Human Transporter?

Nnamdi Onyeyiri

it uses some form of gyro technology to stabalise it, you only actually tilit your feet forward/backward slightly to make it move. but heres the website for it - you can view one of the demos. http://www.segway.com/[^]

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Sonork | 100.21142 | TheEclypse

Jamie Hale

There are about 6 microprocessors onboard controlling a ton of sensors and servos. It keeps your balance for you. I read a few articles a while back that said that it was very difficult to make yourself lose balance. Cool but out of my price range. :) J

May the bear never have cause to eat you.

Tim Smith

Back when they came out, I was VERY skeptical mainly because the hype was overshadowing any real honest look at the machines safety. I don't know of any serious cases of problems yet. It looks like it might be a good product. Tim Smith I'm going to patent thought. I have yet to see any prior art.

Michael A Barnhart

Jamie Hale wrote: There are about 6 microprocessors onboard controlling a ton of sensors and servos. And that is the real cost. Well, I guess this is a prize suggestion for Chris. "I will find a new sig someday."

Jon Sagara

I saw an article about how the USPS was investigating usage of the Segway for delivery routes. I suppose it could be useful, but you'd still need a truck to haul around all the mail. Jon Sagara Working with a database is iterative, like sex, but painful instead of pleasurable. -- Marc Clifton[^]

Lost User

Not that bloody Segway thing? ha ha. Apart from looking like a RIGHT TIT whilst "driving" one, they've already been banned from use on pavements (sorry, "sidewalks") in some US cities. Great idea, but I don't think it'll catch on. Once pedestrians are knocked flying and the law-suits arrive, it'll be assigned to the dustbin of history. And people claimed that "cities would be rebuilt" around this device. Sheesh. OK, I know this thing uses some pretty cool gyroscope technology, etc. but it seems to like a bloody expensive executive toy - a bit like those bloody mini-scooters that everyone HAD to own 18 months ago. Great until you realise that everyone is pointing and saying "Look at that tosser!". There was BRILLIANT episode of South Park all about a similar device - you have to see this episode to believe it (you control the transporter via a dildo shaped attachment that you stick up your backside... ha ha ha ha). On a more positive note, some US postal workers will be using them (if they're not already). Bet your average dog can outrun it though eh? he he he.

When I am king, you will be first against the wall.

Michael A Barnhart

Robert Edward Caldecott wrote: Apart from looking like a RIGHT TIT Come on, how do you really feel? The one usage I see (after looking over the vidio) is for handicapped. I know many who do not really need a wheelchair but do need powered assistance. This would help them and fit where larger items do not let them go. "I will find a new sig someday."

Ray Cassick

I saw them being tested at Disney Land (or Disney World, which ever one is in Fla.). They are cool and man can they moove.

Paul Watson wrote: "At the end of the day it is what you produce that counts, not how many doctorates you have on the wall."
George Carlin wrote: "Don't sweat the petty things, and don't pet the sweaty things."

Lost User

Hey, it's just my 2p. Shrug. $5K is a lot of cash to spend to look like a knob! :laugh:

When I am king, you will be first against the wall.

Arch Stanton

Seems to me that a third wheel off of the front with a hydraulic piston would be a better way to help balance than 6 microprocessors, and cheaper, too. ...or you could buy a cheap bicycle. E

David Wulff

Robert Edward Caldecott wrote: you control the transporter via a dildo shaped attachment that you stick up your backside... That was a seriously cool idea, but your mouth would dry out after a few minutes of using the oral attachment which would cause horrific friction burns. And I never could figure out how you are supposed to operate one fully clothed... :~

David Wulff http://www.davidwulff.co.uk "Apart from my kids, I have no sleeping problems" - Christian Graus

ColinDavies

The rider's weight must not exceed 250 pounds and Why the hell do they make something only for lightweights, its a form of discrimination. Regardz Colin J Davies

Sonork ID 100.9197:Colin

You are the intrepid one, always willing to leap into the fray! A serious character flaw, I might add, but entertaining. Said by Roger Wright about me.

Maximilien

Because if you're over 250, you REALLY need to walk! Max.

ColinDavies

Maximilien wrote: Because if you're over 250, you REALLY need to walk! Not always. I spend 15 -20 hrs a week working out in the Gym, Kite board, Surf, do rock climbing etc. And these guys set a limit on the weight the thing carries. Its a bit like the Japanese car makers who make girl sized cars. Regardz Colin J Davies

Sonork ID 100.9197:Colin

You are the intrepid one, always willing to leap into the fray! A serious character flaw, I might add, but entertaining. Said by Roger Wright about me.

l a u r e n

i mean lets face it lots of ppl manage to look like complete knobs for far less :laugh:

"traffic lights are for people who can't make their own decisions"
biz stuff about me

l a u r e n

do i hear "affirmative action" ??? *lauren ducks* :laugh:

"traffic lights are for people who can't make their own decisions"
biz stuff about me

Tom Archer

It's been used around the country in various test cases scenarios and worked extremely well. For example, here in Atlanta, a few were used by the police patrolling downtown. I don't see it ever being used by the masses, but in certain jobs (such as postal carriers) it's a godsend. Cheers, Tom Archer Author - Inside C#, Visual C++.NET Bible

Paul Watson

Michael A. Barnhart wrote: Human Transporter Weren't you disapointed though when Ginger was revealed as this Segway job, a glorified scooter? Yes admitedly it has some amazing technology in it, but it is not world changing or especially inventive.

Paul Watson
Bluegrass
Cape Town, South Africa

My photoSIG portfolio[^]

Michael A Barnhart

I do believe it is a godo example of how far technology has made it though. 10 to 15 miles on those little batteries is pretty impressive. And the contol system to keep you in balance must be done well to work. Yes it is $5K US but still now market able. With a few price drops what does this open up to at least some handicap that are now in wheelchairs. "I will find a new sig someday."

Paul Watson

Michael A. Barnhart wrote: I do believe it is a godo example of how far technology has made it though. 10 to 15 miles on those little batteries is pretty impressive. And the contol system to keep you in balance must be done well to work. Indeed I am suitably impressed by the technology. But the hype of Ginger would have you believe that within two months of it's release life would be radically changed, city centers transformed and McDonalds burgers would taste good. It was a big let down in idea terms. Technology wise the challenges they set and solved will be very useful for a lot of other things (new wheelchair systems as you mentioned.)

Paul Watson
Bluegrass
Cape Town, South Africa

My photoSIG portfolio[^]