Would low-grade levitation be of any use?











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Malcolm dreams one night that he can levitate and wakes up to find that he is still able to. He teaches others to do it and it becomes a world-wide craze. Soon nearly everyone can do it and Malcolm finds he is no longer the centre of attention. Can he or anyone else find a use for this levitation other than for fun?



Basic facts



Almost any human can learn to levitate to about 1 cm above the ground. The actual height is given by H = WP/M where H = height, M = mass and WP = willpower. Willpower can be measured by psychological tests.



Lateral movement is possible and almost frictionless but requires some form of propulsion - it obeys Newton's laws. On a slope you will not accelerate downhill but instead move at a steady speed according to the angle. If the angle is steep you may still be touching the ground. If it's too steep, watch out!



Skating doesn't work because of the lack of friction in all directions. (Edit: As has been pointed out, you could de-levitate, push off then levitate-and-glide. What I meant was that you can't push off with your feet while levitating)



Levitation is quite exhausting. The world record is 20 minutes and 2.3 cm.



If you fall from a height, your momentum will overcome your ability to hover so your injuries will be almost the same.



Question



Is there any conceivable application for this ability? (EDIT - Specifically in a way that would most benefit local populations or humanity in general. This could be measured in economic terms or in terms of, say, how the the invention of the wheel changed everything about civilisation.)



I exclude scientists developing an improvement in the future. I want to know if there is an application right now under the above conditions.



Answers to comments (ongoing, I will treat them one-by-one in no particular order. Remind me if I missed yours)



MonkeyZeus - If you are wearing shoes with thick soles then you will not rise unless you manage to levitate right out of your shoes. This is because the insoles of your shoes count as the ground while you are wearing them. The world record was achieved with bare feet and virtually naked.



Chronocidal - If you try to levitate whilst lying down, your head will rise until you are upright and then you will levitate the normal distance. Note: I've had to change this for consistency - I don't think it invalidated anyone's answer.



Dewi Morgan - An equal and opposite force on the ground does occur. It's just as though you are standing on it with your feet although more spread out as if you were standing on a large soft rubber ball.



Nuclear Wang - You do not accelerate down a (gentle) slope but you do move down it at a constant velocity (Think Lenz's Law). I have to check but I think the speed is proportional to the sine of the angle. When the slope gets beyond a critical point, you cannot maintain a small enough vertical distance between you and the surface. At this point a catastrophic failure occurs and you begin to accelerate.



Kamil Drakari - The only friction in a horizontal direction is from the medium you are levitating in. You cannot use will-power to move laterally. Otherwise it's just like standing on a very slippery surface except that you automatically remain upright.



Dewi Morgan - In a train, when the train starts to move you will tend to remain stationary so hold onto something. On a plane's wing you would simply be blown off unless you are fixed to it.



You can levitate over a liquid but it will be pushed downwards and away. You can 'float' over dense liquids (such as lava) once you have displaced your own weight.



M.Herzkamp - Yes it is definitely more exhausting to levitate a higher mass to a given height. You can compensate for a large mass by levitating a smaller distance.










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  • 1




    Comments are not for extended discussion; this conversation has been moved to chat.
    – James
    2 days ago










  • Chas say I am levitating one inch above the ground. Is there any reason I couldn't be holding a stick (think field hockey stick) and push along with it - so, simply exactly like punting in a boat?
    – Fattie
    23 hours ago












  • If the answer is "no" you're saying that, however, it's perfectly OK for my friend (simply standing on the ground next to me) to give me a push and I'll float along. Is that correct?
    – Fattie
    23 hours ago










  • @Fattie - Your assumptions are correct. You can punt and someone can push you. For any appreciable distance it's much more tiring to float than simply to walk.
    – chasly from UK
    11 hours ago










  • ok if you can punt with a stick - it is difficult to see how you couldn't punt with "the rubber on the bottom of your shoe". Food for thought!
    – Fattie
    10 hours ago















up vote
20
down vote

favorite
1












Malcolm dreams one night that he can levitate and wakes up to find that he is still able to. He teaches others to do it and it becomes a world-wide craze. Soon nearly everyone can do it and Malcolm finds he is no longer the centre of attention. Can he or anyone else find a use for this levitation other than for fun?



Basic facts



Almost any human can learn to levitate to about 1 cm above the ground. The actual height is given by H = WP/M where H = height, M = mass and WP = willpower. Willpower can be measured by psychological tests.



Lateral movement is possible and almost frictionless but requires some form of propulsion - it obeys Newton's laws. On a slope you will not accelerate downhill but instead move at a steady speed according to the angle. If the angle is steep you may still be touching the ground. If it's too steep, watch out!



Skating doesn't work because of the lack of friction in all directions. (Edit: As has been pointed out, you could de-levitate, push off then levitate-and-glide. What I meant was that you can't push off with your feet while levitating)



Levitation is quite exhausting. The world record is 20 minutes and 2.3 cm.



If you fall from a height, your momentum will overcome your ability to hover so your injuries will be almost the same.



Question



Is there any conceivable application for this ability? (EDIT - Specifically in a way that would most benefit local populations or humanity in general. This could be measured in economic terms or in terms of, say, how the the invention of the wheel changed everything about civilisation.)



I exclude scientists developing an improvement in the future. I want to know if there is an application right now under the above conditions.



Answers to comments (ongoing, I will treat them one-by-one in no particular order. Remind me if I missed yours)



MonkeyZeus - If you are wearing shoes with thick soles then you will not rise unless you manage to levitate right out of your shoes. This is because the insoles of your shoes count as the ground while you are wearing them. The world record was achieved with bare feet and virtually naked.



Chronocidal - If you try to levitate whilst lying down, your head will rise until you are upright and then you will levitate the normal distance. Note: I've had to change this for consistency - I don't think it invalidated anyone's answer.



Dewi Morgan - An equal and opposite force on the ground does occur. It's just as though you are standing on it with your feet although more spread out as if you were standing on a large soft rubber ball.



Nuclear Wang - You do not accelerate down a (gentle) slope but you do move down it at a constant velocity (Think Lenz's Law). I have to check but I think the speed is proportional to the sine of the angle. When the slope gets beyond a critical point, you cannot maintain a small enough vertical distance between you and the surface. At this point a catastrophic failure occurs and you begin to accelerate.



Kamil Drakari - The only friction in a horizontal direction is from the medium you are levitating in. You cannot use will-power to move laterally. Otherwise it's just like standing on a very slippery surface except that you automatically remain upright.



Dewi Morgan - In a train, when the train starts to move you will tend to remain stationary so hold onto something. On a plane's wing you would simply be blown off unless you are fixed to it.



You can levitate over a liquid but it will be pushed downwards and away. You can 'float' over dense liquids (such as lava) once you have displaced your own weight.



M.Herzkamp - Yes it is definitely more exhausting to levitate a higher mass to a given height. You can compensate for a large mass by levitating a smaller distance.










share|improve this question




















  • 1




    Comments are not for extended discussion; this conversation has been moved to chat.
    – James
    2 days ago










  • Chas say I am levitating one inch above the ground. Is there any reason I couldn't be holding a stick (think field hockey stick) and push along with it - so, simply exactly like punting in a boat?
    – Fattie
    23 hours ago












  • If the answer is "no" you're saying that, however, it's perfectly OK for my friend (simply standing on the ground next to me) to give me a push and I'll float along. Is that correct?
    – Fattie
    23 hours ago










  • @Fattie - Your assumptions are correct. You can punt and someone can push you. For any appreciable distance it's much more tiring to float than simply to walk.
    – chasly from UK
    11 hours ago










  • ok if you can punt with a stick - it is difficult to see how you couldn't punt with "the rubber on the bottom of your shoe". Food for thought!
    – Fattie
    10 hours ago













up vote
20
down vote

favorite
1









up vote
20
down vote

favorite
1






1





Malcolm dreams one night that he can levitate and wakes up to find that he is still able to. He teaches others to do it and it becomes a world-wide craze. Soon nearly everyone can do it and Malcolm finds he is no longer the centre of attention. Can he or anyone else find a use for this levitation other than for fun?



Basic facts



Almost any human can learn to levitate to about 1 cm above the ground. The actual height is given by H = WP/M where H = height, M = mass and WP = willpower. Willpower can be measured by psychological tests.



Lateral movement is possible and almost frictionless but requires some form of propulsion - it obeys Newton's laws. On a slope you will not accelerate downhill but instead move at a steady speed according to the angle. If the angle is steep you may still be touching the ground. If it's too steep, watch out!



Skating doesn't work because of the lack of friction in all directions. (Edit: As has been pointed out, you could de-levitate, push off then levitate-and-glide. What I meant was that you can't push off with your feet while levitating)



Levitation is quite exhausting. The world record is 20 minutes and 2.3 cm.



If you fall from a height, your momentum will overcome your ability to hover so your injuries will be almost the same.



Question



Is there any conceivable application for this ability? (EDIT - Specifically in a way that would most benefit local populations or humanity in general. This could be measured in economic terms or in terms of, say, how the the invention of the wheel changed everything about civilisation.)



I exclude scientists developing an improvement in the future. I want to know if there is an application right now under the above conditions.



Answers to comments (ongoing, I will treat them one-by-one in no particular order. Remind me if I missed yours)



MonkeyZeus - If you are wearing shoes with thick soles then you will not rise unless you manage to levitate right out of your shoes. This is because the insoles of your shoes count as the ground while you are wearing them. The world record was achieved with bare feet and virtually naked.



Chronocidal - If you try to levitate whilst lying down, your head will rise until you are upright and then you will levitate the normal distance. Note: I've had to change this for consistency - I don't think it invalidated anyone's answer.



Dewi Morgan - An equal and opposite force on the ground does occur. It's just as though you are standing on it with your feet although more spread out as if you were standing on a large soft rubber ball.



Nuclear Wang - You do not accelerate down a (gentle) slope but you do move down it at a constant velocity (Think Lenz's Law). I have to check but I think the speed is proportional to the sine of the angle. When the slope gets beyond a critical point, you cannot maintain a small enough vertical distance between you and the surface. At this point a catastrophic failure occurs and you begin to accelerate.



Kamil Drakari - The only friction in a horizontal direction is from the medium you are levitating in. You cannot use will-power to move laterally. Otherwise it's just like standing on a very slippery surface except that you automatically remain upright.



Dewi Morgan - In a train, when the train starts to move you will tend to remain stationary so hold onto something. On a plane's wing you would simply be blown off unless you are fixed to it.



You can levitate over a liquid but it will be pushed downwards and away. You can 'float' over dense liquids (such as lava) once you have displaced your own weight.



M.Herzkamp - Yes it is definitely more exhausting to levitate a higher mass to a given height. You can compensate for a large mass by levitating a smaller distance.










share|improve this question















Malcolm dreams one night that he can levitate and wakes up to find that he is still able to. He teaches others to do it and it becomes a world-wide craze. Soon nearly everyone can do it and Malcolm finds he is no longer the centre of attention. Can he or anyone else find a use for this levitation other than for fun?



Basic facts



Almost any human can learn to levitate to about 1 cm above the ground. The actual height is given by H = WP/M where H = height, M = mass and WP = willpower. Willpower can be measured by psychological tests.



Lateral movement is possible and almost frictionless but requires some form of propulsion - it obeys Newton's laws. On a slope you will not accelerate downhill but instead move at a steady speed according to the angle. If the angle is steep you may still be touching the ground. If it's too steep, watch out!



Skating doesn't work because of the lack of friction in all directions. (Edit: As has been pointed out, you could de-levitate, push off then levitate-and-glide. What I meant was that you can't push off with your feet while levitating)



Levitation is quite exhausting. The world record is 20 minutes and 2.3 cm.



If you fall from a height, your momentum will overcome your ability to hover so your injuries will be almost the same.



Question



Is there any conceivable application for this ability? (EDIT - Specifically in a way that would most benefit local populations or humanity in general. This could be measured in economic terms or in terms of, say, how the the invention of the wheel changed everything about civilisation.)



I exclude scientists developing an improvement in the future. I want to know if there is an application right now under the above conditions.



Answers to comments (ongoing, I will treat them one-by-one in no particular order. Remind me if I missed yours)



MonkeyZeus - If you are wearing shoes with thick soles then you will not rise unless you manage to levitate right out of your shoes. This is because the insoles of your shoes count as the ground while you are wearing them. The world record was achieved with bare feet and virtually naked.



Chronocidal - If you try to levitate whilst lying down, your head will rise until you are upright and then you will levitate the normal distance. Note: I've had to change this for consistency - I don't think it invalidated anyone's answer.



Dewi Morgan - An equal and opposite force on the ground does occur. It's just as though you are standing on it with your feet although more spread out as if you were standing on a large soft rubber ball.



Nuclear Wang - You do not accelerate down a (gentle) slope but you do move down it at a constant velocity (Think Lenz's Law). I have to check but I think the speed is proportional to the sine of the angle. When the slope gets beyond a critical point, you cannot maintain a small enough vertical distance between you and the surface. At this point a catastrophic failure occurs and you begin to accelerate.



Kamil Drakari - The only friction in a horizontal direction is from the medium you are levitating in. You cannot use will-power to move laterally. Otherwise it's just like standing on a very slippery surface except that you automatically remain upright.



Dewi Morgan - In a train, when the train starts to move you will tend to remain stationary so hold onto something. On a plane's wing you would simply be blown off unless you are fixed to it.



You can levitate over a liquid but it will be pushed downwards and away. You can 'float' over dense liquids (such as lava) once you have displaced your own weight.



M.Herzkamp - Yes it is definitely more exhausting to levitate a higher mass to a given height. You can compensate for a large mass by levitating a smaller distance.







super-powers






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edited yesterday

























asked 2 days ago









chasly from UK

6,15022862




6,15022862








  • 1




    Comments are not for extended discussion; this conversation has been moved to chat.
    – James
    2 days ago










  • Chas say I am levitating one inch above the ground. Is there any reason I couldn't be holding a stick (think field hockey stick) and push along with it - so, simply exactly like punting in a boat?
    – Fattie
    23 hours ago












  • If the answer is "no" you're saying that, however, it's perfectly OK for my friend (simply standing on the ground next to me) to give me a push and I'll float along. Is that correct?
    – Fattie
    23 hours ago










  • @Fattie - Your assumptions are correct. You can punt and someone can push you. For any appreciable distance it's much more tiring to float than simply to walk.
    – chasly from UK
    11 hours ago










  • ok if you can punt with a stick - it is difficult to see how you couldn't punt with "the rubber on the bottom of your shoe". Food for thought!
    – Fattie
    10 hours ago














  • 1




    Comments are not for extended discussion; this conversation has been moved to chat.
    – James
    2 days ago










  • Chas say I am levitating one inch above the ground. Is there any reason I couldn't be holding a stick (think field hockey stick) and push along with it - so, simply exactly like punting in a boat?
    – Fattie
    23 hours ago












  • If the answer is "no" you're saying that, however, it's perfectly OK for my friend (simply standing on the ground next to me) to give me a push and I'll float along. Is that correct?
    – Fattie
    23 hours ago










  • @Fattie - Your assumptions are correct. You can punt and someone can push you. For any appreciable distance it's much more tiring to float than simply to walk.
    – chasly from UK
    11 hours ago










  • ok if you can punt with a stick - it is difficult to see how you couldn't punt with "the rubber on the bottom of your shoe". Food for thought!
    – Fattie
    10 hours ago








1




1




Comments are not for extended discussion; this conversation has been moved to chat.
– James
2 days ago




Comments are not for extended discussion; this conversation has been moved to chat.
– James
2 days ago












Chas say I am levitating one inch above the ground. Is there any reason I couldn't be holding a stick (think field hockey stick) and push along with it - so, simply exactly like punting in a boat?
– Fattie
23 hours ago






Chas say I am levitating one inch above the ground. Is there any reason I couldn't be holding a stick (think field hockey stick) and push along with it - so, simply exactly like punting in a boat?
– Fattie
23 hours ago














If the answer is "no" you're saying that, however, it's perfectly OK for my friend (simply standing on the ground next to me) to give me a push and I'll float along. Is that correct?
– Fattie
23 hours ago




If the answer is "no" you're saying that, however, it's perfectly OK for my friend (simply standing on the ground next to me) to give me a push and I'll float along. Is that correct?
– Fattie
23 hours ago












@Fattie - Your assumptions are correct. You can punt and someone can push you. For any appreciable distance it's much more tiring to float than simply to walk.
– chasly from UK
11 hours ago




@Fattie - Your assumptions are correct. You can punt and someone can push you. For any appreciable distance it's much more tiring to float than simply to walk.
– chasly from UK
11 hours ago












ok if you can punt with a stick - it is difficult to see how you couldn't punt with "the rubber on the bottom of your shoe". Food for thought!
– Fattie
10 hours ago




ok if you can punt with a stick - it is difficult to see how you couldn't punt with "the rubber on the bottom of your shoe". Food for thought!
– Fattie
10 hours ago










16 Answers
16






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It seems to me that it would be pretty easy to take a run, start levitating and skid along rather than walking.



