In addition to present technologies, an entirely new technological paradigm is under development in Japan and Germany. The new technology is known as the Maglev (Magnetic Levitation); it utilizes magnetic forces to uplift trains and to propel them. A Maglev technology relying upon highly efficient electromagnetic systems. The first commercial maglev rail system was inaugurated in Shanghai in 2003.



However, technology-specific obstacles such as breaking, railway transfers, as well as the physiological effects on passengers of intense electromagnetic activity are delaying the commercialization process. As for German Maglev systems, they operate using electromagnetic attraction rather than repulsion as the Japanese do. So far, Japanese electromagnetic field generating systems have proven to be superior to those of the Germans.