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Japan Creates Earthquake-Proof Levitating House System
An anonymous reader writes "Japanese company Air Danshin Systems Inc. has developed an innovative system that levitates houses in the in the event of an earthquake to protect them from structural damage. When an earthquake hits, a sensor responds within one second by activating a compressor, which forces an incredible amount of air under the home, pushing the structure up and apart from its foundation. The air pressure can keep the home levitating up to 3cm from the shaking foundation below. In the wake of last year's Fukushima disaster the company is set to install the levitation system in 88 houses across Japan."
The house is not firmly attached to the foundations except by this glorified airbag.
Don't they also get typhoons there?
I eagerly await the Japanese sequel to the Wizard of Oz.......
Donte Alistair Anderson Roberts - hi son!
Karma: Chameleon
I've heard some stupid ideas in my time, but this takes the cake.
Seriously, man. Don't you think there could be a problem with a house that is not actually attached to its foundations?
What's the deal with compressed air levitation. Is it good or is it whack?
I just want a levitating house! Anyone for house air hockey?
After logging in slashdot still does not take you back to the page you were on. It's been that way for 20 years.
Add up the weight, washer, dryer, fridge, stove, counter tops, toilet, sink, water heater, computer, bed, my fat ass, a couple of dogs, , wife, some fat kids - what's going to lift all that plus a few tons of house?
It's Japan. The houses are made of wood and paper. The tatamis floors are the beds. The water heaters are just-in-time. And the dogs are rented (you give them back the same night, or you pay a late fee).
I'm not sure if you're aware, but earthquakes are much more common in Japan than tsunami are. Remember Kobe?
I think so. Basketball player, right? I realize he was good, but equating him to an earthquake seems a bit over the top.