The benefit over roller skates is twofold:




  1. It requires no equipment, so anyone can do it whenever they like.


  2. You don't accelerate down hill. so presumably you don't slow down going up hill?!



Even if we disregard the conservation of energy loophole and take into account that it's still tiring to do. I think you would see a huge change in the way people got around.



This might seem a small thing at first, but after a while we would see huge changes in urban planning and environments to accommodate the change from walking to 'skidding':




  • pedestrianise city streets as people can travel further to get to car parks, bus stops etc


  • 'skidways' introduced to allow fast travel without crashing. Vertical poles to grab and swing around when exiting or cornering


  • crashpads on walls at corners for people who go too fast!


  • electromagnetic launch strips to start you off super fast!


  • various skid-assisting devices, can you push yourself along or steer with a walking stick? Bags with wheels so you don't have to levitate them too.







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  • Comments are not for extended discussion; this conversation has been moved to chat.
    – L.Dutch
    6 hours ago


















up vote
22
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It seems that ground level is all in your mind, hence the failure to accelerate downhill. This should allow you to perform some interesting rescue feats.




  • Little Johnny too close to the edge of the dangerous cliff? Levitate out there to get him back without putting pressure on the ground.

  • A sheep stuck on the side of a mountain? Again you won't accelerate down the hill so you're safe holding position without risk of falling.

  • Little Johnny is a pain and he's fallen through thin ice this time. Again you can get out there without taking any great risk yourself.

  • Horse trapped in a swamp? Again you're good to go.


Many of the difficult or inaccessible areas that once required specialist equipment or significant risk are now accessible.



We're not reinventing the wheel in the short term, as you've said it's exhausting in a way that riding a bicycle isn't, but we are reinventing the dangerous area rescue.






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  • 1




    How would you rescue the horse? You only have human strength and as specified, there is almost zero lateral friction. Also H = Willpower/Mass so trying to lift the horse would require an impossible increase in willpower.
    – chasly from UK
    2 days ago






  • 8




    @chaslyfromUK, the usual ropes and straps would be required, but accessing the horse is much simpler. Good to go, not good to heave :)
    – Separatrix
    2 days ago






  • 2




    Awesome answer, I think you should point out a little more that you are just able to access the person/animal to be rescued rather then performing the rescue itself. I.E. if Big John fell through the ice now its a slow progress toward him with a rope to make sure your not rescuing the rescuer who also fell through the ice. With this - "quick hand me a rope....now pull!!"
    – JGreenwell
    2 days ago








  • 7




    Per updated spec, reaction-pressure is applied to the ground, so you'd still risk the cliff/thin ice giving way. Johnnie dies in both cases, and I think the horse does too.
    – Dewi Morgan
    2 days ago


















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High speed transportation



Think mag-lev for humans, but magnets doing the pushing and the person doing the repulsion. Even with 15 mins of levitation time, this is plenty sufficient for moving people around the city.



Alternatively, small portable propulsion means could be provided for off-roading experiences, obviously with less oversight and control so therefore more risk of dying.



Free energy generation



If you don't accelerate going downhill, then there is missing potential energy somewhere in the system. Harness it.






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  • Comments are not for extended discussion; this conversation has been moved to chat.
    – Monica Cellio
    2 days ago


















up vote
15
down vote













Traverse the minefields



You could also play "floor is lava" game but getting across area that may contain landmines is probably quite useful application. Use small electrical propeller to provide thrust.






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  • 3




    This is assuming the levitation doesn't have a reaction force against the ground -- otherwise the effect would be the same.
    – Jules
    2 days ago












  • It has the effect on the ground as though you are standing on a rubber balloon.
    – chasly from UK
    2 days ago










  • Which would be no more effective at avoiding minefields than snowshoes - spreads out the force a little, but that's it.
    – Dewi Morgan
    2 days ago


















up vote
14
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  • Cross bodies of loose consistency/poor grip (calm water, marshy ground, snow, ice, etc.)


When you now need a bridge to cross a river or a lake, or some kind of support to go on ice or snow, you can simply step on the surface and, while being above it, simply paddle or propel yourself on it. It saves the money needed for building pedestrian bridges, in the case of lakes/rivers.




  • Perform actions on surfaces which cannot be walked on


Think things like maintaining a zen garden where you don't want to leave footprints or inspecting the 10 meter diameter mirror of a telescope without putting your boots on it.






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  • 1




    I'd add marshy ground, (fictional grade) quicksand, snow, thin ice, gravel and soft sand that can be hard going to walk on, and other generally unstable surfaces to that.
    – Separatrix
    2 days ago






  • 1




    @Separatrix, done, thanks for the hint
    – L.Dutch
    2 days ago






  • 1




    surfaces which cannot be walked on: hot tar/asphalt (pushing rises flat when fixing a road would be a lot easier)
    – JGreenwell
    2 days ago








  • 3




    ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9088360 - "The 'cost' of medical care of these slipping injuries was almost the same as the 'cost' of all traffic injuries in the area during the same time." Just people not breaking bones when sidewalks are frozen would probably be a decent benefit, and save on salting them.
    – millimoose
    2 days ago






  • 2




    Also this guy wouldn't be in a bind: i.chzbgr.com/full/8531314944/h2A94E987
    – millimoose
    2 days ago


















up vote
14
down vote













Military and Police applications



Quick and quiet movement



Ever tried to move quickly and quietly as you approached a cults/terrorist/suspects bunker in the middle of the woods to rescue some hostages? Probably not, but as you can guess it takes a lot of time and a lot of work to make sure you are not heard as you get into position. Floating would would prevent a lot of noise when sneaking up and probably take near the same amount of effort. Even if it was only as far as someone could push you from the perimeter - time is a huge factor in this.



Less worry about landmines and IEDs



The actual procedure from exiting a vehicle in Iraq, involved checking the ground to make sure you would not get blown up as soon as you put your foot down. Getting blown up by IEDs or landmines would be a lot less of a worry (and worth the effort) if you could hover. Even for just a short 5 minute area check, esp. if you were transporting a VIP and were only the first part of the team or in a police situation when approaching that same bunker from the first part.






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  • Watch out for gusts of wind blowing you off course though! It's a bit like driving a silent hovercraft but with no sideways control.
    – chasly from UK
    2 days ago










  • In the updated spec, there is a reaction force applied to the surface you hover over. So in terms of force dissipation, it'll be no better than snowshoes. Loose leaves/gravel would probably still crunch, but less.
    – Dewi Morgan
    2 days ago










  • @chaslyfromUK would you really be moved by gusts of wind? Of course, part of what keeps us in place when wind blows, is friction, but isn't the mass of the body much larger component of that?
    – Gnudiff
    2 days ago








  • 1




    @DewiMorgan yeah, I went to work and missed the updates. Still any less force is still less chance to set off a device's trigger (remember IEDs vary in sophistication and landmines are sometimes set to go off when multiple people are on them, to maximize damage, so are not "hair triggers"). And a big advantage of the hover for approaching a place is you could hover then be pushed toward the target - way faster than the slow, careful approach while still creating less sound.
    – JGreenwell
    2 days ago






  • 1




    @chaslyfromUK eh, usually I ask for clarifications with comments but I was about to get ready for work and rushed this - your updates don't invalidate it (make it less of an option but not invalid) - and I have some other ideas I'll add if/when I have a chance this weekend
    – JGreenwell
    14 hours ago


















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12
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I wonder how this would work for those with physical disabilities. Say someone who cannot use their legs is able to levitate. I assume levitation of a centimeter still applies to your feet even if you normally sit in a wheelchair. So someone who normally has to sit at half of their normal height and wheel around to move would now be able to levitate at their full height and move around even without using their legs.



Levitating instead of walking for even only a few minutes would be revolutionary for those who normally require a wheelchair/crutches/etc. to get around.






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  • 2




    Agreed. Even if it's just used for transitioning to/from a wheelchair
    – Joe
    2 days ago










  • Very interesting. In fact the levitation is measured from the lowest part of your body. You can still levitate if you have no legs. Your head is always at the top. Imagine someone dangling a rag doll by its head or in fact any doll by its head regardless of the shape of the lower body.
    – chasly from UK
    2 days ago








  • 1




    Hrm - so not just a transfer of reaction force from the sole of your foot to a few inches below? At what point in the body is the upwards force applied? Like, what part does it feel you are being lifted by? Your chest, your head... a force distributed throughout your body?
    – Dewi Morgan
    2 days ago










  • I would say that it feels like you are generating willpower inside your head. It's mainly concentrated there but kind of spreads to the rest of your body. In other words you automatically stay upright. Difficult to describe. Maybe like a human shaped helium balloon with a small weight fixed to the feet.
    – chasly from UK
    2 days ago




















up vote
8
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It feels like, because of the curious no-downslope-acceleration rule, like we should be able to make a perpetual motion machine, but I'm not sure how that would work.



Essentially the hovering is just fancy rollerskates/maglev, apart from this one thing.



Normally, if you push something on rollerskates up a hill, it takes more force than pushing them on a flat plane, because you are storing potential energy in that thing.



And if you push it back down, it's easier, and you're recovering energy.



In this case, however, you gain no energy pushing someone downhill. That implies there's no gravitational force affecting you while you hover.



Consider a tramline, or cable car. One car goes up, one down. In the "up" car, people are requested to levitate. In the down car, they are requested not to. The down car will be "heavier", so the system can work indefinitely from gravity, so long as there are people wiling to help out.



However, since this takes work on the part of the passengers, and since infeasible amounts cannot be lifted this is no different in practice to a cable car that has pedals and asks people to propel it by pedalling.



[Edit: with clarifications, the universe doesn't act as if the mass is cancelled out, just that the reaction force is separated from the sole of the foot, as if on a small pedestal or stiletto heel. So the absence of acceleration downhill isn't due to no force; just that the force is vertical, with no tangential component. So, this cable-car thing doesn't work: the force is applied to the cable car just as if you were on rollerskates in the car.]





However, to continue the hypothesis that this essentially makes the person immune to gravitational effects within a short distance from local-ground... this could make space flight vastly cheaper, depending how it works.



Immediately obvious is that the mass of the astronaut does not need to be taken into account when accelerating, if they can levitate.



Far less obvious is that if the user essentially has no mass, and changing their local ground does not require force and hence a momentum change (which the no-slope-acceleration thing kind of requires in order to be possible)... then you can now launch astronauts at insane accelerations. You can subject them to explosive forces and they'd be invulnerable to them. The limit of acceleration would no longer be the squishies, but what the equipment could withstand. That means concepts like https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nuclear_pulse_propulsion become reasonable.



This would of course introduce risk to the launch - what if the astronaut's levitation lapsed, even for a moment? They'd be a thin paste on the floor before they could blink.



[Edit: Again, the clarified mechanism means there's no protection from acceleration granted. Rats!]





More interesting yet, though, is what this implies about physics. The in-universe H=WP/m means that the units of willpower are the meter/kilogram, and every physicist on the planet will be looking at a way to make that unlock the energy of that mass.



Rearranging, you get m=WP/H. Combining with e=mc^2, you get e=WP * C^2 / H. At very low heights, you potentially have very high energy indeed.



[Edit: this bit remains. For a start, on a smooth and hard enough surface, you can lift near-infinite masses.



You can lift twice the mass, at half the height. In theory, if you can lift your weight by an inch, you can levitate a thousand times your own weight to a thousandth of an inch.



The downside is, the force is probably applied at your feet. In reality, it will work no better than a pair of rollerskates with a lift capacity of a thousand bodyweights: you can't pick up and carry that weight, it would crush all your bones, so having mental rollerskates that strong makes no difference to your real lifting capacity.



But the units of willpower being meters/kilogram (from distance = WP / mass) does mean that in any expression that involves mass, we can see if replacing it with (WP/Height) to try to exploit that exponential power of the distance. Again, though, I can't see a sane way to do it. It doesn't break physics in any way, and it doesn't achieve anything that a magnet or a wheel can't do for longer and cheaper.]






share|improve this answer























  • I've clarified some of the rules since you wrote this. See changes at the end of my OP. You don't accelerate downhill but you move at a steady speed according to the slope. I was wondering about units. Maybe you could elaborate on the 'high energy' at low heights. I'm not sure of the implications.
    – chasly from UK
    2 days ago










  • @chaslyfromUK Updated answer. I'm out of ideas, I think, given this cleaner, non-physics-breaking definition of the levitation. OK, it breaks physics, but only in that the reaction force is separated by a cm or two from the point of the force's application. And that doesn't seem exploitable, to me.
    – Dewi Morgan
    2 days ago


















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I think it might have some limited possibilities in creating a sterile work environment if you don't have to touch the floor while moving around.



Also potentially theft and murder, being able to enter and leave somewhere without touching the floor would leave very little evidence and leave someone unsure which directions you moved in.






share|improve this answer























  • You would have to push/steer yourself around though and that would leave traces. Wouldn't wearing moccasins be more effective? You can't use willpower to move horizontally, only vertically.
    – chasly from UK
    2 days ago




















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3
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This would be fantastic for the elderly. Especially for elderly women. Now people wouldn't have to worry about falling down and breaking bones. You say that this power won't prevent damage from falling from height but what most of these people need is just a little help with balance. This effect is boosted by the clarification that your head rises first when laying down. That means people who are off balance will be set up on their feet.






share|improve this answer





















  • Of course you can't maintain the willpower at all times, it's very tiring. You could however use it it whilst negotiating difficult steps etc. I f your reaction time is quick enough you could save yourself whilst in the process of falling.
    – chasly from UK
    yesterday




















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Skimming the answers, but it appears so far no one has thought of the obvious:




  • Hold on to a car, levitate just as it drives off - there you go at high speed. This could be transport, or it could be sports

  • Speaking of sports, kids and adults would invent a lot of new games and sports that involve levitation. Rotating sticks that you hold on to, then let go. For distance, direction, whatever.

  • Take a long stick with you, levitate, push yourself off the ground or a nearby object with the stick - free movement.


    • Instead of personal sticks, you can add handholds to walkways to people who are levitating can pull themselves along to add speed.

    • and finally you can put the handholds on rotating poles so people don't even have to pull themselves anymore, just hold on and be pulled, then let go. Can be used for direction changes as well.



  • Avoid making footprints, avoid slipping on a wet floor, avoid dirt on your new shoes - there are many instances where you would levitate for a short time to cross a terrain that you don't want to touch with your feet (or shoes).

  • 1-2 cm is sometimes all you need to reach something on the top shelf.


Since it is an ability anyone has at any time anywhere, the main uses would be situational. It's like having a thumb - whenever it helps, you just use it without thinking much about it, the rest of the time you forget how special it makes homo sapiens.






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  • 1




    I like your 'situational' comment. I'm sure that's absolutely right. As soon as children were old enough to learn how to do it they would copy the adults and it would become automatic for them.
    – chasly from UK
    yesterday


















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OK the way I understand it is that levitating is like someone has put a thick invisible mattress beneath you. The downside of the mattress is sticky and sticks to whatever surface it's attached to. The top side is slippery like ice but it's where you're standing. The top side is also perfectly horizontal, hence no movement without propulsion. So far, not much violating of any physical laws (except the existence of the mattress itself).



So the question is - what applications would benefit from you not touching the ground, although force is still applied to the ground?



Well... I can immediately see applications in sports and entertainment (like ballet). That's cute but not exactly world changing.



Hmm... how about firefighters? Would it be a great boon to be able to float over ground that is too hot to walk on otherwise? Come to think of it they already have thick boots, and if the floor is too hot even for that... But maybe there is some application there.



One more idea - this could find use also in common everyday scenarios, like getting over big puddles or spills. Kids would use this while playing. Builders could use it to get over areas that should not be stepped on directly.



Hmm... what about rescues on ice? How big of an area does the weight get distributed on? Maybe this can help rescuers to get closer to someone who has broken ice and fallen in water.






share|improve this answer























  • Yes, I imagine it would make roller skating redundant. You could de-levitate to push off and levitate to glide.
    – chasly from UK
    2 days ago










  • P.S. The invisible horizontal slippery mattress is a good analogy for horizontal surfaces. However it doesn't deal correctly with slopes.
    – chasly from UK
    2 days ago












  • @chaslyfromUK - Huh? Then how do slopes work? As I understand the mattress sticks to the slope (so it doesn't move), but it's upside is horizontal (so the mattress itself takes a shape like a trapeze or a triangle or something). Then you don't go anywhere (because you're standing on a horizontal surface) and the mattress doesn't go anywhere (because it's stuck to the surface).
    – Vilx-
    2 days ago










  • @chaslyfromUK - I can also see it working for parkour tricks where you slide on rails with nothing but your feet. Long jumps in skiing could be extended. You could probably invent new tricks for ball sports where you slide-crouch beneath an opponents grasp without losing any momentum.The triple jump would probably get a significant boost. I bet that martial arts could find a use for a sliding maneuver. Etc.
    – Vilx-
    2 days ago










  • @chaslyfromUK - Actually... just how quickly can a person go from not-levitating to levitating? In sports you need lightning-fast reflexes, can levitation fit into that? Or does it require at least a few moments of calmly gathering your mind focusing your willpower, and then slowly rising above the ground?
    – Vilx-
    2 days ago


















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Levitation without upwards motion.



