The University of Galway has developed a gravity-defying magnetic suspension system at its Power Electronics centre. The system allows an object of up to two pounds to hover in mid-air.

The prestigious Ngee Ann College in Singapore has adopted the process, after an Irish delegation visited there three weeks ago.

The system is expected to have significant practical applications in many industries, according to Dr Ger Hurley, of the University's active Power Electronics Research Centre.

"This development is an important one in that the principal of magnetic suspension or levitation is used in high speed MAGLEV trains, in frictionless bearing and in contactless aerodynamic testing of aircraft parts," Dr Hurley said.

The Singapore scientists are more interested in the educational benefits of the new system, as it has many features that explain the fundamentals of electronic engineering. Now the Power Electronics centre has a contract to make at least six more of these systems worth about £10,000 in total.

The magnetic suspension system was developed in collaboration with Convertec Ltd based in Wexford.