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Segway Seg-Link kit hits the FCC, injects dreams of PC-based transporter tinkering

Darren Murph — Wed, 18 Apr 2012 19:01:00 EST

Own a Segway? You're about to own something else, too. That "something else" is better known as the USB-enabled Seg-Link kit, a downright mysterious new product that has shown itself today tromping through the FCC's database. Details are exceedingly light, and even the user manual doesn't do a stellar job of explaining the device's true purpose; best we can tell, it'll enable Segway owners to connect their two-wheeled transporters to a PC. Beyond that, we're left to imagine a world of Dinan-like horsepower flashes, tinkering with compression calculations, adjusting gear ratios and implementing other tactics learned in one of the fourteen Fast & Furious films. We're guessing it'll be on sale in the US of A within a few months -- till then, feel free to drop your hypotheses on what it'll bring in comments below.

Segway Seg-Link kit hits the FCC, injects dreams of PC-based transporter tinkering originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 18 Apr 2012 19:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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S-Walker Electric Transporter hands-on (video)

Zach Honig — Sat, 03 Sep 2011 10:03:00 EST

In an IFA galaxy far far away lives the China Pavilion. And on the far side of the outer ring of the China Pavilion, buried amongst a plethora of steamers, curling irons, and television mounts, you may stumble upon the S-Walker -- though you're just as likely to miss it. And what might an S-Walker be? Well, if we're being precise, it's a "Speed-Walker, Sky-Walker, whatever," according to its German booth master. Luke would be proud. Lesser beings may recognize it as a KIRF Segway, designed in Germany and handmade in China, just a mere ten days ago. Its biggest strength lies in price -- the thing is expected to retail for €2,500 (about $3,550) sometime in the middle of next year. We suppose this yet-to-be-released electric transporter is here to serve warehouse workers, couriers, and the millions of college students who every day dream of zooming across campus atop a pair of motorized wheels, but simply couldn't justify spending an entire semester's tuition on a Segway.

We spent a few minutes riding the world's first (and only) functional S-Walker around the rather deserted International Hall, and while very much still a prototype, the battery powered contraption felt peppy enough and responded accurately to commands, moving forward as we leaned to the front, and backing up as we shifted weight to the rear. You control direction using a small handlebar-mounted joystick, rather than by leaning from side-to-side as you would on a Segway. The designers capped speed at 10 kilometers per hour for the IFA demo, but production models will be boosted to 30 km/h, and it's theoretically capable of reaching 100 km/h (but that'll likely require some potentially-illegal hacking on your part). Roll on past the break to see the S-Walker in action. And may the force be with you.

Gallery: S-Walker Electric Transporter hands-on

Continue reading S-Walker Electric Transporter hands-on (video)

S-Walker Electric Transporter hands-on (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 03 Sep 2011 10:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Audi A0 monocycle concept takes you for a jaunt around the park (video)

Joseph Volpe — Fri, 12 Aug 2011 19:49:00 EST

Segways can be tiring, what with all that required standing, but now even the laziest among us can enjoy the self-propelled fun with a sitdown solution. The Audi A0 concept, developed as a joint collaboration between Technische Universität München and Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, combines an electric motor with a single, hollow wheel for a self-stabilizing, tilt-controlled stroll. Cruising along at a maximum speed of up to 15 km/h (that's 9 mph to you Yanks), this leisure-minded monocycle isn't meant for rush hour commuting, but can be folded up to fit in your car's trunk for a casual ride around the great outdoors. Don't expect to get too far on that sightseeing trek though, as the cycle's battery only lasts for up to an hour. Curious to see this one-wheeler in motion? Then skip past the break for a full video demo.

[Thanks, Angel]

Continue reading Audi A0 monocycle concept takes you for a jaunt around the park (video)

Audi A0 monocycle concept takes you for a jaunt around the park (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 12 Aug 2011 19:49:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Wii Fit balance board hack takes a virtual Segway ride around Google's mapped world (video)

Joseph Volpe — Wed, 03 Aug 2011 10:49:00 EST

You can do a lot in seven hours -- fly coast-to-coast, slow-cook a pot roast, create a Google Maps-navigating, Wii Fit-controlled virtual Segway. Wait, what? Yes, that Nintendo-branded, dust-collecting relic of holidays past has been given a new lease on life thanks to an intrepid troop of Ivy-educated geeks, and a seven-hour hackathon. The marathon modding session, held by Stanford University's SVI Hackspace, banded together a like-minded set of overachieving modders to produce a balance board-guided Street View romp through Google Maps. The students' hack connects the Wii Fit board to OS X via the Osculator app, with a Node.js server processing the data and Socket.io handling board-to-browser communication. A Google Earth plug-in and pre-rendered Segway were all that was left to complete this foot-mapped joy ride through our digitized world. Video demo awaits you after the break.

Continue reading Wii Fit balance board hack takes a virtual Segway ride around Google's mapped world (video)

Wii Fit balance board hack takes a virtual Segway ride around Google's mapped world (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 03 Aug 2011 10:49:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Man builds DIY Segway for $434, begins casting 'Arrested Development' fan film (video)

Brian Heater — Tue, 26 Jul 2011 09:52:00 EST

This is Petter Forsberg. He's just like you or me, with one important difference: he built his own Segway for €300 ($434). Granted, it doesn't look quite as slick as Dean Kamen's off-the-shelf self-balancing electric vehicle, but if the videos are to be believed (and there are plenty of hi-def ones to choose from), the two-wheeler moves pretty well, particularly when spinning atop old stone structures or beneath a Swedish flag. Forsberg has a breakdown of the project over on his page, which you can find in the source link -- but be sure to check out the video below before heading over. It's not the first DIY Segway we've seen, but darn if it doesn't make us want to find some electric scooters to tear apart.