H = WP/M implies that energy is spent only once a mass is off the ground. A much more common application would be to reduce the weight of walking individuals while leaving them on the ground. A 250 pound person who effectively weighed 60 pounds would be very fast. Walking would become possible for people with weak legs who were effectively paraplegic at their normal weight. Morbidly obese persons or those with bad arthritis could get around much easier.



Even easier, one could levitate select parts of the body for improved appearance and cosmetic effect. This would otherwise require either plastic surgery or special garments.






share|improve this answer





















  • I can't quite get my head around this. There may be an ingenious invention in here somewhere. Certainly someone who is paraplegic could levitate but the problem of moving sideways would have to be tackled. The problem is, the instant you lose contact with the ground you are confronted with zero lateral friction. As for cosmetics, no-one has so far managed to selectively levitate a part of their body. Perhaps one day it will be possible. However the frown lines from the concentration needed might be worse than the improvement!
    – chasly from UK
    yesterday










  • P.S. Actually some light is dawning. I think you're onto something. Can you suggest some simple apparatus using present-day technology in addition to levitation (and fitting in with the physics) that would allow such people to walk. I think I can but it was your idea.
    – chasly from UK
    yesterday












  • Re paraplegics - this scheme would work for persons who had some residual function in their legs - adequate to push off the ground but not adequate to resist gravity or stabilize their weight. Re selective levitation of parts of the body - many, many persons use a special (under)garment for this every day. Really, a lot of people, in the real world. You will figure it out. Re simple apparatus - I am curious to read what you have devised!
    – Willk
    yesterday


















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2
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A rather more domestic option - laying carpet or painting or washing floors. These tasks are often a hassle when you have to ensure that you work towards the exit or box yourself in. Potentially much easier when you just levitate out.






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    up vote
    1
    down vote













    Fantastic intercourse.



    That would be the overwhelming advantage.



    Also, if it's possible to do this form of levitation in your sleep, you could finally avoid the discomfort of beds - wrinkles pressing in to you, never being comfortable, etc.



    New forms of dance.



    The society in question would pioneer fantastical forms of low-altitude dance.






    share|improve this answer




























      up vote
      0
      down vote













      Could you levitate over water? possible uses for coastal indigenous culture who was adept at would be for advanced fishing and hunting.



      In a more technological culture, you could use it to avoid detection by pressure pad traps.






      share|improve this answer








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        16 Answers
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        16 Answers
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        active

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        up vote
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        It seems to me that it would be pretty easy to take a run, start levitating and skid along rather than walking.



        The benefit over roller skates is twofold:




        1. It requires no equipment, so anyone can do it whenever they like.


        2. You don't accelerate down hill. so presumably you don't slow down going up hill?!



        Even if we disregard the conservation of energy loophole and take into account that it's still tiring to do. I think you would see a huge change in the way people got around.



        This might seem a small thing at first, but after a while we would see huge changes in urban planning and environments to accommodate the change from walking to 'skidding':




        • pedestrianise city streets as people can travel further to get to car parks, bus stops etc


        • 'skidways' introduced to allow fast travel without crashing. Vertical poles to grab and swing around when exiting or cornering


        • crashpads on walls at corners for people who go too fast!


        • electromagnetic launch strips to start you off super fast!


        • various skid-assisting devices, can you push yourself along or steer with a walking stick? Bags with wheels so you don't have to levitate them too.







        share|improve this answer























        • Comments are not for extended discussion; this conversation has been moved to chat.
          – L.Dutch
          6 hours ago















        up vote
        45
        down vote













        It seems to me that it would be pretty easy to take a run, start levitating and skid along rather than walking.



        The benefit over roller skates is twofold:




        1. It requires no equipment, so anyone can do it whenever they like.


        2. You don't accelerate down hill. so presumably you don't slow down going up hill?!



        Even if we disregard the conservation of energy loophole and take into account that it's still tiring to do. I think you would see a huge change in the way people got around.



        This might seem a small thing at first, but after a while we would see huge changes in urban planning and environments to accommodate the change from walking to 'skidding':




        • pedestrianise city streets as people can travel further to get to car parks, bus stops etc


        • 'skidways' introduced to allow fast travel without crashing. Vertical poles to grab and swing around when exiting or cornering


        • crashpads on walls at corners for people who go too fast!


        • electromagnetic launch strips to start you off super fast!


        • various skid-assisting devices, can you push yourself along or steer with a walking stick? Bags with wheels so you don't have to levitate them too.







        share|improve this answer























        • Comments are not for extended discussion; this conversation has been moved to chat.
          – L.Dutch
          6 hours ago













        up vote
        45
        down vote










        up vote
        45
        down vote









        It seems to me that it would be pretty easy to take a run, start levitating and skid along rather than walking.



        The benefit over roller skates is twofold:




        1. It requires no equipment, so anyone can do it whenever they like.


        2. You don't accelerate down hill. so presumably you don't slow down going up hill?!



        Even if we disregard the conservation of energy loophole and take into account that it's still tiring to do. I think you would see a huge change in the way people got around.



        This might seem a small thing at first, but after a while we would see huge changes in urban planning and environments to accommodate the change from walking to 'skidding':




        • pedestrianise city streets as people can travel further to get to car parks, bus stops etc


        • 'skidways' introduced to allow fast travel without crashing. Vertical poles to grab and swing around when exiting or cornering


        • crashpads on walls at corners for people who go too fast!


        • electromagnetic launch strips to start you off super fast!


        • various skid-assisting devices, can you push yourself along or steer with a walking stick? Bags with wheels so you don't have to levitate them too.







        share|improve this answer














        It seems to me that it would be pretty easy to take a run, start levitating and skid along rather than walking.



        The benefit over roller skates is twofold:




        1. It requires no equipment, so anyone can do it whenever they like.


        2. You don't accelerate down hill. so presumably you don't slow down going up hill?!



        Even if we disregard the conservation of energy loophole and take into account that it's still tiring to do. I think you would see a huge change in the way people got around.



        This might seem a small thing at first, but after a while we would see huge changes in urban planning and environments to accommodate the change from walking to 'skidding':




        • pedestrianise city streets as people can travel further to get to car parks, bus stops etc


        • 'skidways' introduced to allow fast travel without crashing. Vertical poles to grab and swing around when exiting or cornering


        • crashpads on walls at corners for people who go too fast!


        • electromagnetic launch strips to start you off super fast!


        • various skid-assisting devices, can you push yourself along or steer with a walking stick? Bags with wheels so you don't have to levitate them too.








        share|improve this answer














        share|improve this answer



        share|improve this answer








        edited 2 days ago









        Glorfindel

        2311412




        2311412










        answered 2 days ago









        Ewan

        62146




        62146












        • Comments are not for extended discussion; this conversation has been moved to chat.
          – L.Dutch
          6 hours ago


















        • Comments are not for extended discussion; this conversation has been moved to chat.
          – L.Dutch
          6 hours ago
















        Comments are not for extended discussion; this conversation has been moved to chat.
        – L.Dutch
        6 hours ago




        Comments are not for extended discussion; this conversation has been moved to chat.
        – L.Dutch
        6 hours ago










        up vote
        22
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        It seems that ground level is all in your mind, hence the failure to accelerate downhill. This should allow you to perform some interesting rescue feats.




        • Little Johnny too close to the edge of the dangerous cliff? Levitate out there to get him back without putting pressure on the ground.

        • A sheep stuck on the side of a mountain? Again you won't accelerate down the hill so you're safe holding position without risk of falling.

        • Little Johnny is a pain and he's fallen through thin ice this time. Again you can get out there without taking any great risk yourself.

        • Horse trapped in a swamp? Again you're good to go.


        Many of the difficult or inaccessible areas that once required specialist equipment or significant risk are now accessible.



        We're not reinventing the wheel in the short term, as you've said it's exhausting in a way that riding a bicycle isn't, but we are reinventing the dangerous area rescue.






        share|improve this answer

















        • 1




          How would you rescue the horse? You only have human strength and as specified, there is almost zero lateral friction. Also H = Willpower/Mass so trying to lift the horse would require an impossible increase in willpower.
          – chasly from UK
          2 days ago






        • 8




          @chaslyfromUK, the usual ropes and straps would be required, but accessing the horse is much simpler. Good to go, not good to heave :)
          – Separatrix
          2 days ago






        • 2




          Awesome answer, I think you should point out a little more that you are just able to access the person/animal to be rescued rather then performing the rescue itself. I.E. if Big John fell through the ice now its a slow progress toward him with a rope to make sure your not rescuing the rescuer who also fell through the ice. With this - "quick hand me a rope....now pull!!"
          – JGreenwell
          2 days ago








        • 7




          Per updated spec, reaction-pressure is applied to the ground, so you'd still risk the cliff/thin ice giving way. Johnnie dies in both cases, and I think the horse does too.
          – Dewi Morgan
          2 days ago















        up vote
        22
        down vote













        It seems that ground level is all in your mind, hence the failure to accelerate downhill. This should allow you to perform some interesting rescue feats.




        • Little Johnny too close to the edge of the dangerous cliff? Levitate out there to get him back without putting pressure on the ground.

        • A sheep stuck on the side of a mountain? Again you won't accelerate down the hill so you're safe holding position without risk of falling.

        • Little Johnny is a pain and he's fallen through thin ice this time. Again you can get out there without taking any great risk yourself.

        • Horse trapped in a swamp? Again you're good to go.


        Many of the difficult or inaccessible areas that once required specialist equipment or significant risk are now accessible.



        We're not reinventing the wheel in the short term, as you've said it's exhausting in a way that riding a bicycle isn't, but we are reinventing the dangerous area rescue.






        share|improve this answer

















        • 1




          How would you rescue the horse? You only have human strength and as specified, there is almost zero lateral friction. Also H = Willpower/Mass so trying to lift the horse would require an impossible increase in willpower.
          – chasly from UK
          2 days ago






        • 8




          @chaslyfromUK, the usual ropes and straps would be required, but accessing the horse is much simpler. Good to go, not good to heave :)
          – Separatrix
          2 days ago






        • 2




          Awesome answer, I think you should point out a little more that you are just able to access the person/animal to be rescued rather then performing the rescue itself. I.E. if Big John fell through the ice now its a slow progress toward him with a rope to make sure your not rescuing the rescuer who also fell through the ice. With this - "quick hand me a rope....now pull!!"
          – JGreenwell
          2 days ago








        • 7




          Per updated spec, reaction-pressure is applied to the ground, so you'd still risk the cliff/thin ice giving way. Johnnie dies in both cases, and I think the horse does too.
          – Dewi Morgan
          2 days ago













        up vote
        22
        down vote










        up vote
        22
        down vote









        It seems that ground level is all in your mind, hence the failure to accelerate downhill. This should allow you to perform some interesting rescue feats.




        • Little Johnny too close to the edge of the dangerous cliff? Levitate out there to get him back without putting pressure on the ground.

        • A sheep stuck on the side of a mountain? Again you won't accelerate down the hill so you're safe holding position without risk of falling.

        • Little Johnny is a pain and he's fallen through thin ice this time. Again you can get out there without taking any great risk yourself.

        • Horse trapped in a swamp? Again you're good to go.


        Many of the difficult or inaccessible areas that once required specialist equipment or significant risk are now accessible.



        We're not reinventing the wheel in the short term, as you've said it's exhausting in a way that riding a bicycle isn't, but we are reinventing the dangerous area rescue.






        share|improve this answer












        It seems that ground level is all in your mind, hence the failure to accelerate downhill. This should allow you to perform some interesting rescue feats.




        • Little Johnny too close to the edge of the dangerous cliff? Levitate out there to get him back without putting pressure on the ground.

        • A sheep stuck on the side of a mountain? Again you won't accelerate down the hill so you're safe holding position without risk of falling.

        • Little Johnny is a pain and he's fallen through thin ice this time. Again you can get out there without taking any great risk yourself.

        • Horse trapped in a swamp? Again you're good to go.


        Many of the difficult or inaccessible areas that once required specialist equipment or significant risk are now accessible.



        We're not reinventing the wheel in the short term, as you've said it's exhausting in a way that riding a bicycle isn't, but we are reinventing the dangerous area rescue.







        share|improve this answer












        share|improve this answer



        share|improve this answer










        answered 2 days ago









        Separatrix

        72.6k30170286




        72.6k30170286








        • 1




          How would you rescue the horse? You only have human strength and as specified, there is almost zero lateral friction. Also H = Willpower/Mass so trying to lift the horse would require an impossible increase in willpower.
          – chasly from UK
          2 days ago






        • 8




          @chaslyfromUK, the usual ropes and straps would be required, but accessing the horse is much simpler. Good to go, not good to heave :)
          – Separatrix
          2 days ago






        • 2




          Awesome answer, I think you should point out a little more that you are just able to access the person/animal to be rescued rather then performing the rescue itself. I.E. if Big John fell through the ice now its a slow progress toward him with a rope to make sure your not rescuing the rescuer who also fell through the ice. With this - "quick hand me a rope....now pull!!"
          – JGreenwell
          2 days ago








        • 7




          Per updated spec, reaction-pressure is applied to the ground, so you'd still risk the cliff/thin ice giving way. Johnnie dies in both cases, and I think the horse does too.
          – Dewi Morgan
          2 days ago














        • 1




          How would you rescue the horse? You only have human strength and as specified, there is almost zero lateral friction. Also H = Willpower/Mass so trying to lift the horse would require an impossible increase in willpower.
          – chasly from UK
          2 days ago






        • 8




          @chaslyfromUK, the usual ropes and straps would be required, but accessing the horse is much simpler. Good to go, not good to heave :)
          – Separatrix
          2 days ago






        • 2




          Awesome answer, I think you should point out a little more that you are just able to access the person/animal to be rescued rather then performing the rescue itself. I.E. if Big John fell through the ice now its a slow progress toward him with a rope to make sure your not rescuing the rescuer who also fell through the ice. With this - "quick hand me a rope....now pull!!"
          – JGreenwell
          2 days ago








        • 7




          Per updated spec, reaction-pressure is applied to the ground, so you'd still risk the cliff/thin ice giving way. Johnnie dies in both cases, and I think the horse does too.
          – Dewi Morgan
          2 days ago








        1




        1




        How would you rescue the horse? You only have human strength and as specified, there is almost zero lateral friction. Also H = Willpower/Mass so trying to lift the horse would require an impossible increase in willpower.
        – chasly from UK
        2 days ago




        How would you rescue the horse? You only have human strength and as specified, there is almost zero lateral friction. Also H = Willpower/Mass so trying to lift the horse would require an impossible increase in willpower.
        – chasly from UK
        2 days ago




        8




        8




        @chaslyfromUK, the usual ropes and straps would be required, but accessing the horse is much simpler. Good to go, not good to heave :)
        – Separatrix
        2 days ago




        @chaslyfromUK, the usual ropes and straps would be required, but accessing the horse is much simpler. Good to go, not good to heave :)
        – Separatrix
        2 days ago




        2




        2




        Awesome answer, I think you should point out a little more that you are just able to access the person/animal to be rescued rather then performing the rescue itself. I.E. if Big John fell through the ice now its a slow progress toward him with a rope to make sure your not rescuing the rescuer who also fell through the ice. With this - "quick hand me a rope....now pull!!"
        – JGreenwell
        2 days ago






        Awesome answer, I think you should point out a little more that you are just able to access the person/animal to be rescued rather then performing the rescue itself. I.E. if Big John fell through the ice now its a slow progress toward him with a rope to make sure your not rescuing the rescuer who also fell through the ice. With this - "quick hand me a rope....now pull!!"
        – JGreenwell
        2 days ago






        7




        7




        Per updated spec, reaction-pressure is applied to the ground, so you'd still risk the cliff/thin ice giving way. Johnnie dies in both cases, and I think the horse does too.
        – Dewi Morgan
        2 days ago




        Per updated spec, reaction-pressure is applied to the ground, so you'd still risk the cliff/thin ice giving way. Johnnie dies in both cases, and I think the horse does too.
        – Dewi Morgan
        2 days ago










        up vote
        21
        down vote













        High speed transportation



        Think mag-lev for humans, but magnets doing the pushing and the person doing the repulsion. Even with 15 mins of levitation time, this is plenty sufficient for moving people around the city.



        Alternatively, small portable propulsion means could be provided for off-roading experiences, obviously with less oversight and control so therefore more risk of dying.



        Free energy generation



        If you don't accelerate going downhill, then there is missing potential energy somewhere in the system. Harness it.






        share|improve this answer





















        • Comments are not for extended discussion; this conversation has been moved to chat.
          – Monica Cellio
          2 days ago















        up vote
        21
        down vote













        High speed transportation



        Think mag-lev for humans, but magnets doing the pushing and the person doing the repulsion. Even with 15 mins of levitation time, this is plenty sufficient for moving people around the city.



