New York -- Dean Kamen's long-awaited, secret invention, the Segway "will be to the car what the car was to the horse and buggy," he tells TIME on the eve of his product's unveiling.
Kamen imagines them everywhere: in parks and at Disneyland, on battlefields and factory floors, but especially on downtown sidewalks from Seattle to Shanghai. "Cars are great for going long distances," Kamen says, "but it makes no sense at all for people in cities to use a 4,000-lb. piece of metal to haul their 150-lb asses around town."
In the future he envisions, cars will be banished from urban centers to make room for millions of "empowered pedestrians" - empowered, naturally, by Kamen's brainchild, reports John Heilemann in next week's issue.
The invention is set to be unveiled Monday morning during ABC's GOOD MORNING AMERICA.
MORE
The Segway is a self-balancing people mover - powered by batteries and controlled by tilt-sensors and five solid state gyroscopes - that looks like a rotary lawnmower. The magic is in the balancing act ð no matter how hard you try, it won't let you fall.
For the past three months, Kamen allowed TIME behind the veil of secrecy as he and his team grappled with the questions that they will confront - about everything from safety and pricing to the challenges of launching a product with the country at war and the economy in recession.
There is no denying that the Segway, previously code-named "IT" and "Ginger," is an engineering marvel, reports Heilemann, who rode on the machine many times. Developed at a cost of more than $100 million, Kamenis vehicle is a complex bundle of hardware and software that mimics the human bodyis ability to maintain its balance. Not only does it have no brakes, but also no engine, no throttle, no gearshift, and no steering wheel. And it can carry the average rider for a full day, nonstop, on only five cents' worth of electricity.
Kamen explains how the Segway works: "When you walk, youire really in whatis called a controlled fall. You off-balance yourself, putting one foot in front of the other and falling onto them over and over again. In the same way, when you use a Segway, thereis a gyroscope that acts like your inner ear, a computer that acts like your brain, motors that act like your muscles, wheels that act like your feet. Suddenly, you feel like you have on a pair of magic sneakers, and instead of falling forward, you go sailing across the room."
As Kamen and his team were working on the IBOT wheelchair ð a six-wheel machine that goes up and down curbs, cruises effortlessly through sand or gravel, and climbs stairs - it dawned on them that they were onto something bigger. "We realized we could build a device using very similar technology that could impact how everybody gets around," he says. The IBOT was also the source of Gingeris mysterious codename. "Watching the IBOT, we used to say, ÈLook at that light, graceful robot, dancing up the stairsi
Oh well I didnt have much hope in that any way. Still cool. I would love to zip around on one! Ill buy one in 5 years for $600 and -40 lbs. And I don't think that is to far out there. Look at it, its in its infant stage.
We now also see why Jobs said the design sucks. Its takes its look from the "big wheel" series of transportation. )
[quote] If the Postal Service and FedEx deploy this for all their carriers, the company will be busy for the next five years just keeping up with that demand<hr></blockquote>
Somehow I don't see a FedEx delivery person carrying a truckload of packages on his back.
$3000 for that? Hmmmmm. Sure if you live in Florida or California that might work, but it gets cold half of the year where I live.
Andy Rooney did a little story once on 60 minutes about a scooter he bought. He rode it through the streets and overall it worked pretty good. I guess if you live in a metro city with expensive parking and you can't stand public transportation then maybe it's not a bad idea. But is IT revolutionary? Hell no!
Maybe not revolutionary for the short-sighted or those among us with retarded attention spans, but you'll take special care to notice the name of the thing: Segway.
For those of us not knowing what "segue" means, here is a definition: 'proceed to what follows without pause'
This is a (bear with me) segue to the future of urban transportation. . .
Hmmmm. A scooter that goes 12 MPH (max), and prevents you from falling. An interesting device. For $3000, it's too expensive for me, and definitely not as practical as a computer. In fact, I don't even know how I could use it.
First of all, I can't believe this guy is from New Hampshire.
It gets cold up here! Doesn't this guy see the ice and snow out the windows? They don't exactly have 'sidewalks' up here either unless you live in a larger city like Nashua, Manchester, or Concord.
On the other hand, if it had been something like the hovercraft device they were talking about, it would be a LOT more practical. Considering you would completely avoid the ground and could glide above the snow line, it would be much cooler.
I don't really want to bash the device without seeing it, but I'm just not sure what to think of it. Obviously, this has been a project of major hype and media attention, and we all had high hopes for IT.
I just don't know how this could benefit me, and considering that everyone was supposed to buy and own one, I don't see a reason to at all.
Well that thing is never going to make it in the UK for 1 big reason
It will be banned allmost instantly
As it is motorised (it has to be at least as fast as pedal bike to be any good) you will not be able to use it on the pavement (sidewalk). They have allready attempted to ban Microscooters, and people have been fined and there licences endorsed using powered scooters (Goped's) in pedestionised (no car) areas.
