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]

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]

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]

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

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]

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]

We get that rising gas prices are putting folks in a world of hurt, but has it really gotten so bad that we're resorting to losing our dignity riding Segways? According to a recent writeup in The Wall Street Journal, "sales at Segway Inc. have risen to an all-time high," and CEO Jim Norrod fully expects sales this quarter to "jump 50% from a year earlier." Not surprisingly, many of its new customers are universities and public service divisions who are replacing traditional vehicles with the all-electric scooters, but we still get the impression that individuals are steering clear due to its remarkably high price and laughable design. At least, that's what we'll continue to tell ourselves.

Yes, it's hard to believe, but we assure you there were no special effects used to create this image. Here's beloved action movie star Jackie Chan once again doing his own stunts -- the most embarrassing one he's ever done. Believe it or not, he says these are hard to sell in China.

Josh T: "Police Story 5: Loser Cop"
Paul: "In his next film, Jackie Chan will pose exactly zero threat to anyone at all."
Ryan: "This, Jackie Chan, is your punishment for 'The Tuxedo.'"
Chris: "Jackie Chan avoids Rush Hour 4 thanks to his trusty Segway."
Josh F: "Legend of Drunken Decisions"
Thomas: "Enter the Dragon, exit the nerd"
Jackie Chan: "Don't try to be like Jackie. There is only one Jackie. Study computers instead." (Seriously, he said that!)

Dean Kamen's done a lot of work over the years building technologies for the disabled, which lends a bit of irony to the fact that his most well-known consumer transport, the Segway, is seeing some increased use by veterans. A non-profit by the name of Disability Rights Advocates for Technology (DRAFT) has snapped up some 150 units over the past few years -- 30 of which just went out last week -- to help amputees get around quicker and further than with your run of the mill wheelchair. Results of the Segs-4-Vets program sound positive, but at $6k a pop the price continues to be prohibitive for wider rollout and donation, even at discount directly from Segway.

[Thanks, Laura]

We appreciate the effort, we really do, but we can't see a new hue as being the adjustment that coaxes the world to stop laughing at the Segway i2. Nevertheless, those who have convinced themselves that they just have to have a two-wheeled transporter can now snatch one up in Metallic Sage. Of course, it's not like anyone outside of the i2 owners circle will even notice the difference, but hey, we've heard that some seriously great relationships have come from within that exclusive sect. Sike.

[Via Gearlog]

Make no mistake -- we've been blasting the ridiculousness of the two-wheeled scooter for eons now, but in one fell swoop, Segway just worked itself back into hearts. Introduced at this year's RoboBusiness, the RMP "hyperdirectional" transporter looks to hold at least one Earthling (up to 400-pounds) and can seemingly scoot about in any direction. Unfortunately, that's about it for details -- no release date or any juicy stuff like that -- but if the term "fifty thousand dollars" scares you whatsoever, the video posted after the break is probably as close as you'll ever get, anyway.

Pocket protector; check. Horn-rimmed glasses and button down collar; check. Now, if only you could find the perfect vehicle to transport your geek-ass around Mobile World Congress. Enter Intel's nerd-edition Segway. These gyroscopic rollers feature a built-in streaming camera, laptop with WiMAX, and giant flag so that aged jocks can hunt you down in the crowds. Not that you'd be too far from the Android prototype booths anyway, will ya? Video with appropriately dubbed circus music after the break.

[Thanks, Jared C.]

Curb your enthusiasm, young buck. We know you're pretty stoked to hear that a live Segway Polo match will be coming to a browser near you this Sunday, but really, you don't want your office mates to come ask what's getting you all excited. Apparently, The Digital Lifestyle is gearing up to bring us "the world's first live broadcast of a full Segway Polo match," and yes, Steve Wozniak will reportedly be in attendance. Go on, cancel any other plans you had for December 16th at 1:00PM EST -- your secret is safe with us.

[Image courtesy of Flickr]

As "big a deal as the PC?" Not quite Steve Jobs, but now (if not already) certainly more absurd. That's the NiteRider courtesy of Oakland's own customization Co, Segway Junkyard. Safe? Doubtful if that kickstand is any indication. Nevertheless, you'll be a hit with the truckers at road-side rest stops. Now hit that read link for plenty more hand-crafted jobs.

[Via The Red Ferret Journal]

Believe it or not there it is, the Ferrari-branded Segway. It's not any faster than the regular PT i2 and certainly won't help to convince the authorities to repeal any sidewalk-safety laws. It is red, however, and features a conspicuous Cavallino Rampante badge for all your subordinates to see. All yours Mr. PoloPants for just €8,429 or $12,000.

[Via Sybarites, thanks RV]