In a world obsessed with aerial drones, this new system could fly in under the radar and revolutionize shipping, delivering goods automatically via unmanned vehicles using magnetic wave propulsion through subterranean tubes. We are used to transporting liquids in bulk below ground – including water, waste and fuel – at its simplest, this system proposes doing something similar with solids, but the effects could revolutionize supply chains locally and globally.

Like pneumatic tubes or underground trains of the digital age, the UK-based MOLE system is automated and secure from one end to the other, able to carry two pallets and tap into paths for existing underground transit and service infrastructure. Costs of this system are estimated to be as little as 10% of traditional above-ground shipping methods, and the pallet-based system makes the approach compatible with other intermodal systems including freight shipping containers.

The company boasts the potential of the system on green as well as efficiency fronts, including low energy usage and environmental impact as well as 24/7 unmanned operations, automatic loading and unloading. There are also subtler benefits, like reducing road congestion on the streets above.

MOLE has also already run a series of tests and is aiming to first deploy in the realm of industrial shipping, helping mines and factories connect raw and finished materials with target buyers and refiners. Eventually, the goal is to create smaller business-to-business connections on a commercial scale.

From from MOLE: “Mole Solutions is currently developing cost-effective, safe and environmentally friendly underground freight pipelines for solid cargoes. The system is designed to integrate with existing supply chains and transfer some of the high volume of products that travels by road into capsules running in pipelines laid beside or under existing and planned transport infrastructure.”

Chains are seldom used for any higher purpose than securing a bike against a railing, except in these cases, where artists have used their imaginations and metalworking skill to come up with incredibly creative pieces of urban art. These are some of the best examples of chain art you’ll find:

(Images via santamonicacloseup, odt, metalwokswanaka, godzilla8james, metropolismag, puddinspictures)

Giant sculptures don’t have to be carved out of stone, or sculpted out of giant chunks of ore. Enter the chain sculpture; a cleverly folded and supported sculpture that expresses an easily recognizable shape with aesthetic force, but using one of the most mundane mediums around.

(Images via 4culture, oaktownart, 4culture, boweryboogie, psfk, 4culture)

Some artists like to accentuate the beauty in everyday urban landscapes, and these chainlink murals are a great example. Close inspection reveals a simple method, but this urban version of pointilism looks increasingly defined as one gains distance from the subject.

(Images via trendland, hotbrandclub, makezine, somethinbeautfiul)

The most mundane accessories and household items can be manufactured out of repurposed chains from bikes or industrial purposes. I can’t say I approve of its use as a fashion statement (at least in the case of pants), but you have to give these fashionistas credit for stepping outside the mainstream.

(Images via dallaspridgenjewelry, candycranks, tenthousandvillages, singletracks, jewelsfile, resourcerevival)

Recycling is always a good decision, and these cool pieces of jewelry mix the elegant with the industrial, creating something that will catch the eye of anyone who passes by.

(Images via thedesignblog, northernforgemetalart, hoffmann-tische, oneofakindantiques, studiogblog, hi.baidu)

There’s a surprising amount of furniture inspired by, or created with, chains. Urban living definitely mixes well with these styles, as they reflect the aesthetic of the street, albeit in a much more refined fashion.

(Images via techeblog, artpropelled)

Chainlink fences are some of the most boring aspects of living in a city, and these examples showcase some great ways that they can become an artistic fixture rather than simply an obstacle and eyesore.

(Images via mailleartisans, makezine, heapsgood, flickriver, nowathome)

Chains have their spot in art exhibits, as a fast and easy symbol for urban culture, and less abstractly, as a versatile medium that gives the appearance of being both fluid and strong.