Abstract: This project presents the design and development of a magnetic levitation (maglev) vehicle system that demonstrates contactless floating and electromagnetic propulsion using low-cost, accessible materials. The track consists of a 1 to 1.5 feet long linear arrangement of neodymium magnets embedded in a wooden or plastic base, providing a strong magnetic field for levitation. The vehicle is constructed from lightweight foam board, with four neodymium magnets attached to its underside arranged in a configuration that creates repulsive force against the track magnets, causing the vehicle to float approximately 2-5 mm above the track surface. The vehicle carries a NodeMCU microcontroller (ESP8266-based), a 4.2V lithium-ion battery (single cell), two electronic speed controllers (ESCs), and two sets of copper armature coils. The NodeMCU hosts a direct web page that users connect to via Wi-Fi, eliminating the need for an external router or internet connection. From this web page, the user sends control commands (forward, stop, reverse) to the NodeMCU. Upon receiving a forward command, the NodeMCU activates the coils, which are placed strategically above the track. When energized, these copper armature coils generate an electromagnetic field that interacts with the permanent magnets on the vehicle, producing a Lorentz force that propels the vehicle along the track. Two ESCs independently control the two coil sets, allowing for directional control and speed variation. The system is powered entirely by the onboard 4.2V Li-ion battery, which supplies the NodeMCU, ESCs, and coils. This project provides an educational, low-cost, and visually engaging demonstration of maglev principles, electromagnetic propulsion, and IoT-based web control.

Downloads: | DOI: 10.17148/IJIREEICE.2026.14544