Despite recent scepticism from the DfT Science Advisory Council (SAC) about the viability of Elon Musk’s Hyperloop technology to transport passengers and freight in a high-speed pipe-based system, Mole Solutions has completed feasibility tests in the UK for its underground logistics system and the Chinese and UAE transport authorities are actively considering supporting this UK innovation.

Mole Solutions’ Underground Logistics System transports a wide range of freight such as crates, pallets and shipping containers in simple capsules by magnetic forces on smart guideways in enclosed pipelines.

Mole Solutions MD, Dr Roger Miles said: “Using similar principles but different technology to the Hyperloop system, and operating at more appropriate speeds for the transportation of freight only, the Mole system has demonstrated how it can overcome the major Hyperloop concerns identified by SAC for the DfT at its test facility at Alconbury Enterprise Campus in Cambridgeshire.”

Showcased last week in the UK’s ‘Country of Honour’ trade mission at the Chinese International Industry Fair in Shanghai, the Mole system is being examined by leading Chinese infrastructure teams to help solve the pollution and congestion caused by the movement of shipping containers to and from the world’s largest container port.

The Mole system is also being evaluated for inclusion in the urban transport planning for the 500+ ‘Smart’ Chinese cities and is being considered by the UAE authorities to solve transport problems in the country.