TUM Hyperloop Demonstrator
In July 2023, TUM Hyperloop completed Europe’s first hyperloop test segment in passenger size and achieved the first certification for passenger transportation by TÜV SÜD. Shortly after, the demonstrator was used for the first passenger run under vacuum conditions in Europe.
GOALS of the demonstrator
Developing
hyperloop for
passengers
Our hyperloop demonstrator is the first segment of an extensive testing strategy, intended for developing and certifying core hyperloop systems and technologies. It includes a full-scale concrete vacuum tube and a passenger-size pod vehicle. The demonstrator is the first of its kind in Europe, certified for operation with passengers, allowing a glimpse into what a hyperloop system will look like.
With the support of the Bavarian state government and their Hightech Agenda, the demonstrator is the key technology piece developed by the TUM Hyperloop Program at the Technical University of Munich (TUM).
Testing of critical systems
to achieve market readiness of the technology
Building the first segment in full scale
to realize hyperloop for passenger transport
Preparing passenger operations
with certified safety standards and interior concept
CERTIFICATION
First system certified for passenger
operations
TUM Hyperloop achieves a historic milestone in the development of hyperloop technology, becoming the first organization in Europe to certify a hyperloop test segment for passenger operations.
The TUM Hyperloop demonstrator was certified as a test facility for passenger transportation together with TÜV SÜD. The certification is based on corresponding standards for machine safety as well as the world’s first guideline for hyperloop systems, which defines the essential safety requirements for planning, construction and operation of such systems.
Passenger Run
Europe’s first passenger run under vacuum conditions
On July 10, 2023, TUM Hyperloop successfully performed the first passenger ride under vacuum conditions.
According to a predefined procedure, the demonstrator’s pumps created a partial vacuum of ten millibars inside the concrete tube, creating the ideal conditions for the first hyperloop ride. The magnetic levitation and propulsion systems were then activated and accelerated the crewed vehicle through the test segment. The operations control center checked all the necessary parameters during the entire journey and carried out the certified test procedure. The two passengers were thus the first in Europe to get a first impression of the mobility solution of the future.
DEMONSTRATOR TECHNOLOGY
Dive into our hyperloop demonstrator technology
Passenger Module
The passenger module is truly first of its kind, capable of safely transporting passengers under normal hyperloop conditions. To run as close as possible to future passenger operations, it was developed for use in partial vacuum and uses a combination of modern ultra-light materials, making it both energy efficient and safe.
Its design was developed from the ground up, featuring an exterior with aerodynamics in mind, while giving the pod its distinct TUM Hyperloop look.
Designed and tested in vacuum
Operated under hyperloop conditions
Highest safety standards
Certified for passenger operation
Lightweight materials
For efficient operation
Cabin Interior
Our demonstrator features the first passenger module with integrated cabin interior, offering a glimpse of what traveling in a hyperloop will look and feel like. Our team completely reimagined what a hyperloop pod has to offer, crafting an interior and interface design to offer a unique passenger experience.
This version of our cabin accommodates up to five passengers and its modular platform allows easy scalability for more passengers or reconfiguration for cargo transportation.
A glimpse of the future
Experience traveling with hyperloop
Unique cabin interior
Designed around the passenger
Up to 5 passengers
Scalable for larger cabins in the future
Service Module
The service module is the technological heart of our hyperloop pod vehicle, located underneath the passenger module. It houses the levitation, guidance, propulsion and electronics systems, allowing the pod to hover and move precisely within the guideway without physical contact.
By eliminating contact friction, our magnetic levitation system greatly improves the efficiency of the pod and reduces the maintenance needs. Onboard electronics carry out the calculations that control the pod’s movements, while exchanging commands and telemetry data with the operation control station.
No contact friction
Thanks to magnetic levitation
Efficient propulsion
Designed to achieve ultra-high speeds
Precise movement
Steered by sophisticated software
Vacuum Tube
One of the characteristic elements of a hyperloop is the near-vacuum the pod travels in. The elimination of air resistance enables ultra high-speed travel with minimal energy consumption. Our demonstrator brings this vision into the first segment.
The 24-meter-long and 4-meter-wide concrete structure is designed to maintain a vacuum within a large volume, serving as an ideal test environment for hyperloop operations. In addition, the segment integrates the guideway, which houses all track elements required for the contactless movement of our passenger vehicle.
Concrete material
For long infrastructure lifespan
Vacuum environment
For minimal air resistance
Scalable design
With modular structure
Operation Station Control
The operation control station is the central hub where all components of the demonstrator system are overseen and managed. This is where all the information is gathered, decisions are made, and commands are issued. It’s the brain of our hyperloop, providing instant access to real-time data from sensors throughout the system.
Next to the central control room, isolated units also house our power supply and high-performance vacuum pumps. Along with controlling the vacuum and power systems, the control room ensures that our testing proceeds flawlessly and provides crucial feedback on the demonstrator’s performance.
Integrated system
Custom-developed for hyperloop operation
Extensive data analytics
For design and technology optimization
Commercial grade
Test technology for future hyperloop tracks