        Alternatively, small portable propulsion means could be provided for off-roading experiences, obviously with less oversight and control so therefore more risk of dying.



        Free energy generation



        If you don't accelerate going downhill, then there is missing potential energy somewhere in the system. Harness it.






        share|improve this answer





















        • Comments are not for extended discussion; this conversation has been moved to chat.
          – Monica Cellio
          2 days ago













        up vote
        21
        down vote










        up vote
        21
        down vote









        High speed transportation



        Think mag-lev for humans, but magnets doing the pushing and the person doing the repulsion. Even with 15 mins of levitation time, this is plenty sufficient for moving people around the city.



        Alternatively, small portable propulsion means could be provided for off-roading experiences, obviously with less oversight and control so therefore more risk of dying.



        Free energy generation



        If you don't accelerate going downhill, then there is missing potential energy somewhere in the system. Harness it.






        share|improve this answer












        High speed transportation



        Think mag-lev for humans, but magnets doing the pushing and the person doing the repulsion. Even with 15 mins of levitation time, this is plenty sufficient for moving people around the city.



        Alternatively, small portable propulsion means could be provided for off-roading experiences, obviously with less oversight and control so therefore more risk of dying.



        Free energy generation



        If you don't accelerate going downhill, then there is missing potential energy somewhere in the system. Harness it.







        share|improve this answer












        share|improve this answer



        share|improve this answer










        answered 2 days ago









        ColonelPanic

        2,832314




        2,832314












        • Comments are not for extended discussion; this conversation has been moved to chat.
          – Monica Cellio
          2 days ago


















        • Comments are not for extended discussion; this conversation has been moved to chat.
          – Monica Cellio
          2 days ago
















        Comments are not for extended discussion; this conversation has been moved to chat.
        – Monica Cellio
        2 days ago




        Comments are not for extended discussion; this conversation has been moved to chat.
        – Monica Cellio
        2 days ago










        up vote
        15
        down vote













        Traverse the minefields



        You could also play "floor is lava" game but getting across area that may contain landmines is probably quite useful application. Use small electrical propeller to provide thrust.






        share|improve this answer

















        • 3




          This is assuming the levitation doesn't have a reaction force against the ground -- otherwise the effect would be the same.
          – Jules
          2 days ago












        • It has the effect on the ground as though you are standing on a rubber balloon.
          – chasly from UK
          2 days ago










        • Which would be no more effective at avoiding minefields than snowshoes - spreads out the force a little, but that's it.
          – Dewi Morgan
          2 days ago















        up vote
        15
        down vote













        Traverse the minefields



        You could also play "floor is lava" game but getting across area that may contain landmines is probably quite useful application. Use small electrical propeller to provide thrust.






        share|improve this answer

















        • 3




          This is assuming the levitation doesn't have a reaction force against the ground -- otherwise the effect would be the same.
          – Jules
          2 days ago












        • It has the effect on the ground as though you are standing on a rubber balloon.
          – chasly from UK
          2 days ago










        • Which would be no more effective at avoiding minefields than snowshoes - spreads out the force a little, but that's it.
          – Dewi Morgan
          2 days ago













        up vote
        15
        down vote










        up vote
        15
        down vote









        Traverse the minefields



        You could also play "floor is lava" game but getting across area that may contain landmines is probably quite useful application. Use small electrical propeller to provide thrust.






        share|improve this answer












        Traverse the minefields



        You could also play "floor is lava" game but getting across area that may contain landmines is probably quite useful application. Use small electrical propeller to provide thrust.







        share|improve this answer












        share|improve this answer



        share|improve this answer










        answered 2 days ago









        Congenital Optimist

        4446




        4446








        • 3




          This is assuming the levitation doesn't have a reaction force against the ground -- otherwise the effect would be the same.
          – Jules
          2 days ago












        • It has the effect on the ground as though you are standing on a rubber balloon.
          – chasly from UK
          2 days ago










        • Which would be no more effective at avoiding minefields than snowshoes - spreads out the force a little, but that's it.
          – Dewi Morgan
          2 days ago














        • 3




          This is assuming the levitation doesn't have a reaction force against the ground -- otherwise the effect would be the same.
          – Jules
          2 days ago












        • It has the effect on the ground as though you are standing on a rubber balloon.
          – chasly from UK
          2 days ago










        • Which would be no more effective at avoiding minefields than snowshoes - spreads out the force a little, but that's it.
          – Dewi Morgan
          2 days ago








        3




        3




        This is assuming the levitation doesn't have a reaction force against the ground -- otherwise the effect would be the same.
        – Jules
        2 days ago






        This is assuming the levitation doesn't have a reaction force against the ground -- otherwise the effect would be the same.
        – Jules
        2 days ago














        It has the effect on the ground as though you are standing on a rubber balloon.
        – chasly from UK
        2 days ago




        It has the effect on the ground as though you are standing on a rubber balloon.
        – chasly from UK
        2 days ago












        Which would be no more effective at avoiding minefields than snowshoes - spreads out the force a little, but that's it.
        – Dewi Morgan
        2 days ago




        Which would be no more effective at avoiding minefields than snowshoes - spreads out the force a little, but that's it.
        – Dewi Morgan
        2 days ago










        up vote
        14
        down vote














        • Cross bodies of loose consistency/poor grip (calm water, marshy ground, snow, ice, etc.)


        When you now need a bridge to cross a river or a lake, or some kind of support to go on ice or snow, you can simply step on the surface and, while being above it, simply paddle or propel yourself on it. It saves the money needed for building pedestrian bridges, in the case of lakes/rivers.




        • Perform actions on surfaces which cannot be walked on


        Think things like maintaining a zen garden where you don't want to leave footprints or inspecting the 10 meter diameter mirror of a telescope without putting your boots on it.






        share|improve this answer



















        • 1




          I'd add marshy ground, (fictional grade) quicksand, snow, thin ice, gravel and soft sand that can be hard going to walk on, and other generally unstable surfaces to that.
          – Separatrix
          2 days ago






        • 1




          @Separatrix, done, thanks for the hint
          – L.Dutch
          2 days ago






        • 1




          surfaces which cannot be walked on: hot tar/asphalt (pushing rises flat when fixing a road would be a lot easier)
          – JGreenwell
          2 days ago








        • 3




          ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9088360 - "The 'cost' of medical care of these slipping injuries was almost the same as the 'cost' of all traffic injuries in the area during the same time." Just people not breaking bones when sidewalks are frozen would probably be a decent benefit, and save on salting them.
          – millimoose
          2 days ago






        • 2




          Also this guy wouldn't be in a bind: i.chzbgr.com/full/8531314944/h2A94E987
          – millimoose
          2 days ago















        up vote
        14
        down vote














        • Cross bodies of loose consistency/poor grip (calm water, marshy ground, snow, ice, etc.)


        When you now need a bridge to cross a river or a lake, or some kind of support to go on ice or snow, you can simply step on the surface and, while being above it, simply paddle or propel yourself on it. It saves the money needed for building pedestrian bridges, in the case of lakes/rivers.




        • Perform actions on surfaces which cannot be walked on


        Think things like maintaining a zen garden where you don't want to leave footprints or inspecting the 10 meter diameter mirror of a telescope without putting your boots on it.






        share|improve this answer



















        • 1




          I'd add marshy ground, (fictional grade) quicksand, snow, thin ice, gravel and soft sand that can be hard going to walk on, and other generally unstable surfaces to that.
          – Separatrix
          2 days ago






        • 1




          @Separatrix, done, thanks for the hint
          – L.Dutch
          2 days ago






        • 1




          surfaces which cannot be walked on: hot tar/asphalt (pushing rises flat when fixing a road would be a lot easier)
          – JGreenwell
          2 days ago








        • 3




          ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9088360 - "The 'cost' of medical care of these slipping injuries was almost the same as the 'cost' of all traffic injuries in the area during the same time." Just people not breaking bones when sidewalks are frozen would probably be a decent benefit, and save on salting them.
          – millimoose
          2 days ago






        • 2




          Also this guy wouldn't be in a bind: i.chzbgr.com/full/8531314944/h2A94E987
          – millimoose
          2 days ago













        up vote
        14
        down vote










        up vote
        14
        down vote










        • Cross bodies of loose consistency/poor grip (calm water, marshy ground, snow, ice, etc.)


        When you now need a bridge to cross a river or a lake, or some kind of support to go on ice or snow, you can simply step on the surface and, while being above it, simply paddle or propel yourself on it. It saves the money needed for building pedestrian bridges, in the case of lakes/rivers.




        • Perform actions on surfaces which cannot be walked on


        Think things like maintaining a zen garden where you don't want to leave footprints or inspecting the 10 meter diameter mirror of a telescope without putting your boots on it.






        share|improve this answer















        • Cross bodies of loose consistency/poor grip (calm water, marshy ground, snow, ice, etc.)


        When you now need a bridge to cross a river or a lake, or some kind of support to go on ice or snow, you can simply step on the surface and, while being above it, simply paddle or propel yourself on it. It saves the money needed for building pedestrian bridges, in the case of lakes/rivers.




        • Perform actions on surfaces which cannot be walked on


        Think things like maintaining a zen garden where you don't want to leave footprints or inspecting the 10 meter diameter mirror of a telescope without putting your boots on it.







        share|improve this answer














        share|improve this answer



        share|improve this answer








        edited 2 days ago

























        answered 2 days ago









        L.Dutch

        69.2k21164331




        69.2k21164331








        • 1




          I'd add marshy ground, (fictional grade) quicksand, snow, thin ice, gravel and soft sand that can be hard going to walk on, and other generally unstable surfaces to that.
          – Separatrix
          2 days ago






        • 1




          @Separatrix, done, thanks for the hint
          – L.Dutch
          2 days ago






        • 1




          surfaces which cannot be walked on: hot tar/asphalt (pushing rises flat when fixing a road would be a lot easier)
          – JGreenwell
          2 days ago








        • 3




          ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9088360 - "The 'cost' of medical care of these slipping injuries was almost the same as the 'cost' of all traffic injuries in the area during the same time." Just people not breaking bones when sidewalks are frozen would probably be a decent benefit, and save on salting them.
          – millimoose
          2 days ago






        • 2




          Also this guy wouldn't be in a bind: i.chzbgr.com/full/8531314944/h2A94E987
          – millimoose
          2 days ago














        • 1




          I'd add marshy ground, (fictional grade) quicksand, snow, thin ice, gravel and soft sand that can be hard going to walk on, and other generally unstable surfaces to that.
          – Separatrix
          2 days ago






        • 1




          @Separatrix, done, thanks for the hint
          – L.Dutch
          2 days ago






        • 1




          surfaces which cannot be walked on: hot tar/asphalt (pushing rises flat when fixing a road would be a lot easier)
          – JGreenwell
          2 days ago








        • 3




          ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9088360 - "The 'cost' of medical care of these slipping injuries was almost the same as the 'cost' of all traffic injuries in the area during the same time." Just people not breaking bones when sidewalks are frozen would probably be a decent benefit, and save on salting them.
          – millimoose
          2 days ago






        • 2




          Also this guy wouldn't be in a bind: i.chzbgr.com/full/8531314944/h2A94E987
          – millimoose
          2 days ago








        1




        1




        I'd add marshy ground, (fictional grade) quicksand, snow, thin ice, gravel and soft sand that can be hard going to walk on, and other generally unstable surfaces to that.
        – Separatrix
        2 days ago




        I'd add marshy ground, (fictional grade) quicksand, snow, thin ice, gravel and soft sand that can be hard going to walk on, and other generally unstable surfaces to that.
        – Separatrix
        2 days ago




        1




        1




        @Separatrix, done, thanks for the hint
        – L.Dutch
        2 days ago




        @Separatrix, done, thanks for the hint
        – L.Dutch
        2 days ago




        1




        1




        surfaces which cannot be walked on: hot tar/asphalt (pushing rises flat when fixing a road would be a lot easier)
        – JGreenwell
        2 days ago






        surfaces which cannot be walked on: hot tar/asphalt (pushing rises flat when fixing a road would be a lot easier)
        – JGreenwell
        2 days ago






        3




        3




        ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9088360 - "The 'cost' of medical care of these slipping injuries was almost the same as the 'cost' of all traffic injuries in the area during the same time." Just people not breaking bones when sidewalks are frozen would probably be a decent benefit, and save on salting them.
        – millimoose
        2 days ago




        ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9088360 - "The 'cost' of medical care of these slipping injuries was almost the same as the 'cost' of all traffic injuries in the area during the same time." Just people not breaking bones when sidewalks are frozen would probably be a decent benefit, and save on salting them.
        – millimoose
        2 days ago




        2




        2




        Also this guy wouldn't be in a bind: i.chzbgr.com/full/8531314944/h2A94E987
        – millimoose
        2 days ago




        Also this guy wouldn't be in a bind: i.chzbgr.com/full/8531314944/h2A94E987
        – millimoose
        2 days ago










        up vote
        14
        down vote













        Military and Police applications



        Quick and quiet movement



        Ever tried to move quickly and quietly as you approached a cults/terrorist/suspects bunker in the middle of the woods to rescue some hostages? Probably not, but as you can guess it takes a lot of time and a lot of work to make sure you are not heard as you get into position. Floating would would prevent a lot of noise when sneaking up and probably take near the same amount of effort. Even if it was only as far as someone could push you from the perimeter - time is a huge factor in this.



        Less worry about landmines and IEDs



        The actual procedure from exiting a vehicle in Iraq, involved checking the ground to make sure you would not get blown up as soon as you put your foot down. Getting blown up by IEDs or landmines would be a lot less of a worry (and worth the effort) if you could hover. Even for just a short 5 minute area check, esp. if you were transporting a VIP and were only the first part of the team or in a police situation when approaching that same bunker from the first part.






        share|improve this answer





















        • Watch out for gusts of wind blowing you off course though! It's a bit like driving a silent hovercraft but with no sideways control.
          – chasly from UK
          2 days ago










        • In the updated spec, there is a reaction force applied to the surface you hover over. So in terms of force dissipation, it'll be no better than snowshoes. Loose leaves/gravel would probably still crunch, but less.
          – Dewi Morgan
          2 days ago










        • @chaslyfromUK would you really be moved by gusts of wind? Of course, part of what keeps us in place when wind blows, is friction, but isn't the mass of the body much larger component of that?
          – Gnudiff
          2 days ago








        • 1




          @DewiMorgan yeah, I went to work and missed the updates. Still any less force is still less chance to set off a device's trigger (remember IEDs vary in sophistication and landmines are sometimes set to go off when multiple people are on them, to maximize damage, so are not "hair triggers"). And a big advantage of the hover for approaching a place is you could hover then be pushed toward the target - way faster than the slow, careful approach while still creating less sound.
          – JGreenwell
          2 days ago






        • 1




          @chaslyfromUK eh, usually I ask for clarifications with comments but I was about to get ready for work and rushed this - your updates don't invalidate it (make it less of an option but not invalid) - and I have some other ideas I'll add if/when I have a chance this weekend
          – JGreenwell
          14 hours ago















        up vote
        14
        down vote













        Military and Police applications



        Quick and quiet movement



        Ever tried to move quickly and quietly as you approached a cults/terrorist/suspects bunker in the middle of the woods to rescue some hostages? Probably not, but as you can guess it takes a lot of time and a lot of work to make sure you are not heard as you get into position. Floating would would prevent a lot of noise when sneaking up and probably take near the same amount of effort. Even if it was only as far as someone could push you from the perimeter - time is a huge factor in this.



        Less worry about landmines and IEDs



        The actual procedure from exiting a vehicle in Iraq, involved checking the ground to make sure you would not get blown up as soon as you put your foot down. Getting blown up by IEDs or landmines would be a lot less of a worry (and worth the effort) if you could hover. Even for just a short 5 minute area check, esp. if you were transporting a VIP and were only the first part of the team or in a police situation when approaching that same bunker from the first part.






        share|improve this answer





















        • Watch out for gusts of wind blowing you off course though! It's a bit like driving a silent hovercraft but with no sideways control.
          – chasly from UK
          2 days ago










        • In the updated spec, there is a reaction force applied to the surface you hover over. So in terms of force dissipation, it'll be no better than snowshoes. Loose leaves/gravel would probably still crunch, but less.
          – Dewi Morgan
          2 days ago










        • @chaslyfromUK would you really be moved by gusts of wind? Of course, part of what keeps us in place when wind blows, is friction, but isn't the mass of the body much larger component of that?
          – Gnudiff
          2 days ago








        • 1




          @DewiMorgan yeah, I went to work and missed the updates. Still any less force is still less chance to set off a device's trigger (remember IEDs vary in sophistication and landmines are sometimes set to go off when multiple people are on them, to maximize damage, so are not "hair triggers"). And a big advantage of the hover for approaching a place is you could hover then be pushed toward the target - way faster than the slow, careful approach while still creating less sound.
          – JGreenwell
          2 days ago






        • 1




          @chaslyfromUK eh, usually I ask for clarifications with comments but I was about to get ready for work and rushed this - your updates don't invalidate it (make it less of an option but not invalid) - and I have some other ideas I'll add if/when I have a chance this weekend
          – JGreenwell
          14 hours ago













        up vote
        14
        down vote










        up vote
        14
        down vote









        Military and Police applications



        Quick and quiet movement



        Ever tried to move quickly and quietly as you approached a cults/terrorist/suspects bunker in the middle of the woods to rescue some hostages? Probably not, but as you can guess it takes a lot of time and a lot of work to make sure you are not heard as you get into position. Floating would would prevent a lot of noise when sneaking up and probably take near the same amount of effort. Even if it was only as far as someone could push you from the perimeter - time is a huge factor in this.