Continue reading Man builds DIY Segway for $434, begins casting 'Arrested Development' fan film (video)

Man builds DIY Segway for $434, begins casting 'Arrested Development' fan film (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 26 Jul 2011 09:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Tilto personal transporter looks like seated Segway, does donuts in Argentine parking lot

Zach Honig — Thu, 16 Jun 2011 17:42:00 EST

Remember how the Segway revolutionized personal transportation? Neither do we, but this Tilto single-person electric vehicle is really gonna go places. Like, around the parking lot -- "manos libres!" Named for the two-step maneuver you'll use to get going (tilt and go), the battery-powered Tilto can move forward, backwards, and sideways at its top speed of 20km/h (12 mph) without the need for pedals or a steering wheel. You'll be able to travel 15 km with each charge, but that should give you plenty of time to score a traffic ticket in the UK, or to roll a safe distance away from screaming fans after your next concert in Arizona. Tilto is little more than a "prototipo experimental" at this point, without a release date or any plans for production, but roll past the break to see how it works.

Continue reading Tilto personal transporter looks like seated Segway, does donuts in Argentine parking lot

Tilto personal transporter looks like seated Segway, does donuts in Argentine parking lot originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 16 Jun 2011 17:42:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Visualized: jousting on a Segway

Vlad Savov — Thu, 07 Apr 2011 13:26:00 EST

Remember the olden days? When honor and valor were the only things that mattered and vast metallic armor suits were less of a laughing matter and more of a practical necessity? Neither do we, but that doesn't stop us from enjoying a good video gaming romp through such settings when we have the time for it. We don't know that we'd necessarily care to reenact medieval battle scenes physically, but that's exactly what a witty new marketing campaign for Washington's Lottery has done. It asks simply "what have you and your friends always wanted to do" and then answers its own query with the nutty answer of Segway jousting. See the resulting video, which was partially shot in Phantom slow-mo, after the break.

Continue reading Visualized: jousting on a Segway

Visualized: jousting on a Segway originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 07 Apr 2011 13:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Solowheel self-balancing unicycle is as easy to ride as it is to afford (video)

Jacob Schulman — Tue, 15 Feb 2011 19:38:00 EST

If a company makes as bold a statement as "we reinvented the wheel" when introducing a gadget you know we've gotta check 'em out and see what the hubbub's about. Well, at the International Toy Fair in New York, Inventist has introduced its "Solowheel" product, which is essentially a self-balancing unicycle for personal mobility. We've seen similar products before, but the convenient carrying handle and lack of seat make it decidedly more portable than the competition. This $1,500 Segway-esque transporter uses gyroscopes to stay balanced, but places your legs on either side of a single central wheel. It's said to have a max speed of 12 miles per hour and a battery that should last for about 12 miles.

We tried out the interesting device and found it entertaining, albeit quite a bit difficult. Getting started is the hardest part -- especially if you don't have anything to lean against -- but maintaining balance and still trying to lean your body to turn takes quite a bit of practice as well. That's right, there are no physical steering controls whatsoever and instead you use your body weight to control direction and speed. We could barely get going in our brief attempts on the device, but the rep on the floor was more skilled and made us realize we really need to build up our street cred. The whole concept is really a bit wild, and the company envisions people using these to do things like get to the train instead of on a bicycle or in a cab. We're not quite sure your average person is ready to slim down to one wheel in life just yet, but maybe in the future they will be. Still, as a toy it's most definitely intriguing, and you can see our horrid attempts at riding it in the video posted after the break or hit the more coverage link for another video of more skilled riders in action.

Gallery: Solowheel self-balancing unicycle

Continue reading Solowheel self-balancing unicycle is as easy to ride as it is to afford (video)

Solowheel self-balancing unicycle is as easy to ride as it is to afford (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 15 Feb 2011 19:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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British man convicted for riding Segway on the sidewalk, can't ride on the street either

Michael Gorman — Wed, 19 Jan 2011 06:17:00 EST

The United Kingdom's Department for Transport passed regulations making Segways subject to road traffic laws four and a half years ago, which effectively banned their use on Britain's sidewalks. And now, after years of apparent non-enforcement, UK's Highway Act of 1835 has finally claimed its first Segway-riding victim. An unemployed factory worker was convicted of riding a motor vehicle on a "pavement", which apparently is another word for sidewalk in the Queen's English, and was ordered to pay a total of £340 ($540) when the court found that Segways qualify as motor vehicles under the 176 year-old law. Given that Segways don't meet the safety standards required to be legally used on UK roads, it looks like Brits who own Woz's preferred mode of transport are exclusively limited to tooling around on private property lest they risk similar governmental retribution.

