Comment Re:A bit more information at NHK... (Score 1) 159
The Japanese maglev system has a lot in common with "Inductrack", it uses passive figure-8 coils in the track to levitate and guide the train. The magnets on the train are superconductors, and powered alternating magnets in the track are used for propulsion. The trains have wheels because they don't levitate at low speeds or while stopped.
The only difference between the systems is in the kind of magnet used in the train itself.