        Less worry about landmines and IEDs



        The actual procedure from exiting a vehicle in Iraq, involved checking the ground to make sure you would not get blown up as soon as you put your foot down. Getting blown up by IEDs or landmines would be a lot less of a worry (and worth the effort) if you could hover. Even for just a short 5 minute area check, esp. if you were transporting a VIP and were only the first part of the team or in a police situation when approaching that same bunker from the first part.






        share|improve this answer












        Military and Police applications



        Quick and quiet movement



        Ever tried to move quickly and quietly as you approached a cults/terrorist/suspects bunker in the middle of the woods to rescue some hostages? Probably not, but as you can guess it takes a lot of time and a lot of work to make sure you are not heard as you get into position. Floating would would prevent a lot of noise when sneaking up and probably take near the same amount of effort. Even if it was only as far as someone could push you from the perimeter - time is a huge factor in this.



        Less worry about landmines and IEDs



        The actual procedure from exiting a vehicle in Iraq, involved checking the ground to make sure you would not get blown up as soon as you put your foot down. Getting blown up by IEDs or landmines would be a lot less of a worry (and worth the effort) if you could hover. Even for just a short 5 minute area check, esp. if you were transporting a VIP and were only the first part of the team or in a police situation when approaching that same bunker from the first part.







        share|improve this answer












        share|improve this answer



        share|improve this answer










        answered 2 days ago









        JGreenwell

        923214




        923214












        • Watch out for gusts of wind blowing you off course though! It's a bit like driving a silent hovercraft but with no sideways control.
          – chasly from UK
          2 days ago










        • In the updated spec, there is a reaction force applied to the surface you hover over. So in terms of force dissipation, it'll be no better than snowshoes. Loose leaves/gravel would probably still crunch, but less.
          – Dewi Morgan
          2 days ago










        • @chaslyfromUK would you really be moved by gusts of wind? Of course, part of what keeps us in place when wind blows, is friction, but isn't the mass of the body much larger component of that?
          – Gnudiff
          2 days ago








        • 1




          @DewiMorgan yeah, I went to work and missed the updates. Still any less force is still less chance to set off a device's trigger (remember IEDs vary in sophistication and landmines are sometimes set to go off when multiple people are on them, to maximize damage, so are not "hair triggers"). And a big advantage of the hover for approaching a place is you could hover then be pushed toward the target - way faster than the slow, careful approach while still creating less sound.
          – JGreenwell
          2 days ago






        • 1




          @chaslyfromUK eh, usually I ask for clarifications with comments but I was about to get ready for work and rushed this - your updates don't invalidate it (make it less of an option but not invalid) - and I have some other ideas I'll add if/when I have a chance this weekend
          – JGreenwell
          14 hours ago


















        • Watch out for gusts of wind blowing you off course though! It's a bit like driving a silent hovercraft but with no sideways control.
          – chasly from UK
          2 days ago










        • In the updated spec, there is a reaction force applied to the surface you hover over. So in terms of force dissipation, it'll be no better than snowshoes. Loose leaves/gravel would probably still crunch, but less.
          – Dewi Morgan
          2 days ago










        • @chaslyfromUK would you really be moved by gusts of wind? Of course, part of what keeps us in place when wind blows, is friction, but isn't the mass of the body much larger component of that?
          – Gnudiff
          2 days ago








        • 1




          @DewiMorgan yeah, I went to work and missed the updates. Still any less force is still less chance to set off a device's trigger (remember IEDs vary in sophistication and landmines are sometimes set to go off when multiple people are on them, to maximize damage, so are not "hair triggers"). And a big advantage of the hover for approaching a place is you could hover then be pushed toward the target - way faster than the slow, careful approach while still creating less sound.
          – JGreenwell
          2 days ago






        • 1




          @chaslyfromUK eh, usually I ask for clarifications with comments but I was about to get ready for work and rushed this - your updates don't invalidate it (make it less of an option but not invalid) - and I have some other ideas I'll add if/when I have a chance this weekend
          – JGreenwell
          14 hours ago
















        Watch out for gusts of wind blowing you off course though! It's a bit like driving a silent hovercraft but with no sideways control.
        – chasly from UK
        2 days ago




        Watch out for gusts of wind blowing you off course though! It's a bit like driving a silent hovercraft but with no sideways control.
        – chasly from UK
        2 days ago












        In the updated spec, there is a reaction force applied to the surface you hover over. So in terms of force dissipation, it'll be no better than snowshoes. Loose leaves/gravel would probably still crunch, but less.
        – Dewi Morgan
        2 days ago




        In the updated spec, there is a reaction force applied to the surface you hover over. So in terms of force dissipation, it'll be no better than snowshoes. Loose leaves/gravel would probably still crunch, but less.
        – Dewi Morgan
        2 days ago












        @chaslyfromUK would you really be moved by gusts of wind? Of course, part of what keeps us in place when wind blows, is friction, but isn't the mass of the body much larger component of that?
        – Gnudiff
        2 days ago






        @chaslyfromUK would you really be moved by gusts of wind? Of course, part of what keeps us in place when wind blows, is friction, but isn't the mass of the body much larger component of that?
        – Gnudiff
        2 days ago






        1




        1




        @DewiMorgan yeah, I went to work and missed the updates. Still any less force is still less chance to set off a device's trigger (remember IEDs vary in sophistication and landmines are sometimes set to go off when multiple people are on them, to maximize damage, so are not "hair triggers"). And a big advantage of the hover for approaching a place is you could hover then be pushed toward the target - way faster than the slow, careful approach while still creating less sound.
        – JGreenwell
        2 days ago




        @DewiMorgan yeah, I went to work and missed the updates. Still any less force is still less chance to set off a device's trigger (remember IEDs vary in sophistication and landmines are sometimes set to go off when multiple people are on them, to maximize damage, so are not "hair triggers"). And a big advantage of the hover for approaching a place is you could hover then be pushed toward the target - way faster than the slow, careful approach while still creating less sound.
        – JGreenwell
        2 days ago




        1




        1




        @chaslyfromUK eh, usually I ask for clarifications with comments but I was about to get ready for work and rushed this - your updates don't invalidate it (make it less of an option but not invalid) - and I have some other ideas I'll add if/when I have a chance this weekend
        – JGreenwell
        14 hours ago




        @chaslyfromUK eh, usually I ask for clarifications with comments but I was about to get ready for work and rushed this - your updates don't invalidate it (make it less of an option but not invalid) - and I have some other ideas I'll add if/when I have a chance this weekend
        – JGreenwell
        14 hours ago










        up vote
        12
        down vote













        I wonder how this would work for those with physical disabilities. Say someone who cannot use their legs is able to levitate. I assume levitation of a centimeter still applies to your feet even if you normally sit in a wheelchair. So someone who normally has to sit at half of their normal height and wheel around to move would now be able to levitate at their full height and move around even without using their legs.



        Levitating instead of walking for even only a few minutes would be revolutionary for those who normally require a wheelchair/crutches/etc. to get around.






        share|improve this answer

















        • 2




          Agreed. Even if it's just used for transitioning to/from a wheelchair
          – Joe
          2 days ago










        • Very interesting. In fact the levitation is measured from the lowest part of your body. You can still levitate if you have no legs. Your head is always at the top. Imagine someone dangling a rag doll by its head or in fact any doll by its head regardless of the shape of the lower body.
          – chasly from UK
          2 days ago








        • 1




          Hrm - so not just a transfer of reaction force from the sole of your foot to a few inches below? At what point in the body is the upwards force applied? Like, what part does it feel you are being lifted by? Your chest, your head... a force distributed throughout your body?
          – Dewi Morgan
          2 days ago










        • I would say that it feels like you are generating willpower inside your head. It's mainly concentrated there but kind of spreads to the rest of your body. In other words you automatically stay upright. Difficult to describe. Maybe like a human shaped helium balloon with a small weight fixed to the feet.
          – chasly from UK
          2 days ago

















        up vote
        12
        down vote













        I wonder how this would work for those with physical disabilities. Say someone who cannot use their legs is able to levitate. I assume levitation of a centimeter still applies to your feet even if you normally sit in a wheelchair. So someone who normally has to sit at half of their normal height and wheel around to move would now be able to levitate at their full height and move around even without using their legs.



        Levitating instead of walking for even only a few minutes would be revolutionary for those who normally require a wheelchair/crutches/etc. to get around.






        share|improve this answer

















        • 2




          Agreed. Even if it's just used for transitioning to/from a wheelchair
          – Joe
          2 days ago










        • Very interesting. In fact the levitation is measured from the lowest part of your body. You can still levitate if you have no legs. Your head is always at the top. Imagine someone dangling a rag doll by its head or in fact any doll by its head regardless of the shape of the lower body.
          – chasly from UK
          2 days ago








        • 1




          Hrm - so not just a transfer of reaction force from the sole of your foot to a few inches below? At what point in the body is the upwards force applied? Like, what part does it feel you are being lifted by? Your chest, your head... a force distributed throughout your body?
          – Dewi Morgan
          2 days ago










        • I would say that it feels like you are generating willpower inside your head. It's mainly concentrated there but kind of spreads to the rest of your body. In other words you automatically stay upright. Difficult to describe. Maybe like a human shaped helium balloon with a small weight fixed to the feet.
          – chasly from UK
          2 days ago















        up vote
        12
        down vote










        up vote
        12
        down vote









        I wonder how this would work for those with physical disabilities. Say someone who cannot use their legs is able to levitate. I assume levitation of a centimeter still applies to your feet even if you normally sit in a wheelchair. So someone who normally has to sit at half of their normal height and wheel around to move would now be able to levitate at their full height and move around even without using their legs.



        Levitating instead of walking for even only a few minutes would be revolutionary for those who normally require a wheelchair/crutches/etc. to get around.






        share|improve this answer












        I wonder how this would work for those with physical disabilities. Say someone who cannot use their legs is able to levitate. I assume levitation of a centimeter still applies to your feet even if you normally sit in a wheelchair. So someone who normally has to sit at half of their normal height and wheel around to move would now be able to levitate at their full height and move around even without using their legs.



        Levitating instead of walking for even only a few minutes would be revolutionary for those who normally require a wheelchair/crutches/etc. to get around.







        share|improve this answer












        share|improve this answer



        share|improve this answer










        answered 2 days ago









        km678

        34113




        34113








        • 2




          Agreed. Even if it's just used for transitioning to/from a wheelchair
          – Joe
          2 days ago










        • Very interesting. In fact the levitation is measured from the lowest part of your body. You can still levitate if you have no legs. Your head is always at the top. Imagine someone dangling a rag doll by its head or in fact any doll by its head regardless of the shape of the lower body.
          – chasly from UK
          2 days ago








        • 1




          Hrm - so not just a transfer of reaction force from the sole of your foot to a few inches below? At what point in the body is the upwards force applied? Like, what part does it feel you are being lifted by? Your chest, your head... a force distributed throughout your body?
          – Dewi Morgan
          2 days ago










        • I would say that it feels like you are generating willpower inside your head. It's mainly concentrated there but kind of spreads to the rest of your body. In other words you automatically stay upright. Difficult to describe. Maybe like a human shaped helium balloon with a small weight fixed to the feet.
          – chasly from UK
          2 days ago
















        • 2




          Agreed. Even if it's just used for transitioning to/from a wheelchair
          – Joe
          2 days ago










        • Very interesting. In fact the levitation is measured from the lowest part of your body. You can still levitate if you have no legs. Your head is always at the top. Imagine someone dangling a rag doll by its head or in fact any doll by its head regardless of the shape of the lower body.
          – chasly from UK
          2 days ago








        • 1




          Hrm - so not just a transfer of reaction force from the sole of your foot to a few inches below? At what point in the body is the upwards force applied? Like, what part does it feel you are being lifted by? Your chest, your head... a force distributed throughout your body?
          – Dewi Morgan
          2 days ago










        • I would say that it feels like you are generating willpower inside your head. It's mainly concentrated there but kind of spreads to the rest of your body. In other words you automatically stay upright. Difficult to describe. Maybe like a human shaped helium balloon with a small weight fixed to the feet.
          – chasly from UK
          2 days ago










        2




        2




        Agreed. Even if it's just used for transitioning to/from a wheelchair
        – Joe
        2 days ago




        Agreed. Even if it's just used for transitioning to/from a wheelchair
        – Joe
        2 days ago












        Very interesting. In fact the levitation is measured from the lowest part of your body. You can still levitate if you have no legs. Your head is always at the top. Imagine someone dangling a rag doll by its head or in fact any doll by its head regardless of the shape of the lower body.
        – chasly from UK
        2 days ago






        Very interesting. In fact the levitation is measured from the lowest part of your body. You can still levitate if you have no legs. Your head is always at the top. Imagine someone dangling a rag doll by its head or in fact any doll by its head regardless of the shape of the lower body.
        – chasly from UK
        2 days ago






        1




        1




        Hrm - so not just a transfer of reaction force from the sole of your foot to a few inches below? At what point in the body is the upwards force applied? Like, what part does it feel you are being lifted by? Your chest, your head... a force distributed throughout your body?
        – Dewi Morgan
        2 days ago




        Hrm - so not just a transfer of reaction force from the sole of your foot to a few inches below? At what point in the body is the upwards force applied? Like, what part does it feel you are being lifted by? Your chest, your head... a force distributed throughout your body?
        – Dewi Morgan
        2 days ago












        I would say that it feels like you are generating willpower inside your head. It's mainly concentrated there but kind of spreads to the rest of your body. In other words you automatically stay upright. Difficult to describe. Maybe like a human shaped helium balloon with a small weight fixed to the feet.
        – chasly from UK
        2 days ago






        I would say that it feels like you are generating willpower inside your head. It's mainly concentrated there but kind of spreads to the rest of your body. In other words you automatically stay upright. Difficult to describe. Maybe like a human shaped helium balloon with a small weight fixed to the feet.
        – chasly from UK
        2 days ago












        up vote
        8
        down vote













        It feels like, because of the curious no-downslope-acceleration rule, like we should be able to make a perpetual motion machine, but I'm not sure how that would work.



        Essentially the hovering is just fancy rollerskates/maglev, apart from this one thing.



        Normally, if you push something on rollerskates up a hill, it takes more force than pushing them on a flat plane, because you are storing potential energy in that thing.



        And if you push it back down, it's easier, and you're recovering energy.



        In this case, however, you gain no energy pushing someone downhill. That implies there's no gravitational force affecting you while you hover.



        Consider a tramline, or cable car. One car goes up, one down. In the "up" car, people are requested to levitate. In the down car, they are requested not to. The down car will be "heavier", so the system can work indefinitely from gravity, so long as there are people wiling to help out.



        However, since this takes work on the part of the passengers, and since infeasible amounts cannot be lifted this is no different in practice to a cable car that has pedals and asks people to propel it by pedalling.



        [Edit: with clarifications, the universe doesn't act as if the mass is cancelled out, just that the reaction force is separated from the sole of the foot, as if on a small pedestal or stiletto heel. So the absence of acceleration downhill isn't due to no force; just that the force is vertical, with no tangential component. So, this cable-car thing doesn't work: the force is applied to the cable car just as if you were on rollerskates in the car.]





        However, to continue the hypothesis that this essentially makes the person immune to gravitational effects within a short distance from local-ground... this could make space flight vastly cheaper, depending how it works.



        Immediately obvious is that the mass of the astronaut does not need to be taken into account when accelerating, if they can levitate.



        Far less obvious is that if the user essentially has no mass, and changing their local ground does not require force and hence a momentum change (which the no-slope-acceleration thing kind of requires in order to be possible)... then you can now launch astronauts at insane accelerations. You can subject them to explosive forces and they'd be invulnerable to them. The limit of acceleration would no longer be the squishies, but what the equipment could withstand. That means concepts like https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nuclear_pulse_propulsion become reasonable.



        This would of course introduce risk to the launch - what if the astronaut's levitation lapsed, even for a moment? They'd be a thin paste on the floor before they could blink.



        [Edit: Again, the clarified mechanism means there's no protection from acceleration granted. Rats!]





        More interesting yet, though, is what this implies about physics. The in-universe H=WP/m means that the units of willpower are the meter/kilogram, and every physicist on the planet will be looking at a way to make that unlock the energy of that mass.



        Rearranging, you get m=WP/H. Combining with e=mc^2, you get e=WP * C^2 / H. At very low heights, you potentially have very high energy indeed.



        [Edit: this bit remains. For a start, on a smooth and hard enough surface, you can lift near-infinite masses.