British man convicted for riding Segway on the sidewalk, can't ride on the street either originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 19 Jan 2011 06:17:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Inhabitat's Week in Green: sexy green cars, glass strong as steel, and Tianjin's Eco-City revealed

Inhabitat — Sun, 16 Jan 2011 20:45:00 EST

Each week our friends at Inhabitat recap the week's most interesting green developments and clean tech news for us -- it's the Week in Green.

This week Inhabitat brought you unveilings of the world's hottest new eco vehicles as we hit the floor of the Detroit Auto Show and rounded up the seven sexiest green cars on display. We also took a first look at Toyota's new Tesla-infused RAV4, and we caught up with Venturi's powerhouse electric concept car. And if unconventional transportation spins your wheels, don't miss the shape shifting Uno 3 electric scooter and this masterfully-crafted Tron segway that could out-geek a lightcycle.

We also looked at several groundbreaking building systems that stand to make our cities stronger and more sustainable, starting with a new type of flexible superglass that is stronger than steel. Meanwhile, Sweden is soaking up body heat from public places to help heat buildings, China unveiled plans for a futuristic eco city, and several offices in Minnesota flipped on a set of souped-up ceiling lights capable of broadcasting wireless internet.

In other news, the world of renewable energy is jolting for joy as Southwest Wind Power unveiled the world's first fully smart grid-enabled windturbine. We also checked out a new ultracapacitor that can charge a power drill in 60 seconds, and researchers are working on energy-generating fabrics that can transform your t-shirt into a power plant. Finally, this week we wrapped up our CES coverage with a look at the best green gadgets from this year's show, and we flexed our creative capacity with 5 tech projects for kids that foster creativity and critical thinking.

Inhabitat's Week in Green: sexy green cars, glass strong as steel, and Tianjin's Eco-City revealed originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 16 Jan 2011 20:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Segway Inc. owner rides over cliff to his death

Vlad Savov — Mon, 27 Sep 2010 08:20:00 EST

UK businessman Jimi Heselden, the man who believed in the Segway so much that he went ahead and bought the company, has died after reportedly driving a ruggedized version of the scooter off a cliff and into a river. He was found early on Sunday morning in the River Wharfe, having earlier been touring his estate in the personal transporter. The cause of the accident is not yet known. Mr. Heselden was 62 years old and, true to our geeky hearts, generated his fortune by coming up with an innovative design for wire cage walls that has since become standard equipment for NATO, American, and British forces. Our thoughts are with the good gent's family, and please, behave yourselves in comments.

[Thanks, David]

Segway Inc. owner rides over cliff to his death originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 27 Sep 2010 08:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ewee-PT is how you say 'Segway' in German (video)

Vlad Savov — Thu, 29 Jul 2010 12:43:00 EST

Billed as "the Segway's little sister," this self-balancing electro scooter comes from a small German company called Ewee. The idea behind it is pretty simple: file down all the extraneous bits, keep the stuff that keeps you going, and presumably try to sell it to hardy macho types who like the barebones aesthetic. You accelerate by leaning forward and decelerate by doing the opposite, while steering is handled by a joystick (apparently "driving pleasure is gauranteed"). We're not sure how much trust we're willing to invest in either the company or its product, but exclusive retailer fun-components does have it ready for pre-order today, so if you're feeling adventurous with your €799 ($1,039), feel free to pay their site a visit. The rest of us are going after the break to watch the video.

Continue reading Ewee-PT is how you say 'Segway' in German (video)

Ewee-PT is how you say 'Segway' in German (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 29 Jul 2010 12:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Justin Bieber attempts daring Segway escape from mob of screaming tweens

Laura June — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 14:27:00 EST

Yes, you've undoubtedly heard about the YouTube sensation-turned-teen-heartthrob Justin Bieber's ability to attract mobs of screaming teenaged girls wherever he goes, but you've probably never seen a scene quite like this one. In the video, Biebs tries to make his getaway from the mob on a Segway, renowned only for its ability to send women screaming away from you. It's worth a few viewings, we assure you -- the video is below.

Continue reading Justin Bieber attempts daring Segway escape from mob of screaming tweens

Justin Bieber attempts daring Segway escape from mob of screaming tweens originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 27 Jul 2010 14:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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iPhone 4 launch day line watch (update: Woz in action)

Vlad Savov — Thu, 24 Jun 2010 11:36:00 EST

From the London store

Welcome to the latest installment of our annual tradition: the iPhone launch day queue experience in pictorial form. London's getting the party started early (not as early as some, admittedly) with a sizable crowd turning the corner from the Apple Store at Regent Street, but we'll keep this post updated with imagery from all over the place. Wouldn't mind if you helped us out with a few of your own pics, either. You know where to send them in by now, and once you've done that, feel free to slide past the break to see how everyone else is doing it.

Update: Now with reports from San Francisco!

Update 2: NY joins the fray!

Update 3: We added some of the more interesting reader-submitted stories.

Update 4: Reports from Palo Alto and San Jose, California!

Update 5: London's doors have swung open and we're now busy activating our brand new Apple phones.

Update 6: Woz and his Segway make their regular appearance at the San Jose Valley Fair Apple Store.

Update 7: We're adding a bunch of reader reports. Even as Apple opens its doors to pre-orderers in the US, the lines remain crazy.

Update 8: Apple serving fries in Chicago!

Update 9: We've added our London video that was intended for the latest Engadget Show. Enjoy!

