There are countless modes of moving around our world, and one of them is the monorail. Oh, and before you disregard this style of transport, keep in mind that there are companies out there banking on this sort of system. Heck, we even have some moving people around the US as we speak.
Today, on the other hand, we’ll be exploring a conceptual system, and not one that actually exists, at least, not yet. It’s called the Aerowave and is a design from the mind of Enise Topbaş, an industrial designer from Turkey, and while not everyone sees monorails as a viable solution for urban transport, there are companies out there that are chasing this dragon, so we could, one day, see an “Aerowave” flying around our cities and outskirts.
Photo: Enise Topbas
Now, the very first monorail designs were seen on paper as early as 1821 and over the years, there have been countless spins on the idea before we finally reached the systems we have in place today.
Currently, monorails are typically massive and train-like constructions that weave through cities, often, suspended above the ground. Usually, hundreds of people can be transported at a time with a monorail.
Aerowave, on the other hand, takes the ‘hundreds’ out of the equation and reduces the number down to just one; it’s a single-occupancy solution and one that, if I may, looks absolutely amazing!
Each pod is constructed from a blend of materials including metal for the chassis and lower half, and a whole lot of glass on the upper part. The latter also makes for some very amazing views as we’re being transported around town, and if I may, the design of this pod is all so very futuristic; it fits perfectly in a scene in some Sci-Fi movie or series.
Photo: MonoCab
Believe it or not, it also fits into the modern age, if only as an idea. Hear me out.
Back in 2018, a German team won an award for presenting a monorail system (CountryCab, now MonoCab) that is oh so similar to Aerowave, sustaining the idea that such a concept is a solution that some companies are willing to back.
Much like Aerowave, only one single rail was to be used by the MonoCab, and each pod was also suitable only for one person. It was to be used as a taxi service in rural areas where trains once ran but their lines remained.
What was rather neat about the CountryCab was that, indeed, it utilized old and existing tracks, meaning that part of the infrastructure already exists, making for an easy implementation of the system. Since the cabs use only one rail, the railway tracks also allow the system to function each way. One line heads east, and the other west, so to speak, or north and south, or whichever way they run.
Photo: MonoCab
Furthermore, CountryCab also called upon gyroscopic abilities to stay upright, but the Aerowave does not; the latter is more like a traditional monorail, that are in use today but calling upon a much narrower track due to the size of the pods themselves.
In order to function on existing tracks like the MonoCab, the Aerowave system will need to be modified in some way. Either the cab sees modifications in order to be accommodated to rail width and height, or the rails themselves will need to see modifications to support the pod.
Enise does showcase the pods on a rail that doesn’t look anything like an existing system, so to implement an Aerowave, we’ll need a completely new infrastructure.
Photo: Enise Topbas
Since the concept is one that’s designed to function as a personal cab and taxi service, an app is showcased on the ideation page. You can order a pod directly from your phone, travel to the nearest hub or boarding station, hop in, and enjoy the ride. Costs will simply be drawn from your account via the app, much like any modern payment service.
Now, sure, for the time being, the Aerowave is a concept, and one that we probably won’t see being called upon for another couple of decades, if ever, but it doesn’t hurt to dream a little. After all, all that we see started off as nothing more than an idea on paper or a few scribbles on a napkin. Yet, the costs involved in implementing a fresh layer of transportation will cost millions. Any takers?
Personally, I’d love to be alive in a time where a personal transport system like the Aerowave is available, even with the whole glass bubble look. Aside from being used as a transportation service, with the whole glass look and nighttime city lights on full blast, it would be a downright pleasure to hop into a pod and just have it carry you around the city while you listen to your favorite tunes. One hell of a way to wind down after a long day in Babylon.