Mark my words some one using this will run into an old lady and it will be classed as a motor scooter. Requiring a Licence, insurance, the rider to wear a crash helmit, and it to be used on the road and not the pavement (sidewalk). Do you want to ride that thing in traffic?
<aside> Very clever people have lost 10000's of pounds before on the 'Future of personal transportation'<a href="http://www.sinclairc5.co.uk/"; target="_blank"></a>
This seems like an interesting invention, but can you imagine a down to earth person riding this? They would become the laughing stock of the office / school.
This is certainly a cool device. The more I think about it the more potential it has. It could conceivably reduce city conjestion. I don't think it would be much help in suburban areas, but as the population of the world becomes more urban (a trend that is speeding up apparently) it could really take off in terms of sales.
We will have to wait and see. It won't replace the car, but it may become VERY popular in cities as mentioned above for those who have short commutes. Its range is limited to 15 miles on a charge and it weighs 70lbs...so there are some limitations. Forget about hauling it up a flight of stairs....though that shoudln't be needed to much, I suppose. In suburbia, it could be used for very short trips to convenient store, etc.
Overall, I think it will be best for people that can replace their vehicle or subway ride with it.
Those who commute more than a few miles to work can't do that and even if it comes down in price to $3k...it will be a luxury for them .
tonton- It's not about the promise of the device in the future, it's the immediate limitations that have people upset. Can you imagine what would happen if people went into Manhattan and expected to use one of these things? Plus, what happens when there is snow or ice on the ground?
It's limitations like these and speed and weight issues that have people shrugging their shoulders.
<strong>tonton- It's not about the promise of the device in the future, it's the immediate limitations that have people upset. Can you imagine what would happen if people went into Manhattan and expected to use one of these things? Plus, what happens when there is snow or ice on the ground?
It's limitations like these and speed and weight issues that have people shrugging their shoulders.
Plus, you have to admit that its a little pricey.</strong><hr></blockquote>
What did the Newton cost when it came out? How about the 2100MP?
Which is more useful? (I know the answer from Fran before I even ask )
I'm surprised he didn't or doesn't go with a M-B or BMW co-branding option. Because for NOW, it is mostly for affluent, techno-geeks. Much like some fair-weathered toys with luxury brands.
Comments
New York -- Dean Kamen's long-awaited, secret invention, the Segway "will be to the car what the car was to the horse and buggy," he tells TIME on the eve of his product's unveiling.
Kamen imagines them everywhere: in parks and at Disneyland, on battlefields and factory floors, but especially on downtown sidewalks from Seattle to Shanghai. "Cars are great for going long distances," Kamen says, "but it makes no sense at all for people in cities to use a 4,000-lb. piece of metal to haul their 150-lb asses around town."
In the future he envisions, cars will be banished from urban centers to make room for millions of "empowered pedestrians" - empowered, naturally, by Kamen's brainchild, reports John Heilemann in next week's issue.
The invention is set to be unveiled Monday morning during ABC's GOOD MORNING AMERICA.
MORE
The Segway is a self-balancing people mover - powered by batteries and controlled by tilt-sensors and five solid state gyroscopes - that looks like a rotary lawnmower. The magic is in the balancing act ð no matter how hard you try, it won't let you fall.
For the past three months, Kamen allowed TIME behind the veil of secrecy as he and his team grappled with the questions that they will confront - about everything from safety and pricing to the challenges of launching a product with the country at war and the economy in recession.
There is no denying that the Segway, previously code-named "IT" and "Ginger," is an engineering marvel, reports Heilemann, who rode on the machine many times. Developed at a cost of more than $100 million, Kamenis vehicle is a complex bundle of hardware and software that mimics the human bodyis ability to maintain its balance. Not only does it have no brakes, but also no engine, no throttle, no gearshift, and no steering wheel. And it can carry the average rider for a full day, nonstop, on only five cents' worth of electricity.
Kamen explains how the Segway works: "When you walk, youire really in whatis called a controlled fall. You off-balance yourself, putting one foot in front of the other and falling onto them over and over again. In the same way, when you use a Segway, thereis a gyroscope that acts like your inner ear, a computer that acts like your brain, motors that act like your muscles, wheels that act like your feet. Suddenly, you feel like you have on a pair of magic sneakers, and instead of falling forward, you go sailing across the room."