        You can lift twice the mass, at half the height. In theory, if you can lift your weight by an inch, you can levitate a thousand times your own weight to a thousandth of an inch.



        The downside is, the force is probably applied at your feet. In reality, it will work no better than a pair of rollerskates with a lift capacity of a thousand bodyweights: you can't pick up and carry that weight, it would crush all your bones, so having mental rollerskates that strong makes no difference to your real lifting capacity.



        But the units of willpower being meters/kilogram (from distance = WP / mass) does mean that in any expression that involves mass, we can see if replacing it with (WP/Height) to try to exploit that exponential power of the distance. Again, though, I can't see a sane way to do it. It doesn't break physics in any way, and it doesn't achieve anything that a magnet or a wheel can't do for longer and cheaper.]






        share|improve this answer























        • I've clarified some of the rules since you wrote this. See changes at the end of my OP. You don't accelerate downhill but you move at a steady speed according to the slope. I was wondering about units. Maybe you could elaborate on the 'high energy' at low heights. I'm not sure of the implications.
          – chasly from UK
          2 days ago










        • @chaslyfromUK Updated answer. I'm out of ideas, I think, given this cleaner, non-physics-breaking definition of the levitation. OK, it breaks physics, but only in that the reaction force is separated by a cm or two from the point of the force's application. And that doesn't seem exploitable, to me.
          – Dewi Morgan
          2 days ago















        up vote
        8
        down vote













        It feels like, because of the curious no-downslope-acceleration rule, like we should be able to make a perpetual motion machine, but I'm not sure how that would work.



        Essentially the hovering is just fancy rollerskates/maglev, apart from this one thing.



        Normally, if you push something on rollerskates up a hill, it takes more force than pushing them on a flat plane, because you are storing potential energy in that thing.



        And if you push it back down, it's easier, and you're recovering energy.



        In this case, however, you gain no energy pushing someone downhill. That implies there's no gravitational force affecting you while you hover.



        Consider a tramline, or cable car. One car goes up, one down. In the "up" car, people are requested to levitate. In the down car, they are requested not to. The down car will be "heavier", so the system can work indefinitely from gravity, so long as there are people wiling to help out.



        However, since this takes work on the part of the passengers, and since infeasible amounts cannot be lifted this is no different in practice to a cable car that has pedals and asks people to propel it by pedalling.



        [Edit: with clarifications, the universe doesn't act as if the mass is cancelled out, just that the reaction force is separated from the sole of the foot, as if on a small pedestal or stiletto heel. So the absence of acceleration downhill isn't due to no force; just that the force is vertical, with no tangential component. So, this cable-car thing doesn't work: the force is applied to the cable car just as if you were on rollerskates in the car.]





        However, to continue the hypothesis that this essentially makes the person immune to gravitational effects within a short distance from local-ground... this could make space flight vastly cheaper, depending how it works.



        Immediately obvious is that the mass of the astronaut does not need to be taken into account when accelerating, if they can levitate.



        Far less obvious is that if the user essentially has no mass, and changing their local ground does not require force and hence a momentum change (which the no-slope-acceleration thing kind of requires in order to be possible)... then you can now launch astronauts at insane accelerations. You can subject them to explosive forces and they'd be invulnerable to them. The limit of acceleration would no longer be the squishies, but what the equipment could withstand. That means concepts like https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nuclear_pulse_propulsion become reasonable.



        This would of course introduce risk to the launch - what if the astronaut's levitation lapsed, even for a moment? They'd be a thin paste on the floor before they could blink.



        [Edit: Again, the clarified mechanism means there's no protection from acceleration granted. Rats!]





        More interesting yet, though, is what this implies about physics. The in-universe H=WP/m means that the units of willpower are the meter/kilogram, and every physicist on the planet will be looking at a way to make that unlock the energy of that mass.



        Rearranging, you get m=WP/H. Combining with e=mc^2, you get e=WP * C^2 / H. At very low heights, you potentially have very high energy indeed.



        [Edit: this bit remains. For a start, on a smooth and hard enough surface, you can lift near-infinite masses.



        You can lift twice the mass, at half the height. In theory, if you can lift your weight by an inch, you can levitate a thousand times your own weight to a thousandth of an inch.



        The downside is, the force is probably applied at your feet. In reality, it will work no better than a pair of rollerskates with a lift capacity of a thousand bodyweights: you can't pick up and carry that weight, it would crush all your bones, so having mental rollerskates that strong makes no difference to your real lifting capacity.



        But the units of willpower being meters/kilogram (from distance = WP / mass) does mean that in any expression that involves mass, we can see if replacing it with (WP/Height) to try to exploit that exponential power of the distance. Again, though, I can't see a sane way to do it. It doesn't break physics in any way, and it doesn't achieve anything that a magnet or a wheel can't do for longer and cheaper.]






        share|improve this answer























        • I've clarified some of the rules since you wrote this. See changes at the end of my OP. You don't accelerate downhill but you move at a steady speed according to the slope. I was wondering about units. Maybe you could elaborate on the 'high energy' at low heights. I'm not sure of the implications.
          – chasly from UK
          2 days ago










        • @chaslyfromUK Updated answer. I'm out of ideas, I think, given this cleaner, non-physics-breaking definition of the levitation. OK, it breaks physics, but only in that the reaction force is separated by a cm or two from the point of the force's application. And that doesn't seem exploitable, to me.
          – Dewi Morgan
          2 days ago













        up vote
        8
        down vote










        up vote
        8
        down vote









        It feels like, because of the curious no-downslope-acceleration rule, like we should be able to make a perpetual motion machine, but I'm not sure how that would work.



        Essentially the hovering is just fancy rollerskates/maglev, apart from this one thing.



        Normally, if you push something on rollerskates up a hill, it takes more force than pushing them on a flat plane, because you are storing potential energy in that thing.



        And if you push it back down, it's easier, and you're recovering energy.



        In this case, however, you gain no energy pushing someone downhill. That implies there's no gravitational force affecting you while you hover.



        Consider a tramline, or cable car. One car goes up, one down. In the "up" car, people are requested to levitate. In the down car, they are requested not to. The down car will be "heavier", so the system can work indefinitely from gravity, so long as there are people wiling to help out.



        However, since this takes work on the part of the passengers, and since infeasible amounts cannot be lifted this is no different in practice to a cable car that has pedals and asks people to propel it by pedalling.



        [Edit: with clarifications, the universe doesn't act as if the mass is cancelled out, just that the reaction force is separated from the sole of the foot, as if on a small pedestal or stiletto heel. So the absence of acceleration downhill isn't due to no force; just that the force is vertical, with no tangential component. So, this cable-car thing doesn't work: the force is applied to the cable car just as if you were on rollerskates in the car.]





        However, to continue the hypothesis that this essentially makes the person immune to gravitational effects within a short distance from local-ground... this could make space flight vastly cheaper, depending how it works.



        Immediately obvious is that the mass of the astronaut does not need to be taken into account when accelerating, if they can levitate.



        Far less obvious is that if the user essentially has no mass, and changing their local ground does not require force and hence a momentum change (which the no-slope-acceleration thing kind of requires in order to be possible)... then you can now launch astronauts at insane accelerations. You can subject them to explosive forces and they'd be invulnerable to them. The limit of acceleration would no longer be the squishies, but what the equipment could withstand. That means concepts like https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nuclear_pulse_propulsion become reasonable.



        This would of course introduce risk to the launch - what if the astronaut's levitation lapsed, even for a moment? They'd be a thin paste on the floor before they could blink.



        [Edit: Again, the clarified mechanism means there's no protection from acceleration granted. Rats!]





        More interesting yet, though, is what this implies about physics. The in-universe H=WP/m means that the units of willpower are the meter/kilogram, and every physicist on the planet will be looking at a way to make that unlock the energy of that mass.



        Rearranging, you get m=WP/H. Combining with e=mc^2, you get e=WP * C^2 / H. At very low heights, you potentially have very high energy indeed.



        [Edit: this bit remains. For a start, on a smooth and hard enough surface, you can lift near-infinite masses.



        You can lift twice the mass, at half the height. In theory, if you can lift your weight by an inch, you can levitate a thousand times your own weight to a thousandth of an inch.



        The downside is, the force is probably applied at your feet. In reality, it will work no better than a pair of rollerskates with a lift capacity of a thousand bodyweights: you can't pick up and carry that weight, it would crush all your bones, so having mental rollerskates that strong makes no difference to your real lifting capacity.



        But the units of willpower being meters/kilogram (from distance = WP / mass) does mean that in any expression that involves mass, we can see if replacing it with (WP/Height) to try to exploit that exponential power of the distance. Again, though, I can't see a sane way to do it. It doesn't break physics in any way, and it doesn't achieve anything that a magnet or a wheel can't do for longer and cheaper.]






        share|improve this answer














        It feels like, because of the curious no-downslope-acceleration rule, like we should be able to make a perpetual motion machine, but I'm not sure how that would work.



        Essentially the hovering is just fancy rollerskates/maglev, apart from this one thing.



        Normally, if you push something on rollerskates up a hill, it takes more force than pushing them on a flat plane, because you are storing potential energy in that thing.



        And if you push it back down, it's easier, and you're recovering energy.



        In this case, however, you gain no energy pushing someone downhill. That implies there's no gravitational force affecting you while you hover.



        Consider a tramline, or cable car. One car goes up, one down. In the "up" car, people are requested to levitate. In the down car, they are requested not to. The down car will be "heavier", so the system can work indefinitely from gravity, so long as there are people wiling to help out.



        However, since this takes work on the part of the passengers, and since infeasible amounts cannot be lifted this is no different in practice to a cable car that has pedals and asks people to propel it by pedalling.



        [Edit: with clarifications, the universe doesn't act as if the mass is cancelled out, just that the reaction force is separated from the sole of the foot, as if on a small pedestal or stiletto heel. So the absence of acceleration downhill isn't due to no force; just that the force is vertical, with no tangential component. So, this cable-car thing doesn't work: the force is applied to the cable car just as if you were on rollerskates in the car.]





        However, to continue the hypothesis that this essentially makes the person immune to gravitational effects within a short distance from local-ground... this could make space flight vastly cheaper, depending how it works.



        Immediately obvious is that the mass of the astronaut does not need to be taken into account when accelerating, if they can levitate.



        Far less obvious is that if the user essentially has no mass, and changing their local ground does not require force and hence a momentum change (which the no-slope-acceleration thing kind of requires in order to be possible)... then you can now launch astronauts at insane accelerations. You can subject them to explosive forces and they'd be invulnerable to them. The limit of acceleration would no longer be the squishies, but what the equipment could withstand. That means concepts like https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nuclear_pulse_propulsion become reasonable.



        This would of course introduce risk to the launch - what if the astronaut's levitation lapsed, even for a moment? They'd be a thin paste on the floor before they could blink.



        [Edit: Again, the clarified mechanism means there's no protection from acceleration granted. Rats!]





        More interesting yet, though, is what this implies about physics. The in-universe H=WP/m means that the units of willpower are the meter/kilogram, and every physicist on the planet will be looking at a way to make that unlock the energy of that mass.



        Rearranging, you get m=WP/H. Combining with e=mc^2, you get e=WP * C^2 / H. At very low heights, you potentially have very high energy indeed.



        [Edit: this bit remains. For a start, on a smooth and hard enough surface, you can lift near-infinite masses.



        You can lift twice the mass, at half the height. In theory, if you can lift your weight by an inch, you can levitate a thousand times your own weight to a thousandth of an inch.



        The downside is, the force is probably applied at your feet. In reality, it will work no better than a pair of rollerskates with a lift capacity of a thousand bodyweights: you can't pick up and carry that weight, it would crush all your bones, so having mental rollerskates that strong makes no difference to your real lifting capacity.



        But the units of willpower being meters/kilogram (from distance = WP / mass) does mean that in any expression that involves mass, we can see if replacing it with (WP/Height) to try to exploit that exponential power of the distance. Again, though, I can't see a sane way to do it. It doesn't break physics in any way, and it doesn't achieve anything that a magnet or a wheel can't do for longer and cheaper.]







        share|improve this answer














        share|improve this answer



        share|improve this answer








        edited 2 days ago

























        answered 2 days ago









        Dewi Morgan

        4,364927




        4,364927












        • I've clarified some of the rules since you wrote this. See changes at the end of my OP. You don't accelerate downhill but you move at a steady speed according to the slope. I was wondering about units. Maybe you could elaborate on the 'high energy' at low heights. I'm not sure of the implications.
          – chasly from UK
          2 days ago










        • @chaslyfromUK Updated answer. I'm out of ideas, I think, given this cleaner, non-physics-breaking definition of the levitation. OK, it breaks physics, but only in that the reaction force is separated by a cm or two from the point of the force's application. And that doesn't seem exploitable, to me.
          – Dewi Morgan
          2 days ago


















        • I've clarified some of the rules since you wrote this. See changes at the end of my OP. You don't accelerate downhill but you move at a steady speed according to the slope. I was wondering about units. Maybe you could elaborate on the 'high energy' at low heights. I'm not sure of the implications.
          – chasly from UK
          2 days ago










        • @chaslyfromUK Updated answer. I'm out of ideas, I think, given this cleaner, non-physics-breaking definition of the levitation. OK, it breaks physics, but only in that the reaction force is separated by a cm or two from the point of the force's application. And that doesn't seem exploitable, to me.
          – Dewi Morgan
          2 days ago
















        I've clarified some of the rules since you wrote this. See changes at the end of my OP. You don't accelerate downhill but you move at a steady speed according to the slope. I was wondering about units. Maybe you could elaborate on the 'high energy' at low heights. I'm not sure of the implications.
        – chasly from UK
        2 days ago




        I've clarified some of the rules since you wrote this. See changes at the end of my OP. You don't accelerate downhill but you move at a steady speed according to the slope. I was wondering about units. Maybe you could elaborate on the 'high energy' at low heights. I'm not sure of the implications.
        – chasly from UK
        2 days ago












        @chaslyfromUK Updated answer. I'm out of ideas, I think, given this cleaner, non-physics-breaking definition of the levitation. OK, it breaks physics, but only in that the reaction force is separated by a cm or two from the point of the force's application. And that doesn't seem exploitable, to me.
        – Dewi Morgan
        2 days ago




        @chaslyfromUK Updated answer. I'm out of ideas, I think, given this cleaner, non-physics-breaking definition of the levitation. OK, it breaks physics, but only in that the reaction force is separated by a cm or two from the point of the force's application. And that doesn't seem exploitable, to me.
        – Dewi Morgan
        2 days ago










        up vote
        4
        down vote













        I think it might have some limited possibilities in creating a sterile work environment if you don't have to touch the floor while moving around.



        Also potentially theft and murder, being able to enter and leave somewhere without touching the floor would leave very little evidence and leave someone unsure which directions you moved in.






        share|improve this answer























        • You would have to push/steer yourself around though and that would leave traces. Wouldn't wearing moccasins be more effective? You can't use willpower to move horizontally, only vertically.
          – chasly from UK
          2 days ago

















        up vote
        4
        down vote













        I think it might have some limited possibilities in creating a sterile work environment if you don't have to touch the floor while moving around.



        Also potentially theft and murder, being able to enter and leave somewhere without touching the floor would leave very little evidence and leave someone unsure which directions you moved in.






        share|improve this answer























        • You would have to push/steer yourself around though and that would leave traces. Wouldn't wearing moccasins be more effective? You can't use willpower to move horizontally, only vertically.
          – chasly from UK
          2 days ago















        up vote
        4
        down vote










        up vote
        4
        down vote









        I think it might have some limited possibilities in creating a sterile work environment if you don't have to touch the floor while moving around.



        Also potentially theft and murder, being able to enter and leave somewhere without touching the floor would leave very little evidence and leave someone unsure which directions you moved in.






        share|improve this answer














        I think it might have some limited possibilities in creating a sterile work environment if you don't have to touch the floor while moving around.



