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Segway Centuar gets examined in-depth
While there unfortunately still isn't any word on when it might be available, those curious about the long-in-development Segway Centaur may want to head over to MotorcycleUSA, which has put together a fairly in-depth look at the four-wheeled vehicle for those that haven't been following its every move. Of course, it's still to early to tell if it'll have the profound effect on our lives that the original Segway has had, but they seem confident that the vehicle will at least provide some "unadulterated fun" -- if it's ever actually released, that is. They do see a few potential problems with it, however, including the not-insignificant possibility for the rider to be thrown off during sharp turns due to the vehicle's high center of gravity. On the plus side, that could at least make Segway polo a bit more interesting.[Via AutoblogGreen]
Six years of Segway: the profound effect on the human race
We'll admit, every so often a certain well-constructed spoof just catches you right, and in the case of the always-witty Onion, a perfectly executed mini-newscast covering the "profound effect" of the Segway really demonstrates how much of a non-factor this thing has been. Since the original launch in 2001, a good amount of folks have avoided the two-wheeled human transporter for one reason or another -- you know, things like uncontrollably reversing, it being banned in their country, the astonishingly high pricetag, and the oh-so-critical embarrassment factor -- and the "revolution" that it was supposed to spark has still not lit a flame. Sure, Jackie Chan may have demanded that the cast members on the set of Rush Hour III all get to their places via Segway, but c'mon, we'd surmise that the vast majority of dignified individuals would rather gallop around in a horse hoof alerting hybrid than face public humiliation on one of these things. Regardless of its impact (or glaring lack thereof), be sure to hit the read link if you need a chuckle. [Warning: link contains mild profanity][Thanks, Ben]
Meet the one wheel balancing scooter: suck it, Segway
A guy called Ben Smither from Norwich in the UK has put together a hot-as-the-sun personal scooter / skateboard that takes the totally scalable motorized gyroscopic stabilization concept from Segway, and does it with only a single wheel. In all, the project cost about £300 (~$580) in parts, although Ben didn't elaborate on how long it took to put together. You'll also need to have some level of expertise in electronics if you want to build your own -- test yourself: can you say what a H-Bridge driver is without Googling it? -- although we're sure that before long Ben or someone else will use their capitalist prerogative and start selling flat-pack kits for a premium (if they do, then they better watch out for Sony and their Segway-esque skateboard patent application). Until then, we'll have to keep traveling to places using our legs: oh, what a bore.[Via hackaday]
Segway's RMP platform for nerdy robots
What do you do when your overly hyped Human Transporter skids off the plateau of human interest only to be pummeled by archaic transportation laws? Why, start building mobility solutions for robots, of course. We've already seen a few lazy robots riding Segways around the lab; soon enough, we'll be seeing a lot more what with the Segway RMP (Robotic Mobility Platform) now launched in Japan. The RMP is meant to provide a quick and easy transportation underpinning for new domestic and military robots. RMPs range in price from ¥6,037,500 to ¥1,376,550 ($50,000 to about $11,500) and vary by maximum load, speed, size, max angle of climb, and battery capacity. Let the robot crusades begin! Via Robot Watch]
Swedish bomb squad blows around on Segways
Brace yourself, but life ain't all fun and games for members of the bomb squad. We know, you're shocked, but in addition to having one of the most dangerous jobs around (like, did you see Blown Away?), these poor sods have to do it cruising around in a 30 kilo (66 pound) suit. Enter the Segway: apparently four have been ordered for use by bomb techs in Malmö, Göteborg, Stockholm and Arlanda Airport so Swedish bomb squaddies can finally show up in style, and need no longer hoof it all the way to the package site. Sounds good to us, but help a Segway out! Looks like they're only gonna get a po-po paint job, but where's the custom-fit bomb armor for the loyal personal transporter, we ask?[Thanks to Johan for the help translating]
Segways banned in the Netherlands due to a "lack of brakes"
It looks like those serious about motoring around on their Segway might have to start crossing international boundaries in order to do so legally, as the Netherlands have now joined Japan and Britain in the growing list of countries which have outlawed the oft ridiculed (and potentially dangerous) personal vehicles. Dutch police have officially enjoined Segways "on all public roads, sidewalks, and bike paths," claiming that the lack of an onboard braking system prevents it from being categorized as a "vehicle" by the Royal Traffic Agency, which bars it from receiving a license plate and becoming a street-legal ride. Although a spokesman from the RTA actually commented that the Segway was "a nice vehicle," using the machines on public property is no longer permissible, but it was said that it could take some time before regulations are actually passed down and "enforced." Segway Netherlands director Piet Kruijt was (unsurprisingly) upset by the ruling, and claimed that he was "working on all fronts to get things resolved," and for nothing more than our sincere concern for the Amsterdam Segway Tours (saywha?) employees that are hoping to have work come March, we hope he's successful.[Via The Raw Feed]