As Kamen and his team were working on the IBOT wheelchair ð a six-wheel machine that goes up and down curbs, cruises effortlessly through sand or gravel, and climbs stairs - it dawned on them that they were onto something bigger. "We realized we could build a device using very similar technology that could impact how everybody gets around," he says. The IBOT was also the source of Gingeris mysterious codename. "Watching the IBOT, we used to say, ÈLook at that light, graceful robot, dancing up the stairsi
The <a href="http://appft1.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO2&Sect2=HITOFF&p=1&u=/netahtml/PTO/search-bool.html&r=4&f=G&l=50&co1=AND&d=PG01&s1=Kamen&OS= Kamen&RS=Kamen" target="_blank">patent application</a>.
[edit by Amorph: Fixed long URL]
[ 02-21-2002: Message edited by: Amorph ]</p>
<a href="http://www.time.com/time/business/article/0,8599,186660,00.html"; target="_blank">http://www.time.com/time/business/article/0,8599,186660,00.html</a>;
I'd rather have a nice G4 with Cinema Display.
Escher
Oh well I didnt have much hope in that any way. Still cool. I would love to zip around on one! Ill buy one in 5 years for $600 and -40 lbs. And I don't think that is to far out there. Look at it, its in its infant stage.
We now also see why Jobs said the design sucks. Its takes its look from the "big wheel" series of transportation. )
[ 12-02-2001: Message edited by: G Fresh ]</p>
Somehow I don't see a FedEx delivery person carrying a truckload of packages on his back.
Andy Rooney did a little story once on 60 minutes about a scooter he bought. He rode it through the streets and overall it worked pretty good. I guess if you live in a metro city with expensive parking and you can't stand public transportation then maybe it's not a bad idea. But is IT revolutionary? Hell no!
For those of us not knowing what "segue" means, here is a definition: 'proceed to what follows without pause'
This is a (bear with me) segue to the future of urban transportation. . .
"It doesn't solve all human problems, it sucks!"
First of all, I can't believe this guy is from New Hampshire.
It gets cold up here! Doesn't this guy see the ice and snow out the windows? They don't exactly have 'sidewalks' up here either unless you live in a larger city like Nashua, Manchester, or Concord.
On the other hand, if it had been something like the hovercraft device they were talking about, it would be a LOT more practical. Considering you would completely avoid the ground and could glide above the snow line, it would be much cooler.
I don't really want to bash the device without seeing it, but I'm just not sure what to think of it. Obviously, this has been a project of major hype and media attention, and we all had high hopes for IT.
I just don't know how this could benefit me, and considering that everyone was supposed to buy and own one, I don't see a reason to at all.
Anyone else as
It will be banned allmost instantly
As it is motorised (it has to be at least as fast as pedal bike to be any good) you will not be able to use it on the pavement (sidewalk). They have allready attempted to ban Microscooters, and people have been fined and there licences endorsed using powered scooters (Goped's) in pedestionised (no car) areas.
Mark my words some one using this will run into an old lady and it will be classed as a motor scooter. Requiring a Licence, insurance, the rider to wear a crash helmit, and it to be used on the road and not the pavement (sidewalk). Do you want to ride that thing in traffic?
<aside> Very clever people have lost 10000's of pounds before on the 'Future of personal transportation'<a href="http://www.sinclairc5.co.uk/"; target="_blank">
[ 12-03-2001: Message edited by: Mediaman ]</p>
<a href="http://www.time.com/time/business/article/0,8599,186660,00.html"; target="_blank">http://www.time.com/time/business/article/0,8599,186660,00.html</a>;
Seriously..
We will have to wait and see. It won't replace the car, but it may become VERY popular in cities as mentioned above for those who have short commutes. Its range is limited to 15 miles on a charge and it weighs 70lbs...so there are some limitations. Forget about hauling it up a flight of stairs....though that shoudln't be needed to much, I suppose. In suburbia, it could be used for very short trips to convenient store, etc.
Overall, I think it will be best for people that can replace their vehicle or subway ride with it.
Those who commute more than a few miles to work can't do that and even if it comes down in price to $3k...it will be a luxury for them .
Interesting. We'll see......
It's limitations like these and speed and weight issues that have people shrugging their shoulders.
Plus, you have to admit that its a little pricey.
<strong>tonton- It's not about the promise of the device in the future, it's the immediate limitations that have people upset. Can you imagine what would happen if people went into Manhattan and expected to use one of these things? Plus, what happens when there is snow or ice on the ground?
It's limitations like these and speed and weight issues that have people shrugging their shoulders.
Plus, you have to admit that its a little pricey.</strong><hr></blockquote>
What did the Newton cost when it came out? How about the 2100MP?
Which is more useful? (I know the answer from Fran before I even ask
I'm surprised he didn't or doesn't go with a M-B or BMW co-branding option. Because for NOW, it is mostly for affluent, techno-geeks. Much like some fair-weathered toys with luxury brands.
Hey! That kind of sums up the Newtons, too! :0
JRC