        Also potentially theft and murder, being able to enter and leave somewhere without touching the floor would leave very little evidence and leave someone unsure which directions you moved in.







        share|improve this answer














        share|improve this answer



        share|improve this answer








        edited 2 days ago









        Glorfindel

        2311412




        2311412










        answered 2 days ago









        InstaPoppy

        1112




        1112












        • You would have to push/steer yourself around though and that would leave traces. Wouldn't wearing moccasins be more effective? You can't use willpower to move horizontally, only vertically.
          – chasly from UK
          2 days ago




















        • You would have to push/steer yourself around though and that would leave traces. Wouldn't wearing moccasins be more effective? You can't use willpower to move horizontally, only vertically.
          – chasly from UK
          2 days ago


















        You would have to push/steer yourself around though and that would leave traces. Wouldn't wearing moccasins be more effective? You can't use willpower to move horizontally, only vertically.
        – chasly from UK
        2 days ago






        You would have to push/steer yourself around though and that would leave traces. Wouldn't wearing moccasins be more effective? You can't use willpower to move horizontally, only vertically.
        – chasly from UK
        2 days ago












        up vote
        3
        down vote













        This would be fantastic for the elderly. Especially for elderly women. Now people wouldn't have to worry about falling down and breaking bones. You say that this power won't prevent damage from falling from height but what most of these people need is just a little help with balance. This effect is boosted by the clarification that your head rises first when laying down. That means people who are off balance will be set up on their feet.






        share|improve this answer





















        • Of course you can't maintain the willpower at all times, it's very tiring. You could however use it it whilst negotiating difficult steps etc. I f your reaction time is quick enough you could save yourself whilst in the process of falling.
          – chasly from UK
          yesterday

















        up vote
        3
        down vote













        This would be fantastic for the elderly. Especially for elderly women. Now people wouldn't have to worry about falling down and breaking bones. You say that this power won't prevent damage from falling from height but what most of these people need is just a little help with balance. This effect is boosted by the clarification that your head rises first when laying down. That means people who are off balance will be set up on their feet.






        share|improve this answer





















        • Of course you can't maintain the willpower at all times, it's very tiring. You could however use it it whilst negotiating difficult steps etc. I f your reaction time is quick enough you could save yourself whilst in the process of falling.
          – chasly from UK
          yesterday















        up vote
        3
        down vote










        up vote
        3
        down vote









        This would be fantastic for the elderly. Especially for elderly women. Now people wouldn't have to worry about falling down and breaking bones. You say that this power won't prevent damage from falling from height but what most of these people need is just a little help with balance. This effect is boosted by the clarification that your head rises first when laying down. That means people who are off balance will be set up on their feet.






        share|improve this answer












        This would be fantastic for the elderly. Especially for elderly women. Now people wouldn't have to worry about falling down and breaking bones. You say that this power won't prevent damage from falling from height but what most of these people need is just a little help with balance. This effect is boosted by the clarification that your head rises first when laying down. That means people who are off balance will be set up on their feet.







        share|improve this answer












        share|improve this answer



        share|improve this answer










        answered 2 days ago









        Erik

        1,72521231




        1,72521231












        • Of course you can't maintain the willpower at all times, it's very tiring. You could however use it it whilst negotiating difficult steps etc. I f your reaction time is quick enough you could save yourself whilst in the process of falling.
          – chasly from UK
          yesterday




















        • Of course you can't maintain the willpower at all times, it's very tiring. You could however use it it whilst negotiating difficult steps etc. I f your reaction time is quick enough you could save yourself whilst in the process of falling.
          – chasly from UK
          yesterday


















        Of course you can't maintain the willpower at all times, it's very tiring. You could however use it it whilst negotiating difficult steps etc. I f your reaction time is quick enough you could save yourself whilst in the process of falling.
        – chasly from UK
        yesterday






        Of course you can't maintain the willpower at all times, it's very tiring. You could however use it it whilst negotiating difficult steps etc. I f your reaction time is quick enough you could save yourself whilst in the process of falling.
        – chasly from UK
        yesterday












        up vote
        3
        down vote













        Skimming the answers, but it appears so far no one has thought of the obvious:




        • Hold on to a car, levitate just as it drives off - there you go at high speed. This could be transport, or it could be sports

        • Speaking of sports, kids and adults would invent a lot of new games and sports that involve levitation. Rotating sticks that you hold on to, then let go. For distance, direction, whatever.

        • Take a long stick with you, levitate, push yourself off the ground or a nearby object with the stick - free movement.


          • Instead of personal sticks, you can add handholds to walkways to people who are levitating can pull themselves along to add speed.

          • and finally you can put the handholds on rotating poles so people don't even have to pull themselves anymore, just hold on and be pulled, then let go. Can be used for direction changes as well.



        • Avoid making footprints, avoid slipping on a wet floor, avoid dirt on your new shoes - there are many instances where you would levitate for a short time to cross a terrain that you don't want to touch with your feet (or shoes).

        • 1-2 cm is sometimes all you need to reach something on the top shelf.


        Since it is an ability anyone has at any time anywhere, the main uses would be situational. It's like having a thumb - whenever it helps, you just use it without thinking much about it, the rest of the time you forget how special it makes homo sapiens.






        share|improve this answer

















        • 1




          I like your 'situational' comment. I'm sure that's absolutely right. As soon as children were old enough to learn how to do it they would copy the adults and it would become automatic for them.
          – chasly from UK
          yesterday















        up vote
        3
        down vote













        Skimming the answers, but it appears so far no one has thought of the obvious:




        • Hold on to a car, levitate just as it drives off - there you go at high speed. This could be transport, or it could be sports

        • Speaking of sports, kids and adults would invent a lot of new games and sports that involve levitation. Rotating sticks that you hold on to, then let go. For distance, direction, whatever.

        • Take a long stick with you, levitate, push yourself off the ground or a nearby object with the stick - free movement.


          • Instead of personal sticks, you can add handholds to walkways to people who are levitating can pull themselves along to add speed.

          • and finally you can put the handholds on rotating poles so people don't even have to pull themselves anymore, just hold on and be pulled, then let go. Can be used for direction changes as well.



        • Avoid making footprints, avoid slipping on a wet floor, avoid dirt on your new shoes - there are many instances where you would levitate for a short time to cross a terrain that you don't want to touch with your feet (or shoes).

        • 1-2 cm is sometimes all you need to reach something on the top shelf.


        Since it is an ability anyone has at any time anywhere, the main uses would be situational. It's like having a thumb - whenever it helps, you just use it without thinking much about it, the rest of the time you forget how special it makes homo sapiens.






        share|improve this answer

















        • 1




          I like your 'situational' comment. I'm sure that's absolutely right. As soon as children were old enough to learn how to do it they would copy the adults and it would become automatic for them.
          – chasly from UK
          yesterday













        up vote
        3
        down vote










        up vote
        3
        down vote









        Skimming the answers, but it appears so far no one has thought of the obvious:




        • Hold on to a car, levitate just as it drives off - there you go at high speed. This could be transport, or it could be sports

        • Speaking of sports, kids and adults would invent a lot of new games and sports that involve levitation. Rotating sticks that you hold on to, then let go. For distance, direction, whatever.

        • Take a long stick with you, levitate, push yourself off the ground or a nearby object with the stick - free movement.


          • Instead of personal sticks, you can add handholds to walkways to people who are levitating can pull themselves along to add speed.

          • and finally you can put the handholds on rotating poles so people don't even have to pull themselves anymore, just hold on and be pulled, then let go. Can be used for direction changes as well.



        • Avoid making footprints, avoid slipping on a wet floor, avoid dirt on your new shoes - there are many instances where you would levitate for a short time to cross a terrain that you don't want to touch with your feet (or shoes).

        • 1-2 cm is sometimes all you need to reach something on the top shelf.


        Since it is an ability anyone has at any time anywhere, the main uses would be situational. It's like having a thumb - whenever it helps, you just use it without thinking much about it, the rest of the time you forget how special it makes homo sapiens.






        share|improve this answer












        Skimming the answers, but it appears so far no one has thought of the obvious:




        • Hold on to a car, levitate just as it drives off - there you go at high speed. This could be transport, or it could be sports

        • Speaking of sports, kids and adults would invent a lot of new games and sports that involve levitation. Rotating sticks that you hold on to, then let go. For distance, direction, whatever.

        • Take a long stick with you, levitate, push yourself off the ground or a nearby object with the stick - free movement.


          • Instead of personal sticks, you can add handholds to walkways to people who are levitating can pull themselves along to add speed.

          • and finally you can put the handholds on rotating poles so people don't even have to pull themselves anymore, just hold on and be pulled, then let go. Can be used for direction changes as well.



        • Avoid making footprints, avoid slipping on a wet floor, avoid dirt on your new shoes - there are many instances where you would levitate for a short time to cross a terrain that you don't want to touch with your feet (or shoes).

        • 1-2 cm is sometimes all you need to reach something on the top shelf.


        Since it is an ability anyone has at any time anywhere, the main uses would be situational. It's like having a thumb - whenever it helps, you just use it without thinking much about it, the rest of the time you forget how special it makes homo sapiens.







        share|improve this answer












        share|improve this answer



        share|improve this answer










        answered yesterday









        Tom

        4,681626




        4,681626








        • 1




          I like your 'situational' comment. I'm sure that's absolutely right. As soon as children were old enough to learn how to do it they would copy the adults and it would become automatic for them.
          – chasly from UK
          yesterday














        • 1




          I like your 'situational' comment. I'm sure that's absolutely right. As soon as children were old enough to learn how to do it they would copy the adults and it would become automatic for them.
          – chasly from UK
          yesterday








        1




        1




        I like your 'situational' comment. I'm sure that's absolutely right. As soon as children were old enough to learn how to do it they would copy the adults and it would become automatic for them.
        – chasly from UK
        yesterday




        I like your 'situational' comment. I'm sure that's absolutely right. As soon as children were old enough to learn how to do it they would copy the adults and it would become automatic for them.
        – chasly from UK
        yesterday










        up vote
        2
        down vote













        OK the way I understand it is that levitating is like someone has put a thick invisible mattress beneath you. The downside of the mattress is sticky and sticks to whatever surface it's attached to. The top side is slippery like ice but it's where you're standing. The top side is also perfectly horizontal, hence no movement without propulsion. So far, not much violating of any physical laws (except the existence of the mattress itself).



        So the question is - what applications would benefit from you not touching the ground, although force is still applied to the ground?



        Well... I can immediately see applications in sports and entertainment (like ballet). That's cute but not exactly world changing.



        Hmm... how about firefighters? Would it be a great boon to be able to float over ground that is too hot to walk on otherwise? Come to think of it they already have thick boots, and if the floor is too hot even for that... But maybe there is some application there.



        One more idea - this could find use also in common everyday scenarios, like getting over big puddles or spills. Kids would use this while playing. Builders could use it to get over areas that should not be stepped on directly.



        Hmm... what about rescues on ice? How big of an area does the weight get distributed on? Maybe this can help rescuers to get closer to someone who has broken ice and fallen in water.






        share|improve this answer























        • Yes, I imagine it would make roller skating redundant. You could de-levitate to push off and levitate to glide.
          – chasly from UK
          2 days ago










        • P.S. The invisible horizontal slippery mattress is a good analogy for horizontal surfaces. However it doesn't deal correctly with slopes.
          – chasly from UK
          2 days ago












        • @chaslyfromUK - Huh? Then how do slopes work? As I understand the mattress sticks to the slope (so it doesn't move), but it's upside is horizontal (so the mattress itself takes a shape like a trapeze or a triangle or something). Then you don't go anywhere (because you're standing on a horizontal surface) and the mattress doesn't go anywhere (because it's stuck to the surface).
          – Vilx-
          2 days ago










        • @chaslyfromUK - I can also see it working for parkour tricks where you slide on rails with nothing but your feet. Long jumps in skiing could be extended. You could probably invent new tricks for ball sports where you slide-crouch beneath an opponents grasp without losing any momentum.The triple jump would probably get a significant boost. I bet that martial arts could find a use for a sliding maneuver. Etc.
          – Vilx-
          2 days ago










        • @chaslyfromUK - Actually... just how quickly can a person go from not-levitating to levitating? In sports you need lightning-fast reflexes, can levitation fit into that? Or does it require at least a few moments of calmly gathering your mind focusing your willpower, and then slowly rising above the ground?
          – Vilx-
          2 days ago















        up vote
        2
        down vote













        OK the way I understand it is that levitating is like someone has put a thick invisible mattress beneath you. The downside of the mattress is sticky and sticks to whatever surface it's attached to. The top side is slippery like ice but it's where you're standing. The top side is also perfectly horizontal, hence no movement without propulsion. So far, not much violating of any physical laws (except the existence of the mattress itself).



        So the question is - what applications would benefit from you not touching the ground, although force is still applied to the ground?



        Well... I can immediately see applications in sports and entertainment (like ballet). That's cute but not exactly world changing.



        Hmm... how about firefighters? Would it be a great boon to be able to float over ground that is too hot to walk on otherwise? Come to think of it they already have thick boots, and if the floor is too hot even for that... But maybe there is some application there.



        One more idea - this could find use also in common everyday scenarios, like getting over big puddles or spills. Kids would use this while playing. Builders could use it to get over areas that should not be stepped on directly.



        Hmm... what about rescues on ice? How big of an area does the weight get distributed on? Maybe this can help rescuers to get closer to someone who has broken ice and fallen in water.






        share|improve this answer























        • Yes, I imagine it would make roller skating redundant. You could de-levitate to push off and levitate to glide.
          – chasly from UK
          2 days ago










        • P.S. The invisible horizontal slippery mattress is a good analogy for horizontal surfaces. However it doesn't deal correctly with slopes.
          – chasly from UK
          2 days ago












        • @chaslyfromUK - Huh? Then how do slopes work? As I understand the mattress sticks to the slope (so it doesn't move), but it's upside is horizontal (so the mattress itself takes a shape like a trapeze or a triangle or something). Then you don't go anywhere (because you're standing on a horizontal surface) and the mattress doesn't go anywhere (because it's stuck to the surface).
          – Vilx-
          2 days ago










        • @chaslyfromUK - I can also see it working for parkour tricks where you slide on rails with nothing but your feet. Long jumps in skiing could be extended. You could probably invent new tricks for ball sports where you slide-crouch beneath an opponents grasp without losing any momentum.The triple jump would probably get a significant boost. I bet that martial arts could find a use for a sliding maneuver. Etc.
          – Vilx-
          2 days ago










        • @chaslyfromUK - Actually... just how quickly can a person go from not-levitating to levitating? In sports you need lightning-fast reflexes, can levitation fit into that? Or does it require at least a few moments of calmly gathering your mind focusing your willpower, and then slowly rising above the ground?
          – Vilx-
          2 days ago













        up vote
        2
        down vote










        up vote
        2
        down vote









        OK the way I understand it is that levitating is like someone has put a thick invisible mattress beneath you. The downside of the mattress is sticky and sticks to whatever surface it's attached to. The top side is slippery like ice but it's where you're standing. The top side is also perfectly horizontal, hence no movement without propulsion. So far, not much violating of any physical laws (except the existence of the mattress itself).



        So the question is - what applications would benefit from you not touching the ground, although force is still applied to the ground?



        Well... I can immediately see applications in sports and entertainment (like ballet). That's cute but not exactly world changing.



        Hmm... how about firefighters? Would it be a great boon to be able to float over ground that is too hot to walk on otherwise? Come to think of it they already have thick boots, and if the floor is too hot even for that... But maybe there is some application there.



        One more idea - this could find use also in common everyday scenarios, like getting over big puddles or spills. Kids would use this while playing. Builders could use it to get over areas that should not be stepped on directly.



        Hmm... what about rescues on ice? How big of an area does the weight get distributed on? Maybe this can help rescuers to get closer to someone who has broken ice and fallen in water.






        share|improve this answer














        OK the way I understand it is that levitating is like someone has put a thick invisible mattress beneath you. The downside of the mattress is sticky and sticks to whatever surface it's attached to. The top side is slippery like ice but it's where you're standing. The top side is also perfectly horizontal, hence no movement without propulsion. So far, not much violating of any physical laws (except the existence of the mattress itself).



        So the question is - what applications would benefit from you not touching the ground, although force is still applied to the ground?



        Well... I can immediately see applications in sports and entertainment (like ballet). That's cute but not exactly world changing.



        Hmm... how about firefighters? Would it be a great boon to be able to float over ground that is too hot to walk on otherwise? Come to think of it they already have thick boots, and if the floor is too hot even for that... But maybe there is some application there.



        One more idea - this could find use also in common everyday scenarios, like getting over big puddles or spills. Kids would use this while playing. Builders could use it to get over areas that should not be stepped on directly.