Continue reading iPhone 4 launch day line watch (update: Woz in action)

iPhone 4 launch day line watch (update: Woz in action) originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 24 Jun 2010 11:36:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Segway i2 suffers ultimate indignity at the hands of Colorware (video)

Vlad Savov — Wed, 23 Jun 2010 10:04:00 EST

How does a niche repainting outfit like Colorware grow? By literally growing the size of things it deals with, apparently. As of today, Colorware will adjust the hues of your Segway i2 any which way you like for an entirely unaffordable $1,500. If you didn't have the foresight to buy one of these personal transporters before, you can have a brand new one, replete with your personalized paintjob, for $7,500. And good news for non-Americans: the latter option is available internationally too! See this beautiful freak moving and grooving in scarlet red just after the break.

Continue reading Segway i2 suffers ultimate indignity at the hands of Colorware (video)

Segway i2 suffers ultimate indignity at the hands of Colorware (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 23 Jun 2010 10:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Segway RMP bots used for sniper target practice, other nefarious deeds (video)

Tim Stevens — Thu, 08 Apr 2010 09:41:00 EST

Are your snipers bored of the same old stationary, predictable cardboard targets? What they need is disconcertingly realistic acting robotic ones! The Australian Defense Force and Marathon Robotics took a number of two-wheeled RMP 200 Segway robots, placed hoodie-clad foam dummies on top, armored the bottoms, and then programmed them to wander randomly around a small village. A sniper perched up on a hill then picks off his target and, like magic, the remaining robots all scatter automatically in a game way more fun than Modern Warfare could ever hope to be. There's a video of that after the break, along with an RMP 400 doing some sweet jumps off-road, even roaring up stairs. The YouTube channel at the source link has plenty more Segway demos, some new and some old, so if you have some time to kill today you know where to click.

[Thanks, Mark E.]

Continue reading Segway RMP bots used for sniper target practice, other nefarious deeds (video)

Segway RMP bots used for sniper target practice, other nefarious deeds (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 08 Apr 2010 09:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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First 3G iPad sighted in the wild, Steve Wozniak plays it cool by riding a Segway (video)

Vlad Savov — Sat, 03 Apr 2010 08:44:00 EST

Loyal reader Parth Dhebar is keeping us updated on happenings in the San Jose Valley Fair Apple Store this morning, and earlier laptop signings from the Woz have escalated into an impromptu Segway demo courtesy of the eccentric Apple Inc founder. Where he got the personal transporter from, we don't know, why he's riding it around and doing his best Paul Blart impersonation is not important, what matters is that we've got video of Steve Wozniak on a Segway and it's right after the break. We're also told an iPad has emerged out of the ether for the Woz-man and his fellow early bird queuers to have a tantalizing play around with -- presumably thanks to Apple Store employees treating their patriarch like they should. The perks of being in the right place at the right time, eh?

[Thanks, Parth]

Update: That's a 3G iPad old Steve is playing around with! Look at the plastic up top. We'll do our usual digging to try and find out how that wily superhero managed to get his mitts on a device that's a good few weeks away from release.

Update 2: We've got video of the 3G iPad running Netflix. An Apple engineer apparently walked through the queue with it, it didn't come out of Steve's magical trenchcoat pocket.

Update 3: Interested in seeing Woz grab his iPad, sign a few hundred others, and then ride off into the sunset on his Segway? Gallery's just below.

Gallery: Steve Wozniak, a Segway, and an iPad

Continue reading First 3G iPad sighted in the wild, Steve Wozniak plays it cool by riding a Segway (video)

First 3G iPad sighted in the wild, Steve Wozniak plays it cool by riding a Segway (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 03 Apr 2010 08:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Taurus concept adds a touch of bullish masculinity to personal transportation

Vlad Savov — Fri, 26 Mar 2010 05:52:00 EST

Ah, the old electric two-wheeler, a dream of so many ecologically conscious geeks and yet never popular enough to achieve its Gaia-saving objective. Enter designer Eric Lanuza, with his own spin on the idea, who brings in a few exciting curves straight from the world of motorbikes, but keeps the self-balancing antics of the concept's progenitor. Setting aside the cute toro theme, we reckon the addition of a seat will be one of the biggest differences, since -- though they may not be wiling to admit it -- most people don't consider something a vehicle unless they can sit in or on it. Hit the source for a photo gallery, though we'd advise against holding out any hopes for this making it past the concept drawing board.

Taurus concept adds a touch of bullish masculinity to personal transportation originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 26 Mar 2010 05:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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GM's two-seater EN-V concept makes 'urban mobility' hip again

Darren Murph — Wed, 24 Mar 2010 11:43:00 EST

We'll confess -- the Segway did a lot of damage to urban mobility as a whole, but General Motors (of all companies) might have just mended a wound we thought un-mendable. Unveiling today in Shanghai, the two-seater EN-V concept is a play on last year's altogether riveting (albeit forgotten) P.U.M.A., and yes, it seems as if some of those design cues have worked their way into this one as well. The Electric Networked-Vehicle was engineered to "alleviate concerns surrounding traffic congestion, parking availability, air quality and affordability for tomorrow's cities," and they're also fully capable of transforming this place we call Earth into a next-generation Epcot. A trio of designs made their debut -- Jiao (Pride), Miao (Magic) and Xiao (Laugh) -- and we're told that twin electric motors and "dynamic stabilization technology" allow 'em to turn on a dime and operate autonomously (!) using integrated GPS. The Li-ion batteries can be juiced from a conventional wall outlet, and the expected range is around 40 kilometers on a single charge. Best of all? There's built in wireless of some sort, enabling your fellow EN-V owner-friends to keep track of your late-night escapades if you so allow. We know -- you'd buy one of each if these were available today, but mum's the word on when (or if) they'll ever hit the production line; meanwhile, expect something called a "Malibu" to remain in the product pipeline for the better part of next decade.

