Subscribe now

Technology

Liquid magnet propellers could be a safer way to power boats

Sharp metal propellers can harm wildlife, so an alternative made using ferrofluid could be a better approach, if it can be tweaked to work at higher speeds

By Alex Wilkins

21 December 2023

New Scientist Default Image

A ferrofluid propeller powered by electromagnets

Hiroto Kitamori et al

A robot boat with a propeller made from liquid magnets could be a safer alternative than solid metal blades, which can damage wildlife.

Jun Shintake at the University of Electro-Communications in Chōfu, Japan, and his colleagues created a prototype aquatic craft with a propeller made from ferrofluid, which consists of magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles suspended in oil. It is controlled with electromagnets that switch on and off at high speed.

To continue reading, subscribe today with our introductory offers

View introductory offers

No commitment, cancel anytime*

Offer ends 28th October 2023.

*Cancel anytime within 14 days of payment to receive a refund on unserved issues.

Inclusive of applicable taxes (VAT)

or

Existing subscribers

Sign in to your account