremony for the TUM Hyperloop demonstrator took place. This marked the beginning of a significant milestone for the Hyperloop project at TUM. Bavaria’s Minister President Dr. Markus Söder and Bavarian Minister of Science Markus Blume attended this special event to emphasize the project's importance for the region and technological progress.