Gallery: GM EN-V urban mobility concept vehicle

GM's two-seater EN-V concept makes 'urban mobility' hip again originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 24 Mar 2010 11:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Segway Inc. confirms merger with UK-based firm

Donald Melanson — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 13:01:00 EST

Well, it looks like those initial rumblings about a big shake-up at Segway were right on the mark, as Segway Inc. has now come out and confirmed that it has been acquired by a UK-based firm backed by Hesco Bastion Chairman and Segway UK investor Jimi Heselden (previously reported to be JWH Holdings). Not surprisingly, it isn't offering much in the way of details, but it did say that it has also received funding that will "support the continued growth of the company." Head on past the break for the complete statement.

Continue reading Segway Inc. confirms merger with UK-based firm

Segway Inc. confirms merger with UK-based firm originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 14 Jan 2010 13:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Segway Inc. bought by Segway UK?

Donald Melanson — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 17:35:00 EST

This one has been flying under the radar for the past day or so, but talk is starting to heat up on some forums that Segway Inc. has effectively been bought out by one of its own dealerships. That initial word seems to have come from a Segway Inc. shareholder, who says he recently received a stockholder letter informing him that Segway Inc. would be "merging" with JWH Holdings, which is apparently a company formed by Segway UK simply for the purpose of this merger. What's more, while the deal is apparently being called a merger, the letter itself reportedly confirms that it's more of a complete buyout, with current CEO Jim Norrod supposedly set to be replaced by Tricia Laidler, and Segway UK's Wayne Mitchell stepping up to be the new COO. Still nothing in the way of official statements from either party just yet, but we'll let you know as soon as we hear anything one way or the other.

[Thanks, Ed J]

Segway Inc. bought by Segway UK? originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 13 Jan 2010 17:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nissan and AIST partner up to make foot-sized Segway shoes, enable first tracks all year

Tim Stevens — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 07:20:00 EST

For the northern half of the world it's almost ski season, and thus a curious time to debut a pair of devices that allow skiing in the summertime. Nevertheless Nissan and Japan's National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology are introducing this pair of two-wheeled, self-balancing devices. Lace up your fresh New Balance kicks, grab onto the handlebars, then hop on to go for a ride. Each one detects weight shifts and motors itself in the direction you want to go -- or at least the direction you're leaning. They don't look particularly stable nor safe, but they could enable some sweet concrete hot doggin' in the summertime -- and some sick splits if you don't have your snowplow perfected.

Filed under: Robots, Transportation

Nissan and AIST partner up to make foot-sized Segway shoes, enable first tracks all year originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 27 Oct 2009 07:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Honda's U3-X Personal Mobility Device is the Segway of unicycles

Paul Miller — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 00:27:00 EST

Yeah, we've seen a self-balancing unicycle before, but the brand new U3-X from Honda takes it to another level. A creepy-sterile, awesomely futuristic Honda level, to be precise. What makes the U3-X particularly interesting is it has the regular large wheel of a unicycle, but that wheel is actually made up of several small wheels in a series, which can rotate independently, meaning that the device can go forward, backward, side-to-side and diagonally, all being controlled with a simple lean. Honda credits its ASIMO research for this multi-directional capability, though we're not sure we see it -- ASIMO is biped, after all -- but far be it from us to discredit an excuse to keep up the good work on the ASIMO front. Right now the "experimental model" of the U3-X gets a single hour of battery and weighs under 22 pounds, with a seat and foot rests that fold into the device for extra portability. No word of course on when the thing might make it to market, but Honda plans to show it off next month at the Tokyo Motor Show. A devastatingly short video of the U3-X in action is after the break.

Continue reading Honda's U3-X Personal Mobility Device is the Segway of unicycles

Filed under: Transportation

Honda's U3-X Personal Mobility Device is the Segway of unicycles originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 24 Sep 2009 00:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Segway rolls its way into Nintendo's Wii Fit Plus

Donald Melanson — Tue, 02 Jun 2009 14:08:00 EST

The Wii Fit Plus game may not be bringing any new hardware with it, but it looks like there's a few surprises in the game itself, not the least of which a new Segway mini-game that's been developed in partnership with Segway itself. As you can no doubt guess, that'll make use of the Wii Balance Board and Wii Remote to simulate what it's like to ride on a Segway, with none of the embarrassment or potential pitfalls associated with actually riding one in public. Amazingly, however, they look to have passed up the opportunity for a Segway Polo game and instead opted for a simple balloon-popping game that also involves a "mole-like creature."