Sony patents Segway-esque skateboard
It's not quite a hoverboard, but Sony looks to be set to take at least two wheels of the venerable earthbound skateboard (and apparently make up for them in size), if this recent patent its been granted is any indication. Known only as the "vehicle steerable by movement of center of gravity" for the time being, the board appears to be fairly similar in operation to the Segway, with the carrot-nosed rider simply required to lean slightly in the direction s/he wants to go to get the wheels' independent electric motors into gear. Those worried about the prospect of a motor-assisted face-plant will also apparently be able to opt for the relative safety of three of four wheels. Sony also seems to have other possibilities for the technology in mind, including a bicycle configuration and a two-boarded setup, with one foot controlling each. This just being a patent, of course, there's no indication as to when it'll actually be available or how much it'll cost.[Via New Scientist]
Caption contest: the last crusader astride his trusty Segway
Look, we don't know the where, we don't know the when, and we sure as hell don't know the why, but there's no way that's going to stop us from getting a few chuckles in at Mr. Segway Crusader's expense.Ryan: "In nomine Patris, et Filii, et Spiritus Sancti, et Segway. Amen." or, "O blessed art thou Segway firmware upgrade, which keeps thyself upright."Paul: "Orlando Bloom's got nothing on this"Evan: "Wilford Brimley found out a little too late that habitual consumption of Quaker Oats can lead to insanity."Chris: "With parallel parking in 13th-century Bethlehem virtually impossible to find, Bill found his handicapped permit priceless."Conrad: "Maximus Decimus Meridius Segwius."[Via Fark]
Toshiba's fuel cell-powered "Segway competitor" in the works?
Sure, we've seen plenty of Segway wannabes, but Toshiba is reportedly planning to go head to head (or wheel to wheel, depending on perspective) with the human transporting giant by releasing a "competitor" of its own. While details are scant at this point, photos have surfaced that showcase Tosh's presumably forthcoming fuel-cell powered scooter, and it apparently boasts a safer, sturdier design than the hopelessly recalled Segway. Interestingly, the mysterious device is said to sport "LED lights" and communication sensors on the front to "prevent collisions" with other riders and "auto-navigate" when possible. Considering that the manually-driven Segways are illegal on Japanese streets, this functionality would hopefully legalize the machine for public use, but matching up this bad boy with a HT-V1A on a deserted street would give a whole new meaning to Tokyo drift, eh?[Via Crave]
Segway recalls all 23,500 scooters sold due to software glitch!
It's not quite as exciting as, say, the idea of exploding Segways, but a software glitch that has those iconic Personal Transporters suddenly reversing torque and falling over ain't nothing to scoff at. Segway has today announced the recall of all 23,500 Segway units sold between March 2002 and now (as in, every single one), and involves the i167, i170, i180, p133, XT, GT and i2 models. It isn't Segway's first time around the old recall wheel, in September of 2003 they recalled all 6,000 Segways sold to date due to another falling glitch. This time apparently the Human Transporter "can unexpectedly apply reverse torque to the wheels," as in, go in reverse while the rider is leaning forward -- spelling certain doom for the nerd aboard. Segway has gotten six reports of head and wrist injuries so far, and is recalling the units to local service providers who can apply a simple software update and have you on your way in no time.[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]
Woz arrives via Segway for the Showtime event
Pete Mortensen, of Wired's Cult of Mac blog, snapped this photo of the Woz arriving in style (of some kind) for the Apple event yesterday. Woz sure does love those Segways, and you might remember that my one and only sighting of the Woz involved a Segway.
Lazy Hubo gets a Segway
What's the world coming to? It's bad enough that everyone moves from here to there in their cars, motorcycles, personal helicopters, and human transportation devices (except for us -- we sit in front of the computer for 15 hours a day), but now it seems that the sedentary lifestyle is so prevalent, even robots are demanding their own set of wheels. You may remember Professor Oh Jun-ho's Asimo-like humanoid bot Hubo (probably better known when he sports the head of Einstein and transforms into Albert Hubo); well now Hubo has apparently gotten tired of walking around all the time, and has tasked the professor with acquiring a Segway for him to zip around on. At this point Hubo is unable to board the Segway without some help (geez, how lazy can you get?), but a software upgrade will supposedly provide him with the necessary motivation. See, you thought that our future robotic overlords would be shuffling around slowly while they round us up to toil in the silicon mines; in fact, they'll be corralling all humans at several miles-per-hour from the comfort of their Kamen-built scooters.
