A video showing a hoverboard, invented by a Canadian, has gone viral with almost 46 million views when it was posted by CBC News. It uses a series of propellers, similar to a drone, to lift the board up to 5 meters above water surface.
The clip showed the inventor, Catalin Alexandru Duru, flying over Lake Ouareau in Quebec. The feat set new world record by travelling 275.9 meters before its batteries ran out. It broke the previous record of 50 meters.
Catalin, who built it in 12 months, explains, "I will showcase that stable flight can be achieved with a machine one can stand on and control with their feet, just like in the movie 'Back to the Future Part II.'" He explains that while the prototype could be used anywhere, he tested it over water because of "how dangerously high it can fly."
Commenting on the invention, a Guinness World Records spokesperson said, "This is truly mesmerizing and incredible feat in the world of engineering and transportation. It's always pleasing to see individuals such as Catalin Alexandru Duru achieve a Guinness World Records titles such as this in which personal endeavour continues to amaze us all."
It appears to be more impressive than a Lexus hoverboard, notes Wondefulengineering. Lexus built its hoverboard over 18 months as part of its "Amazing in Motion" campaign, according to Uppermichigansource.
It uses magnetic levitation technology through two reservoirs of superconducting materials kept at -197 degrees Celsius by immersing it in liquid nitrogen. But the board would only operate by placing it above a track with permanent magnets. Besides that limitation, the hoverboard would remain a prototype and not be made or sold to consumers.
In contrast, Duru's invention could be flown anywhere, without the need for tracks with permanent magnets, although it also is still on the prototype stage.