Filed under: Gaming

Segway rolls its way into Nintendo's Wii Fit Plus originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 02 Jun 2009 14:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: Steampunk Segway ditches electric motor for the sake of authenticity

Darren Murph — Sun, 19 Apr 2009 23:42:00 EST

Wouldn't be caught dead on an honest-to-goodness Segway? How's about this creature? The Legway, an appropriately dubbed steampunk'd Segway, ditches the electric motor in favor of Fred Flintstone-esque motoring techniques, and it also relies almost entirely on recycled materials. The crazy part? Its creator even took the time to hand craft a step-by-step guide to building your own, which undoubtedly foreshadows the real human transporter revolution. Unfortunately, there seems to be no word on whether this thing will also reverse in unstoppable fashion when you least expect it, so stay sharp out there. Vid's after the break, and it's absolutely hilarious.

[Via AutoblogGreen]

Continue reading Video: Steampunk Segway ditches electric motor for the sake of authenticity

Filed under: Transportation

Video: Steampunk Segway ditches electric motor for the sake of authenticity originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 19 Apr 2009 23:42:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Exmovere's Chariot returns on video, might actually be real

Paul Miller — Thu, 16 Apr 2009 10:10:00 EST

Well, the base might be ripped right from the Showbots, but Exmovere Holdings doesn't seem to be totally kidding about its "Chariot" wearable transportation device. There's a new video up that demonstrates its use, with a character akin to the Summer Heights High guy at the helm ("I'm a little early," "He's stuck in traffic, you know. I just took my own way here, so I had no problems..."). If you can get past his slightly annoying implementation of the Chariot, it's not hard to see the benefits of a device like this over a wheelchair -- if it pans out, that is. Our theory is that Exmovere is using this gaudy Showbots platform as a jumping off point, adding in accessibility features, working on additional functionality (like sitting) and hopefully tweaking the looks before it goes to market. Hit up the read link for the video.

[Thanks, Joshua]

Filed under: Transportation, Wearables

Exmovere's Chariot returns on video, might actually be real originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 16 Apr 2009 10:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Engadget's wild ride in the P.U.M.A.

Paul Miller — Tue, 07 Apr 2009 14:05:00 EST

Against all odds, GM and Segway let us inside their precious P.U.M.A. prototype, and we went for a quick jaunt down 18th St. We couldn't drive it, unfortunately, but there was plenty of action to be had from the passenger side. Starting from a rest on four wheels -- the main powered wheels and the front two "safety" wheels; we never touched the back two to the ground -- the contraption shoves itself up onto two wheels quite gracefully, with the passenger compartment moving slightly independently from the wheelbase and floor. It was a bit odd, but not at all unpleasant, and we were soon zipping down the road. Since the P.U.M.A. is self-balancing, we felt way less force when accelerating and decelerating than we would in a car, since our body was being "leaned" into it instead of pulled along. Turning on a dime is quite fun as well, and we could see this thing making itself quite at home on city streets. While it remains to be seen if GM and Segway can commercialize this in time, and for the right price, we're fairly enamored -- at least it's something different, and it's already twice as interesting as Segway ever managed to be.

Camera work and moral support courtesy of Autoblog Green's Sebastian Blanco.

Gallery: Engadget's wild ride in the P.U.M.A.

Continue reading Engadget's wild ride in the P.U.M.A.

Filed under: Transportation

Engadget's wild ride in the P.U.M.A. originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 07 Apr 2009 14:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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GM and Segway's P.U.M.A. makes its stage debut (with video!)

Paul Miller — Tue, 07 Apr 2009 11:06:00 EST

We just lived, breathed and experienced GM and Segway's joint press conference, where they "unveiled" the P.U.M.A. one more time for effect. Larry Burns and Jim Norrod from GM and Segway, respectively, talked up what they each brought to the table, and described the vehicle's inception as a partnership.

Segway obviously brought the two-wheel mojo, and seems responsible for most of what's being shown at the moment. As opposed to the Segway's tilt-and-cringe system of navigation, the P.U.M.A. has a more regular steering wheel, but while they're currently demonstrating it with Segway-style acceleration, they plan on swapping that for "Nintendo-style" buttons behind the wheel for acceleration and braking. For GM's part, they plan to integrate its "connected vehicles" technologies to improve safety and efficiency -- and we might not see P.U.M.A. on the road until they can pull it off. The car will not only communicate with other cars and with GPS, but will sense and stop for pedestrians. They plan to show a connected version that will be available for test drives by Real Actual Humans this coming fall, and then next year will come the scariest of all unveilings: GM styling. Right now this is just a chassis, GM plans on slapping on all sorts of "fashionable" candy shells, and if the incredibly unrealistic and "futuristic" renders we saw are any indication (see the gallery below), we'd really rather do without.

The biggest obstacle to commercialization, however, is the lack of infrastructure: P.U.M.A. in its current incarnation is designed for for bike lanes, and the first cities to get it will be ones with existing, comprehensive bike lanes -- not as much of an obstacle in Europe, but quite the stretch for most American cities. Still, the mathematics are quite alluring, with a 35 mile range at 35 mph for a 35 cent charge -- even us mouth-breathing Statesiders can understand that.

Update: We added a video after the break, along with a couple outdoor shots in the gallery. The thing really does look and operate like a two-person, sit-down, Woz-free Segway. You have been warned.

Gallery: GM and Segway's P.U.M.A. makes its stage debut

Continue reading GM and Segway's P.U.M.A. makes its stage debut (with video!)

