- Updated: April 1, 2026
- 1 min read
CERN Unveils Superconducting Karts for the LHC – A Cryogenic Racing Revolution
In a bold step toward sustainable high‑performance transport, CERN engineers have built a fleet of superconducting karts designed to zip through the LHC tunnel during the upcoming LS3 shutdown. The prototype features 64 compact superconducting engines, magnetic levitation, and an ultra‑low‑temperature cryogenic cooling system that keeps the motors at just a few kelvins.
The karts replace the traditional bicycles used by tunnel staff, offering faster, safer, and more energy‑efficient movement. Safety measures include redundant magnetic braking, real‑time temperature monitoring, and an automated shutdown protocol should any part of the system exceed safe limits.
Beyond CERN, the technology holds promise for aerospace applications, high‑speed ground transport, and any sector where lightweight, high‑power propulsion is needed. The design was even inspired by ideas from a local nursery school, proving that innovation can come from the most unexpected places.
Read the full CERN announcement here. For more on superconductivity breakthroughs, visit our Superconductivity News page, and explore our Cryogenic Systems solutions.
Andrii Bidochko
CTO UBOS
Andrii Bidochko is an AI entrepreneur and researcher focused on AI agents, reinforcement learning, and autonomous systems. He writes about the technologies shaping the future of machine intelligence, from frontier models and agent architectures to real-world AI applications.