Two Hyperloop companies are dueling it out to see who will be the first to build the futuristic high-speed transportation concept, and one company just took a major stride ahead. Hyperloop One, formerly Hyperloop Technologies, just opened their Hyperloop One Metalworks factory in North Las Vegas, Nevada. It’s the first Hyperloop factory to open, and is about as big as two football fields.
At Hyperloop One Metalworks, engineers, welders, machinists, and technicians will work on pieces for the Devloop, Hyperloop One’s full-system prototype. The massive factory houses fancy new equipment, prompting the company to refer to Metalworks as “a maker playground.” The company will be creating many new jobs at the factory, where workers will use tools like “Flow waterjet cutters.” The factory also includes a “state-of-the-art metrology room” where Hyperloop components and materials can be measured.
Related: Hyperloop One hits 116 mph in 1.1 seconds on first public test run
According to Hyperloop One, they are the “only company in the world building a complete system right now.” Huge steel tubes outside their industrial factory hint at what they are building inside.
In a company blog post co-founder Josh Giegel said, “The facility is essential as we continue testing and is an incredible asset as we continue on the path towards making Hyperloop a reality. The equipment housed at Metalworks gives us the flexibility and freedom to build rapidly and develop the Hyperloop in real-time.” The company believes having their own factory will allow them to research ways to slash the costs of delivering the technology.
The company had another big success in May, earlier this year; they ran a “full-scale test” that saw their test sled hit 116 miles per hour in a mere 1.1 seconds. If all goes well as Hyperloop One builds Devloop, testing of the revolutionary prototype could occur as early as next year.
+ Hyperloop One
Images via Hyperloop One Facebook
