TECHNOLOGY OF THE FUTURE

Sharjah trials high-speed sky pod system

Sharjah is trialling the UAE’s first highspeed electric sky pod network, which could transport its first passengers within weeks. Unitsky String Technologies of Belarus is building a 2km suspended track at Sharjah Research, Technology and Innovation Park (SRTIP), part of a sustainable SkyWay system carrying suspended Unicar pods with luxury interiors. Another 2km test track is due to open at the park in May and within three years, a 130km sky track from Sharjah to Khor Fakkan port could be operational to transport freight. An ‘urban light’ track can carry pods of up to 14 passengers at speeds of 150kph, while larger carriages transport passengers in either 48 or 75 capacity pods at 500kph.