For several months now, the world has been waiting for the invention that would forever change the way we live. Codenamed "Ginger" the device was shrouded in mystery and all details were fiercely guarded. Monday saw the first introduction of "Ginger" to the public.
Dean Kamen, the New Hampshire entrepreneur who invented a plastic kidney dialysis machine and a wheelchair that climbs stairs and stands on two wheels, faced the press and revealed the details of his invention.
So, will the device, noe renamed "Segway HT" allow the hungry to be fed? Will it offer better ways of sharing natural resources amongst all people? No but the commuter who has $3,000 will be able to get a more comfortable ride to work, without harming the environment.
"The Segway HT is an enhancement to personal mobility that will allow people to make better use of their time," said Dean Kamen, Segway's chairman & CEO and the man with the technological vision behind the human transporter. "Ultimately, the Segway HT can make urban environments more livable by providing a solution to short-distance travel. If the Segway HT is widely adopted, it could help solve major urban problems, such as pollution, congestion and livability."
The company will produce three distinct models: the i-series optimizes range and speed across a variety of terrain; the e-series is designed for business applications where it is necessary to carry cargo - up to 75 pounds in addition to the rider; the p-series will be ideal for densely populated areas, both indoors and out. The Segway HT's footprint is narrower than the average adult's shoulders and its length is no greater than a large shoe. And it's quiet?designed to emit only a barely audible harmonic hum.
Segway HT will first be introduced for commercial use. Initial applications include large scale manufacturing plants and warehousing operations, travel and tourism, public safety, corporate and campus transportation, mail, package and product delivery. Consumer availability is planned for late 2002.
A full flash animated introduction to the Segway is available from the download section.
Kamen's team developed a breakthrough technology the company has termed "Dynamic Stabilization," which is the essence of the Segway HT. Dynamic Stabilization enables Segway's self-balancing emulation to work seamlessly with the body's movements. Gyroscopes and tilt sensors in the Segway HT monitor a user's center of gravity about 100 times a second. When a person leans slightly forward, the Segway HT moves forward. When leaning back, the Segway HT moves back.
The Vision
"With over 80 percent of the world's population soon to be living in urban areas, we believe that the Segway HT can, over time, play a vital role in these areas." said Kamen. "In the past, every major advance in powered transportation technology has involved ways of going long distances faster from the horse and buggy to the car to the airplane. The Segway HT, on the other hand, addresses the problem of moving people and products relatively short distances more efficiently? a few miles rather than from town to town using very little energy in the process.
