"It" Gets Around (Segway/Ginger)

ABC News ^ | 12/3/01 | Antonio Mora

[Orbiter]

And do I have to pay to pave a "Ginger" accessable route to my mailbox once the USPS buys this thing for their carriers and their union demands same?

[F3zz1k]

I see it this way, right now, this looks to be a cool toy. Do i see it changing the way cities are built, no not really. I dont think that you are gonna get to lug one onto a subway or through some ones nice office building, but hey I could be wrong. What I do see however, is that if this thing takes off, more of a demand for ramps instead of stairs, and more access to things via wheeled devices. Remember, this guy likes to build medical mobility devices such as wheel chairs. So anything that makes his other items better is a win for him. Not that hes doing a bad thing :)

[_Jim]

It's just another inherently unstable platform,

... and how many four-footed creatures inherit the earth?

Until it comes to man ... with his increased cranial capacity and uncanny ability to walk (nearly) upright on only two - without (usually) a second thought!

If *we* can do it - then today's microprocessors can do it just that much better (sans distractions, et al) ...

[_Jim]

I dont think that you are gonna get to lug one onto a subway or through some ones nice office building,

Thinking ... squarely ... within .. the ... box ... again ...

[_Jim]

What I do see however, is that if this thing takes off, more of a demand for ramps instead of stairs, and more access to things via wheeled devices.

Let me be the first to break it to ya - there are quite a few ramps out there already!

Think Americans with Disabilities Act ...

[redheadtoo]

I'm underwhelmed.

You took the words right out of my mouth.

[VaBthang4]

"Special forces are very interested and evaluating how it can be customized for troops"

Where did you get that?

[_Jim]

I can see lots of support-types on larger (even medium sized) corporate campuses using these - all kinds of facilities and other plant-support personnel who need to be mobile.

Time is money - and when time is spent simply walking these great distances - this could *easily* pay for itself ...

[BansheeBill]

The motorcycle seat and fiberglass accesories manufacturer, Corbin, has some alternative commuter type vehicles coming out like this:




The Sparrow Personal Transit Module (P.T.M.) is a single passenger vehicle designed specifically for commuters and innercity driving. Powered by thirteen 12 volt batteries, the Sparrow provides an effective range of 30 to 60 miles and a top speed of 70 mph. A vast percentage of commuters in the United States commute 18 miles or less to work daily and most do so alone.

Website HERE

For those with a little more "need for speed" they have a Harley engine powered roadster in the works:

[COL. FLAGG]

I agree. I think Segway will be a big long term success.

[VaBthang4]

What are you talking about?

The set of stairs to ramps ratio has got to be something like what 100/1?

Are you just a contrarian?

This thing is cool...no doubt the technology can be exploited by far brighter minds within industry and the Military, and Kamen will get paid.

But this is no revolutionary device. "to the car, what the car was to the buggy"?

Methinks thou doest protest too much.

[Jhensy]

I'm intrigued, but the dork factor is VERY high. Put it this way: That cute gal from the Dairy Queen ain't gonna be batting her eyelashes at you as you roll by, even if the collar on your leather jacket is turned up.

[spycatcher]

Time magazine reported it

[billbears]

I'll second that and I bet it can go faster than 15 MPH too. As for IT, I guess if I can't say something nice,.................

[VaBthang4]

Hmgph...

[lonevoice]

What?!? You think these guys look like dorks?!!? Well...um...maybe a little ;-D

[_Jim]

I can see that you haven't seen ANY of the bigger business/corporate compuses (sp?) that we've got around here ... NOT to mention some of the distances between buildings on those campii (sp?) whose buildings are not interconnected. Be it State parks, State or Veterans Administration hospitals or a corporate giant like Alcatel - I can see APPLICATIONS for those support personnel who are mobile on their feet a a gadd part of the day.

For the lone, sole individual living in a row, house - I don't see too much practical value (at present as the infrastructure exits in the way of sidewalks and pock-marked roads).

I can hardly wait to try one myself ...

[spycatcher]

From Time Mag:

"He entertained the Postmaster General, who was keen to put letter carriers on Segways, and the head of the National Parks Service, who wanted to do the same with park rangers and police. (Both are among Segway's first customers.) Kamen also stirred up interest at the Department of Defense, which was intrigued by the notion of giving Segways to special forces, and at Federal Express. But few other potential customers were allowed to pass through DEKA's tightly sealed doors."

[sam_paine]

Geez ... the answer is obvious - more control input 'til the loop error is once again within limits ....

Genius, I was referring to a "break" in the control loop such as when one of the wheels loses contact, or is unable to overcome an obstacle. Neither of which can be accounted for with any amount of feedback of any kind. I suppose if you meant screaming while you hit the pavement "more control input" then that's nice, but it won't save your teeth.

Bipedal running locomotion is much safer than planting your feet on a treadle at the same speed. If the bottom stops suddenly, so do your feet, and the angular velocity of your head will increase until it hits the street. Do the math.

[VaBthang4]

Nice...

I work for GE...our grounds are about as big as they get.

We have something for that already...motorized carts[that are cheaper and carry more occupants].

Yaawwnnn...

...and uh Spy Catcher...that time quote says the Department of Defense [who in the DOD] wanted to send them out to the SpecFor...not that Spec For was interested.