Independence Technology's new iBOT 4000
By Ryan Block 
posted Aug 4th 2005 7:40AM
posted Aug 4th 2005 7:40AM
We're not entirely sure how instrumental the father of the Segway was in this, the latest model of his iBOT personal mobility system, but we do know for sure that Dean Kamen's infamous wheelchair that can climbs stairs and balance itself at eye-level now has a few new creature features. Like, among other things, a newly lowered seat which comes in rehab and automotive versions, and a more efficient, quieter motor. Where the dubs option though, yo?
I think Dean Kamen had a pretty big role in this one. At his FIRST robotics tournaments, he used to unveil his new inventions. He showed us the predecessor to this model about six years ago. We were thoroughly impressed but I had not heard any updates on it...until now. Thanks!
Now, will it "change the way cities are built?"
Sigh... this is what he built BEFORE the segway. Disney used to have a demo of it at EPCOT back in '99. This thing has been around forever.
Anybody know why this device is perscription only? I mean, for the sake of discussion, how is this very different from a Segway, except that the person is seated? (Of course, it's also much more expensive...)
I'm in a chair and I am pretty sure its perscription for the sake of insurance purposes. See if my chair was able to be had without a perscription, then medicaid would not pay for it. Nor would some other private insurance companies. The whole health industry is pretty screwy, but whatever, it isnt going to change any time soon.
wheelchairs can be purchased without a prescription, for cash, at your own expense. so insurance will not foot the bill. but they are NOT legend products which the FDA regulates require a prescription. those types of products would includes Tens units, oxygen concentrators, cpaps, nebulizers, etc.
The iBOT must go through the rigerous FDA testing in order for it to be released as a safe MEDICAL machine. That is why it has been so long since the iBOT was initially unveiled, and why it IS different from the Segway.
And if you ever get to stop by my hometown, swing by DEKA headquarters. Its a friggin awesome place; I was lucky enough to receive a guided tour by Charlie Grinnel.
What makes the iBOT "infamous", as the blob says? Where's the bad reputation? What makes it notorious? How can a device that helps the disabled be "infamous"? The only negative comment regarding this device I've ever heard is the cost ($26,100). As someone with progressive MS, I am seriously considering this as my primary way to get around.
Hey Jeff, I think the author's description is in regard to the whole Dean Kamen universe and primarily the Segway, (which was meant to totally change the world). But though the Segway might be a just a glorified scooter, Kamen's inventions have been revolutionary. This iBOT, for example, will be the most important device yet for the many people who will benefit from it. I think the "infamous" description can be attributed to the witty and sarcastic writing of Ryan Block. And not for a moment do I believe that he is anything but impressed, no matter how he spins it.
This thing is a lawsuit waiting to happen, all you need is one user with one fall. Remember unlike the Segway, the user of this device is "UNCAPABLE" of picking themself up if they fall. I can see property owners banding this device already. If I own a building, I will need them to sign weavers reliefing me from any responsibility from any injury using this device on my property.
While the intention is good, but so is giving medical advise to anyone and if they die, you WILL hear from them. Did he even know he lives in the world capital of sue?
Can't he just invent a 30 hr laptop battery? or a 60" LCD HDTV that only cost $1000 or something.
Rocket punch, I have yet to hear a report on anyone falling off, or out of the chair. When in the chair the wheels turn around on each other. So if the chair ultimately fails, it would just fall back down to it's original form, a regular electric wheel chair.
And being apart of FIRST, Dean likes to help people. Helping is a good thing
Engadget really needs to stop with the faux-homie crap. Some people pull it off. Engadget really doesn't.
"if they die, you WILL hear from them"
- LOL... sorry i know what you meant but that was just funny. voices from beyond the graaaaaaave....
We live in a world of capitalism, where everyone's out for a quick buck. What does that mean? Everything is a lawsuit waiting to happen.
Example:
Inventing a 30 hour laptop battery. It blows up in your face and burns your house down. Lawsuit.
Inventing a 60" LCD HDTV. Good, but then it falls off the wall and crushes your legs. Lawsuit.
At least the creation of a wheelchair of this sort will at least help people (like me, who is in a wheelchair and hates elevators). How is a 30 hour laptop battery going to help people? A 60" LCD HDTV? It won't - just make your life better, which is what the promise of this chair will do for those of us with disabilities ;)
WOW...ha ha ha! Man if only you guys know 10% of what I know about insurance and lawsuits, you wouldn't be saying this. You don't hear stupid lawsuits (like falling off wheelchairs) in the media is 99% got settled before any of those go public, cause the insurance company knows if they go public there will be many many many copycat cases. find any finger in your burger lately??
A long battery life, IMO, is great way to help people with electric wheelchairs. But designing a wheelchair that does acrobats on stairs is not one of them.
You will not believe how much people pay to insure themselves from being sue form stupid lawsuits.
By the way, if you hang a 60" LCD TV up. You should hire someone that A) knows how to do it and B) have insurance. The really worst case is if you hang that 60" LCD yourself and if it falls and if it knocks a lamp down and cause a fire that burns your house down and the fire spread to the next house. You will have someone's ass to hand to your insurance company and not yours. Things like this will and did happened many many times.
Good luck to you all who thinks good intentions will never lead to evil consequences. Otherwise, you can keep giving health advices and giving out one of those harmless pain killer when your co-worker ask for one.