        Hmm... what about rescues on ice? How big of an area does the weight get distributed on? Maybe this can help rescuers to get closer to someone who has broken ice and fallen in water.







        share|improve this answer














        share|improve this answer



        share|improve this answer








        edited 2 days ago

























        answered 2 days ago









        Vilx-

        1315




        1315












        • Yes, I imagine it would make roller skating redundant. You could de-levitate to push off and levitate to glide.
          – chasly from UK
          2 days ago










        • P.S. The invisible horizontal slippery mattress is a good analogy for horizontal surfaces. However it doesn't deal correctly with slopes.
          – chasly from UK
          2 days ago












        • @chaslyfromUK - Huh? Then how do slopes work? As I understand the mattress sticks to the slope (so it doesn't move), but it's upside is horizontal (so the mattress itself takes a shape like a trapeze or a triangle or something). Then you don't go anywhere (because you're standing on a horizontal surface) and the mattress doesn't go anywhere (because it's stuck to the surface).
          – Vilx-
          2 days ago










        • @chaslyfromUK - I can also see it working for parkour tricks where you slide on rails with nothing but your feet. Long jumps in skiing could be extended. You could probably invent new tricks for ball sports where you slide-crouch beneath an opponents grasp without losing any momentum.The triple jump would probably get a significant boost. I bet that martial arts could find a use for a sliding maneuver. Etc.
          – Vilx-
          2 days ago










        • @chaslyfromUK - Actually... just how quickly can a person go from not-levitating to levitating? In sports you need lightning-fast reflexes, can levitation fit into that? Or does it require at least a few moments of calmly gathering your mind focusing your willpower, and then slowly rising above the ground?
          – Vilx-
          2 days ago


















        • Yes, I imagine it would make roller skating redundant. You could de-levitate to push off and levitate to glide.
          – chasly from UK
          2 days ago










        • P.S. The invisible horizontal slippery mattress is a good analogy for horizontal surfaces. However it doesn't deal correctly with slopes.
          – chasly from UK
          2 days ago












        • @chaslyfromUK - Huh? Then how do slopes work? As I understand the mattress sticks to the slope (so it doesn't move), but it's upside is horizontal (so the mattress itself takes a shape like a trapeze or a triangle or something). Then you don't go anywhere (because you're standing on a horizontal surface) and the mattress doesn't go anywhere (because it's stuck to the surface).
          – Vilx-
          2 days ago










        • @chaslyfromUK - I can also see it working for parkour tricks where you slide on rails with nothing but your feet. Long jumps in skiing could be extended. You could probably invent new tricks for ball sports where you slide-crouch beneath an opponents grasp without losing any momentum.The triple jump would probably get a significant boost. I bet that martial arts could find a use for a sliding maneuver. Etc.
          – Vilx-
          2 days ago










        • @chaslyfromUK - Actually... just how quickly can a person go from not-levitating to levitating? In sports you need lightning-fast reflexes, can levitation fit into that? Or does it require at least a few moments of calmly gathering your mind focusing your willpower, and then slowly rising above the ground?
          – Vilx-
          2 days ago
















        Yes, I imagine it would make roller skating redundant. You could de-levitate to push off and levitate to glide.
        – chasly from UK
        2 days ago




        Yes, I imagine it would make roller skating redundant. You could de-levitate to push off and levitate to glide.
        – chasly from UK
        2 days ago












        P.S. The invisible horizontal slippery mattress is a good analogy for horizontal surfaces. However it doesn't deal correctly with slopes.
        – chasly from UK
        2 days ago






        P.S. The invisible horizontal slippery mattress is a good analogy for horizontal surfaces. However it doesn't deal correctly with slopes.
        – chasly from UK
        2 days ago














        @chaslyfromUK - Huh? Then how do slopes work? As I understand the mattress sticks to the slope (so it doesn't move), but it's upside is horizontal (so the mattress itself takes a shape like a trapeze or a triangle or something). Then you don't go anywhere (because you're standing on a horizontal surface) and the mattress doesn't go anywhere (because it's stuck to the surface).
        – Vilx-
        2 days ago




        @chaslyfromUK - Huh? Then how do slopes work? As I understand the mattress sticks to the slope (so it doesn't move), but it's upside is horizontal (so the mattress itself takes a shape like a trapeze or a triangle or something). Then you don't go anywhere (because you're standing on a horizontal surface) and the mattress doesn't go anywhere (because it's stuck to the surface).
        – Vilx-
        2 days ago












        @chaslyfromUK - I can also see it working for parkour tricks where you slide on rails with nothing but your feet. Long jumps in skiing could be extended. You could probably invent new tricks for ball sports where you slide-crouch beneath an opponents grasp without losing any momentum.The triple jump would probably get a significant boost. I bet that martial arts could find a use for a sliding maneuver. Etc.
        – Vilx-
        2 days ago




        @chaslyfromUK - I can also see it working for parkour tricks where you slide on rails with nothing but your feet. Long jumps in skiing could be extended. You could probably invent new tricks for ball sports where you slide-crouch beneath an opponents grasp without losing any momentum.The triple jump would probably get a significant boost. I bet that martial arts could find a use for a sliding maneuver. Etc.
        – Vilx-
        2 days ago












        @chaslyfromUK - Actually... just how quickly can a person go from not-levitating to levitating? In sports you need lightning-fast reflexes, can levitation fit into that? Or does it require at least a few moments of calmly gathering your mind focusing your willpower, and then slowly rising above the ground?
        – Vilx-
        2 days ago




        @chaslyfromUK - Actually... just how quickly can a person go from not-levitating to levitating? In sports you need lightning-fast reflexes, can levitation fit into that? Or does it require at least a few moments of calmly gathering your mind focusing your willpower, and then slowly rising above the ground?
        – Vilx-
        2 days ago










        up vote
        2
        down vote













        Levitation without upwards motion.



        H = WP/M implies that energy is spent only once a mass is off the ground. A much more common application would be to reduce the weight of walking individuals while leaving them on the ground. A 250 pound person who effectively weighed 60 pounds would be very fast. Walking would become possible for people with weak legs who were effectively paraplegic at their normal weight. Morbidly obese persons or those with bad arthritis could get around much easier.



        Even easier, one could levitate select parts of the body for improved appearance and cosmetic effect. This would otherwise require either plastic surgery or special garments.






        share|improve this answer





















        • I can't quite get my head around this. There may be an ingenious invention in here somewhere. Certainly someone who is paraplegic could levitate but the problem of moving sideways would have to be tackled. The problem is, the instant you lose contact with the ground you are confronted with zero lateral friction. As for cosmetics, no-one has so far managed to selectively levitate a part of their body. Perhaps one day it will be possible. However the frown lines from the concentration needed might be worse than the improvement!
          – chasly from UK
          yesterday










        • P.S. Actually some light is dawning. I think you're onto something. Can you suggest some simple apparatus using present-day technology in addition to levitation (and fitting in with the physics) that would allow such people to walk. I think I can but it was your idea.
          – chasly from UK
          yesterday












        • Re paraplegics - this scheme would work for persons who had some residual function in their legs - adequate to push off the ground but not adequate to resist gravity or stabilize their weight. Re selective levitation of parts of the body - many, many persons use a special (under)garment for this every day. Really, a lot of people, in the real world. You will figure it out. Re simple apparatus - I am curious to read what you have devised!
          – Willk
          yesterday















        up vote
        2
        down vote













        Levitation without upwards motion.



        H = WP/M implies that energy is spent only once a mass is off the ground. A much more common application would be to reduce the weight of walking individuals while leaving them on the ground. A 250 pound person who effectively weighed 60 pounds would be very fast. Walking would become possible for people with weak legs who were effectively paraplegic at their normal weight. Morbidly obese persons or those with bad arthritis could get around much easier.



        Even easier, one could levitate select parts of the body for improved appearance and cosmetic effect. This would otherwise require either plastic surgery or special garments.






        share|improve this answer





















        • I can't quite get my head around this. There may be an ingenious invention in here somewhere. Certainly someone who is paraplegic could levitate but the problem of moving sideways would have to be tackled. The problem is, the instant you lose contact with the ground you are confronted with zero lateral friction. As for cosmetics, no-one has so far managed to selectively levitate a part of their body. Perhaps one day it will be possible. However the frown lines from the concentration needed might be worse than the improvement!
          – chasly from UK
          yesterday










        • P.S. Actually some light is dawning. I think you're onto something. Can you suggest some simple apparatus using present-day technology in addition to levitation (and fitting in with the physics) that would allow such people to walk. I think I can but it was your idea.
          – chasly from UK
          yesterday












        • Re paraplegics - this scheme would work for persons who had some residual function in their legs - adequate to push off the ground but not adequate to resist gravity or stabilize their weight. Re selective levitation of parts of the body - many, many persons use a special (under)garment for this every day. Really, a lot of people, in the real world. You will figure it out. Re simple apparatus - I am curious to read what you have devised!
          – Willk
          yesterday













        up vote
        2
        down vote










        up vote
        2
        down vote









        Levitation without upwards motion.



        H = WP/M implies that energy is spent only once a mass is off the ground. A much more common application would be to reduce the weight of walking individuals while leaving them on the ground. A 250 pound person who effectively weighed 60 pounds would be very fast. Walking would become possible for people with weak legs who were effectively paraplegic at their normal weight. Morbidly obese persons or those with bad arthritis could get around much easier.



        Even easier, one could levitate select parts of the body for improved appearance and cosmetic effect. This would otherwise require either plastic surgery or special garments.






        share|improve this answer












        Levitation without upwards motion.



        H = WP/M implies that energy is spent only once a mass is off the ground. A much more common application would be to reduce the weight of walking individuals while leaving them on the ground. A 250 pound person who effectively weighed 60 pounds would be very fast. Walking would become possible for people with weak legs who were effectively paraplegic at their normal weight. Morbidly obese persons or those with bad arthritis could get around much easier.



        Even easier, one could levitate select parts of the body for improved appearance and cosmetic effect. This would otherwise require either plastic surgery or special garments.







        share|improve this answer












        share|improve this answer



        share|improve this answer










        answered 2 days ago









        Willk

        96.8k25187409




        96.8k25187409












        • I can't quite get my head around this. There may be an ingenious invention in here somewhere. Certainly someone who is paraplegic could levitate but the problem of moving sideways would have to be tackled. The problem is, the instant you lose contact with the ground you are confronted with zero lateral friction. As for cosmetics, no-one has so far managed to selectively levitate a part of their body. Perhaps one day it will be possible. However the frown lines from the concentration needed might be worse than the improvement!
          – chasly from UK
          yesterday










        • P.S. Actually some light is dawning. I think you're onto something. Can you suggest some simple apparatus using present-day technology in addition to levitation (and fitting in with the physics) that would allow such people to walk. I think I can but it was your idea.
          – chasly from UK
          yesterday












        • Re paraplegics - this scheme would work for persons who had some residual function in their legs - adequate to push off the ground but not adequate to resist gravity or stabilize their weight. Re selective levitation of parts of the body - many, many persons use a special (under)garment for this every day. Really, a lot of people, in the real world. You will figure it out. Re simple apparatus - I am curious to read what you have devised!
          – Willk
          yesterday


















        • I can't quite get my head around this. There may be an ingenious invention in here somewhere. Certainly someone who is paraplegic could levitate but the problem of moving sideways would have to be tackled. The problem is, the instant you lose contact with the ground you are confronted with zero lateral friction. As for cosmetics, no-one has so far managed to selectively levitate a part of their body. Perhaps one day it will be possible. However the frown lines from the concentration needed might be worse than the improvement!
          – chasly from UK
          yesterday










        • P.S. Actually some light is dawning. I think you're onto something. Can you suggest some simple apparatus using present-day technology in addition to levitation (and fitting in with the physics) that would allow such people to walk. I think I can but it was your idea.
          – chasly from UK
          yesterday












        • Re paraplegics - this scheme would work for persons who had some residual function in their legs - adequate to push off the ground but not adequate to resist gravity or stabilize their weight. Re selective levitation of parts of the body - many, many persons use a special (under)garment for this every day. Really, a lot of people, in the real world. You will figure it out. Re simple apparatus - I am curious to read what you have devised!
          – Willk
          yesterday
















        I can't quite get my head around this. There may be an ingenious invention in here somewhere. Certainly someone who is paraplegic could levitate but the problem of moving sideways would have to be tackled. The problem is, the instant you lose contact with the ground you are confronted with zero lateral friction. As for cosmetics, no-one has so far managed to selectively levitate a part of their body. Perhaps one day it will be possible. However the frown lines from the concentration needed might be worse than the improvement!
        – chasly from UK
        yesterday




        I can't quite get my head around this. There may be an ingenious invention in here somewhere. Certainly someone who is paraplegic could levitate but the problem of moving sideways would have to be tackled. The problem is, the instant you lose contact with the ground you are confronted with zero lateral friction. As for cosmetics, no-one has so far managed to selectively levitate a part of their body. Perhaps one day it will be possible. However the frown lines from the concentration needed might be worse than the improvement!
        – chasly from UK
        yesterday












        P.S. Actually some light is dawning. I think you're onto something. Can you suggest some simple apparatus using present-day technology in addition to levitation (and fitting in with the physics) that would allow such people to walk. I think I can but it was your idea.
        – chasly from UK
        yesterday






        P.S. Actually some light is dawning. I think you're onto something. Can you suggest some simple apparatus using present-day technology in addition to levitation (and fitting in with the physics) that would allow such people to walk. I think I can but it was your idea.
        – chasly from UK
        yesterday














        Re paraplegics - this scheme would work for persons who had some residual function in their legs - adequate to push off the ground but not adequate to resist gravity or stabilize their weight. Re selective levitation of parts of the body - many, many persons use a special (under)garment for this every day. Really, a lot of people, in the real world. You will figure it out. Re simple apparatus - I am curious to read what you have devised!
        – Willk
        yesterday




        Re paraplegics - this scheme would work for persons who had some residual function in their legs - adequate to push off the ground but not adequate to resist gravity or stabilize their weight. Re selective levitation of parts of the body - many, many persons use a special (under)garment for this every day. Really, a lot of people, in the real world. You will figure it out. Re simple apparatus - I am curious to read what you have devised!
        – Willk
        yesterday










        up vote
        2
        down vote













        A rather more domestic option - laying carpet or painting or washing floors. These tasks are often a hassle when you have to ensure that you work towards the exit or box yourself in. Potentially much easier when you just levitate out.






        share|improve this answer

























          up vote
          2
          down vote













          A rather more domestic option - laying carpet or painting or washing floors. These tasks are often a hassle when you have to ensure that you work towards the exit or box yourself in. Potentially much easier when you just levitate out.






          share|improve this answer























            up vote
            2
            down vote










            up vote
            2
            down vote









            A rather more domestic option - laying carpet or painting or washing floors. These tasks are often a hassle when you have to ensure that you work towards the exit or box yourself in. Potentially much easier when you just levitate out.






            share|improve this answer












            A rather more domestic option - laying carpet or painting or washing floors. These tasks are often a hassle when you have to ensure that you work towards the exit or box yourself in. Potentially much easier when you just levitate out.







            share|improve this answer












            share|improve this answer



            share|improve this answer










            answered yesterday









            Alchymist

            21913




            21913






















                up vote
                1
                down vote













                Fantastic intercourse.



                That would be the overwhelming advantage.



                Also, if it's possible to do this form of levitation in your sleep, you could finally avoid the discomfort of beds - wrinkles pressing in to you, never being comfortable, etc.



                New forms of dance.



                The society in question would pioneer fantastical forms of low-altitude dance.






                share|improve this answer

























                  up vote
                  1
                  down vote













                  Fantastic intercourse.



                  That would be the overwhelming advantage.



                  Also, if it's possible to do this form of levitation in your sleep, you could finally avoid the discomfort of beds - wrinkles pressing in to you, never being comfortable, etc.



                  New forms of dance.



                  The society in question would pioneer fantastical forms of low-altitude dance.






                  share|improve this answer























                    up vote
                    1
                    down vote










                    up vote
                    1
                    down vote









                    Fantastic intercourse.



                    That would be the overwhelming advantage.



                    Also, if it's possible to do this form of levitation in your sleep, you could finally avoid the discomfort of beds - wrinkles pressing in to you, never being comfortable, etc.



                    New forms of dance.



                    The society in question would pioneer fantastical forms of low-altitude dance.






                    share|improve this answer












                    Fantastic intercourse.



                    That would be the overwhelming advantage.



                    Also, if it's possible to do this form of levitation in your sleep, you could finally avoid the discomfort of beds - wrinkles pressing in to you, never being comfortable, etc.



                    New forms of dance.



                    The society in question would pioneer fantastical forms of low-altitude dance.







                    share|improve this answer












                    share|improve this answer



                    share|improve this answer










                    answered yesterday









                    Fattie

                    61337




                    61337






















                        up vote
                        0
                        down vote













                        Could you levitate over water? possible uses for coastal indigenous culture who was adept at would be for advanced fishing and hunting.



                        In a more technological culture, you could use it to avoid detection by pressure pad traps.






                        share|improve this answer








                        New contributor




                        Slowfanz is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
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                          up vote
                          0
                          down vote













                          Could you levitate over water? possible uses for coastal indigenous culture who was adept at would be for advanced fishing and hunting.



                          In a more technological culture, you could use it to avoid detection by pressure pad traps.






                          share|improve this answer








                          New contributor




                          Slowfanz is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
                          Check out our Code of Conduct.




















                            up vote
                            0
                            down vote










                            up vote
                            0
                            down vote









                            Could you levitate over water? possible uses for coastal indigenous culture who was adept at would be for advanced fishing and hunting.



                            In a more technological culture, you could use it to avoid detection by pressure pad traps.






                            share|improve this answer








                            New contributor




                            Slowfanz is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
                            Check out our Code of Conduct.









                            Could you levitate over water? possible uses for coastal indigenous culture who was adept at would be for advanced fishing and hunting.



                            In a more technological culture, you could use it to avoid detection by pressure pad traps.







                            share|improve this answer








                            New contributor




                            Slowfanz is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
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                            share|improve this answer



                            share|improve this answer






                            New contributor




                            Slowfanz is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
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                            answered yesterday









                            Slowfanz

                            23129




                            23129




                            New contributor




                            Slowfanz is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
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                            New contributor





                            Slowfanz is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
                            Check out our Code of Conduct.






                            Slowfanz is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
                            Check out our Code of Conduct.

















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