Filed under: Transportation

GM and Segway's P.U.M.A. makes its stage debut (with video!) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 07 Apr 2009 11:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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GM and Segway's P.U.M.A. unveiled and no, this isn't a joke

Ross Miller — Tue, 07 Apr 2009 01:21:00 EST

GM and Segway's joint venture is probably best described as a rickshaw without all the charm. The self-balancing Personal Urban Mobility and Accessibility Project (P.U.M.A.) can reach top speeds of 35 MPH, has a lithium battery that lasts up to 35 miles with a single charge, and features vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) communication for potentially reducing the number of accidents. No word on when or if this'll actually go into production but it's expected to be priced at just 25% that of a regular automobile. Hit up the read link for more pics, including a concept model that's just a teensy bit more reasonable. We'll be at the launch event tomorrow to see it for ourselves and make sure it's not all some bizarre dream.

Filed under: Transportation

GM and Segway's P.U.M.A. unveiled and no, this isn't a joke originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 07 Apr 2009 01:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Cajun Crawler swaps Segway wheels for Theo Jansen's creepy leg mechanism

Paul Miller — Mon, 16 Mar 2009 12:33:00 EST

If the Segway's current movement mechanism and cast of characters astride them wasn't keeping you up at night, the Cajun Crawler should seal the deal. Based on the work of kinetic sculptor Theo Jansen, the Cajun Crawler holds up a Segway-style platform with a scary collection of steampunk-like mechanical legs, which can scurry across a floor with surprising agility. The project was built by a team of folks at the University of Louisiana, who do not know the meaning of fear. Video is after the break.

[Via Nowhere Else]

Continue reading Cajun Crawler swaps Segway wheels for Theo Jansen's creepy leg mechanism

Filed under: Transportation

Cajun Crawler swaps Segway wheels for Theo Jansen's creepy leg mechanism originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 16 Mar 2009 12:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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August House of Chanel designs Segway, for real

Laura June — Fri, 20 Feb 2009 16:03:00 EST

The Vivienne Tam-designed Mini 1000 was a cute foray of high fashion into the uber-geeky tech world, but not necessarily completely out of left field. Well, this one is. The word that Chanel has designed a Segway comes as a horrifying surprise to all of us. There's not too much information floating around about this one yet, so we have no idea how many they're making or what they're going to cost (the Ferrari model runs about $12,000), but we know they won't be cheap. Looking good never is...

[Via Born Rich, thanks Jody]

Filed under: Transportation

August House of Chanel designs Segway, for real originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 20 Feb 2009 16:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Dean Kamen wrestles with decision: should he quit the Segway?

Darren Murph — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 17:51:00 EST

It's something that any hard-nosed entrepreneur likely deals with when their invention / startup is on the edge of fail: should they simply throw in the towel, or forge ahead like no one's looking? The father of the Segway, Dean Kamen, is also wrestling with that question. In a recent interview, he stated: "You end up lying there saying, 'I'm not stopping. It would be an act of shallow cowardice. Or you decide to quit and you say, 'This is one of those ideas that just isn't going to work.' " He also noted that "it's not nearly as glamorous as people think to keep working on something and to keep hitting roadblocks and to keep going." On one hand, we could definitely see the rug being pulled from the two-wheeled transporter that never revolutionized public movement, but considering all the days in which it has lifted our spirits, do we really want it to?

[Image courtesy of SimplyMoving]

Filed under: Transportation

Dean Kamen wrestles with decision: should he quit the Segway? originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 12 Jan 2009 17:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Crapgadget CES, round 9: pimped Segway KIRF

Nilay Patel — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 09:32:00 EST

Four wheels, custom rims, a fold-out DVD player, and a metallic paint job? Eat your heart out, Woz. Couple more after the break.

Continue reading Crapgadget CES, round 9: pimped Segway KIRF

Filed under: Misc. Gadgets, Transportation

Crapgadget CES, round 9: pimped Segway KIRF originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 12 Jan 2009 09:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Man improves, adds a dose of trademark infringement to single-wheeled skateboard concept

Tim Stevens — Fri, 02 Jan 2009 09:45:00 EST

Did you like the idea of Ben Smither's single-wheeled, self-balancing scooter but wished the thing looked a little less... utilitarian? Check out John Dingley's one wheeled self-balancing skateboard project, aka "The No Snowboard," aka "The Hot Wheel." It was inspired by Smither's earlier creation and likewise relies on a single go cart racing slick in the center spun by a (slightly more powerful) 420W electric motor, but adds a lovely wooden surface and racing decals to the top, improving the look immensely. The rider leans in either direction to get the thing going (as demonstrated in motion below) and the slight curvature of the tire allows for turning just like you would with a normal skateboard. Right now maximum speed is a somewhat pedestrian 7 mph, but Dingley estimates that a Segway-matching 12 mph is possible with better gearing. We can't wait for the inevitable self-balancing scooter racing series.

[Via Instructables]

Continue reading Man improves, adds a dose of trademark infringement to single-wheeled skateboard concept

Filed under: Transportation

Man improves, adds a dose of trademark infringement to single-wheeled skateboard concept originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 02 Jan 2009 09:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Miniature "balancing" robot is sad, hilarious

Paul Miller — Sat, 16 Aug 2008 22:50:00 EST

What could possibly provide us more joy and mirth than a Segway? How about a Segway-inspired bot that fails spectacularly on a consistent basis? The tech in play here is quite simple, and the fact it can stand as long as it does being that top heavy is actually pretty surprising. The best news? Hit the read link for a guide to making your very own fail bot at home. It's fun for the whole family.

