Fourth Industrial Revolution

This is what it might be like to travel in a Hyperloop pod

The 10/110 freeway interchange is seen in Los Angeles, California July 16, 2011.

This video shows how it would look to ride in a windowless pod that is zooming through an airless tube at almost the speed of sound. Image: REUTERS/Eric Thayer

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What would it be like to ride on the Hyperloop—the 700 mph (1,100 km/h) propulsion-driven transportation of the future?

In the video below from Hyperloop Transportation Technologies, you can see how it would look to ride in a windowless pod that is zooming through an airless tube and carrying passengers at the speed of sound (or really close to it).

Initial impression of the pod ride is that, apart from the superfast speed, it looks like it is going to be pretty…well…boring.

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The interiors of the transportation pods show a narrow tube, with an even narrower aisle, crammed with as much seats as possible. Already, people are pointing out that the space is even smaller than typical coach seats on a budget flight.

Don’t expect windows on the pod either—the company is reportedly working with a Munich-based company specializing in virtual and augmented reality that would simulate the scenery that you would be seeing as you travel from point A to point B.

So. You’re not actually seeing any pretty sights. It’s like watching a National Geographic video of Niagara Falls instead of actually seeing Niagara Falls.

Hyperloop Transportation hopes to convince skeptics of the technology, convincing them that it is indeed safe for passengers and will even be made from a new type of carbon fiber called Vibranium that’s supposedly super strong that it’s enough to make pods extra safe.

Of course, you should keep in mind that these images are simply renderings and we have yet to see what the real Hyperloop experience will be like. So their may be hope yet.

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