[Via technabob]

Continue reading Miniature "balancing" robot is sad, hilarious

Filed under: Robots

Miniature "balancing" robot is sad, hilarious originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 16 Aug 2008 22:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Segway hits car at full speed, results unsurprisingly painful looking

Ryan Block — Sat, 16 Aug 2008 05:28:00 EST

Our Deutsch is a little rusty, but Spiegel's got a hard-hitting, um, sounding story on Segway safety -- specifically regarding what happens when one hits a stationary object or falls off of one while riding it at full speed. Hey der Spiegel, why don't you try the same test with one of those bicycle contraptions we hear Europeans are so in love with? We have a feeling you might be slightly more horrified by the results.

[Via AutoblogGreen, thanks Nate]

Filed under: Transportation

Segway hits car at full speed, results unsurprisingly painful looking originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 16 Aug 2008 05:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Toyota's Winglet aims to usurp Segway, why we don't know (updated with video)

Thomas Ricker — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 10:36:00 EST

Prepare to step aside Segway, you had your chance to revolutionize personal transportation. Introducing the Toyota Winglet. Still under development, Winglet's body has a 10.4 x 18-inch footprint and stands 1.5-, 2.2-, or 3.7-feet tall (depending upon the S, M, or L model chosen) and features an electric motor capable of a max 6km/h cruising speed for up to 10km a jaunt (only 5km for the S model). Like the Segway, the user controls the Winglet by shifting his weight to move the transporter forward and back or to make tight turns. Winglet will begin consumer testing at the Central Japan International Airport near Nagoya and Laguna Gamagori resort this Autumn with further testing in more crowded environments planned for 2009. It's planned to hit a production stride in 2010. Hey Toyota, here's a hint: you'd better start lobbying for sidewalk legalization ASAP if you're hoping for global success. All three pictured after the break in order of S, M, and Large.

Update: Video added to show just how nimble the handle-less S and M versions can be.

[Via Akihabara News]

Continue reading Toyota's Winglet aims to usurp Segway, why we don't know (updated with video)

Filed under: Transportation

Toyota's Winglet aims to usurp Segway, why we don't know (updated with video) originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 01 Aug 2008 10:36:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Segway CTO becoming VP of Apple product design -- yes, really

Thomas Ricker — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 02:09:00 EST

Yeah, we're surprised to hear it too. Nevertheless, word coming out of the SegwayChat forums has Doug Field, Chief Technology Officer at Segway, heading to Apple as VP of product design. What makes the move oh so interesting is the history between Jobs and Field. See, back in the early days, when Segway was still Ginger and Dean Kamen was harvesting pre-launch industry reactions, Kamen brought the people mover to Steve Jobs. El Jobso's reaction to Field's design is the stuff of Harvard Business school legend:

"I think it sucks," said Jobs, "Its shape is not innovative, it's not elegant, and it doesn't feel anthropomorphic."

How times do change.

Read -- Doug Field joining Apple
Read -- Steve Jobs' thoughts on Segway design

Filed under: Desktops, Transportation

Segway CTO becoming VP of Apple product design -- yes, really originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 07 Jul 2008 02:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Anti-terrorist drill reveals Segway attack plan, legions of embarrassed patrolmen

Darren Murph — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 22:21:00 EST

Ah, ha! So, that Chinese S.W.A.T. team we caught ridin' dirty on Segways earlier this week actually had a reason to be carrying on like they were -- they were performing anti-terrorist drills in preparation for security during the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing. Comically enough, the drill was said to be one of "rapid deployment," though we aren't told how many spills were taken when officers tried to actually maneuver one of these things around, aim at a target, pull a brown bag down around their head and keep it from spontaneously reversing. Just one question guys: what's with the tiny guns?

[Via CNET]

Filed under: Transportation

Anti-terrorist drill reveals Segway attack plan, legions of embarrassed patrolmen originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 03 Jul 2008 22:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Caption contest: Chinese S.W.A.T. team caught ridin' dirty... on Segways

Joshua Topolsky — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 16:58:00 EST

Look, protecting the world from the terror of Jihadists is serious business -- which is why we're not sure that rolling up on a Segway is the best way to get the Axis of Evil to drop its weapon / bomb / fanatic mindset... still, Jackie Chan will be psyched. Our suggestion? the electric unicycle.

Josh T: "Stop! Step out of the vehicle and agree to be my friend."
Don: "Don't make me lean forward and come over there."
Chris: "Do it... do it now! Get to the human transportah!"
Josh F: "Snake? Snake?! SNAAAAAKE!"
Ryan: "Watch yourself, Frank, we're dealing with professionals. They've got a... car."
Darren: "So, um, is it safe to back away from this vehicle?"
Richard: "Yes, this would be more intimidating from a Humvee, but y'know, gas prices these days..."
Nilay: "Put the Roomba down!"
Thomas: "Quit calling me Ginger, I'm a day walker!"

[Thanks, Mike]

Filed under: Transportation

Caption contest: Chinese S.W.A.T. team caught ridin' dirty... on Segways originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 01 Jul 2008 16:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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