Segways now banned on British sidewalks
Ah, Segways -- some love 'em, some play polo with 'em, and still others prefer to ban 'em, courtesy of a 171-year-old highway law. That's right, last month, the British Department of Transportation said "no, sir" to the good 'ol go-go gyroscope. In fact, the DoT went so far as to issue "Regulations for Self-balancing Scooters", citing non-compliance with European safety laws and with the Highway Act of 1835. Apparently riding your Segway on private property is cool, but on public sidewalks -- or to use the British spelling, footpaths -- is a big no-no. Upset about it? Go write your MP! Or better yet, hand-carry your letters direct to Parliament. Surely, as we write, Dean Kamen himself must be rallying the infuriated legions of British Segway riders to storm the Palace of Westminster -- that is, assuming they're not waiting to be armed with the intimidating power of the Centaur.
"Dareway" Segway knock-off for kids
We're not sure how many kids have been begging their parents to get them a Segway but we're guessing they'd be pretty disappointed when they flipped over their brand new "Dareway" only to discover it has not two, but three wheels, and none of the Segway's fancy gyroscopic stabilization -- or stylish good looks, for that matter. It does look to be a surefire way to cause dizziness and vomiting, however, able to spin a full 360 degrees in place at speeds specified only as "a lot quicker than you would expect." All for just £149.99 (just under $300 US). Unfortunately, this one's only for sale in the UK and, you know, intended for kids, so you'll have to wait a bit longer if you've been hoping for a cheaper alternative to everyone's favorite human transporter.
Segway launches two new models: the i2 and x2
As rumored, Segway is launching two new versions of their still-looks-nerdy-as-ever two wheel Human Transporter. The biggest update is the new "LeanSteer" system that does away the clunky grip-based control for turning, and now allows for leaning into turns in much the same way as leaning forward and back controls speed. Segway is also packing in a new wireless "InfoKey" controller (the Bluetooth HT-V1A unit we recently saw get by the FCC) that operates as a monitor for battery level, seed and distance, and also acts as extra security for your Segway. When mounted on your Segway, the InfoKey acts as a normal "dashboard" display. Finally, along with extensive redesign of the entire unit, Segway has added those "Saphion" lithium-ion batteries -- first featured in the XT and i180 -- which manage 24 miles on regular terrain with the i2, and go for 12 miles offroad with the x2, but both devices still "speed" along at the traditional 12.5 mph. You can nab the i2 now for $5,000, or wait around for the x2 which will be out in September. Segway will also be releasing other versions of their second-generation scooter, such as a new golf-centric model, with all six total version due by the end of the year.[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]Read - Segway i2Read - Segway x2
New Segway coming tomorrow?
Wouldn't you know it, just when we've finally perfected riding our Segway HT180i without falling off every five seconds and skinning our knees, multiple reports are claiming that the company is poised to release a brand new version of the self-stabilizing human transporter as soon as tomorrow. A generous tipster sent us the exclusive photo you see here which supposedly depicts a model known as the i2 (Does the "i" indicate some sort of iPod integration? We couldn't say, but everyone else is doing it these days.); the same tipster claims a so-called x2 Segway is also on the way. Since the only info we have on the supposed i2 is what we we can glean from the pics, well, we really don't know very much at all -- but another tipster is reporting that Segway reps told him tomorrow's release will be "70% new and very different from the old models." Don't worry, we're a bit confused too, but if our sources are on the money, we'll be able to deliver you all the solid deets in less than a day's time.Update: Oh, those helpful tipsters. The latest word from our man on the inside is that the new offering -- supposedly priced similarly to current Segs -- will operate on a "lean steer" system, which as the name indicates, means that leaning left or right on the handlebars will turn the vehicle in the corresponding direction. A wireless security fob is also said to be part of the package, so you can pretend that you own a real car even though you're just cruising around on a teched-out scooter.[Thanks, Dignan17 and other]
Segway Human Transporter HT-V1A passes FCC
Been a little while since we've seen a new consumer device for sale from the Human Transporter people, but it looks like Segway's doing something in those secretive facilities of theirs, and it's not just thinking up four-wheeled versions of the classic. We don't yet know what the HT-V1A (model 2014500001) is, or what the hell it was doing in the FCC, but it was filed twice and approved for use in transmitting on Bluetooth frequencies (between 2405 and 2475MHz). We can think of a few things you could do with a wireless Segway, but we'll save our distant hopes for Segway RC racing for another day, since details are a little slim yet to speculate much more than, say, the addition of Bluetooth GPS guidance capabilities.Update: lookey lookey here. We got word from a Segway insider that the segway's not what's passing the FCC, but instead it's a detachable wireless display. Among other things, it will apparently allow the Segway owner to deactivate the unit while a rider's on it (in case it's been stolen). Very interesting.
SegSeat adds an extra layer of laziness to the Segway
We always knew there was something wrong with those Segways. By requiring prolonged standing and mild leaning motions they flew in the face of everything our sedentary lifestyle stands for, and it's good to see some clever inventors take notice and restore us to our passivity. The SegSeat is actually intended for handicapped users who can't quite manage all the standing, yet don't want to be regaled to the world of scooters or wheelchairs. It's a fairly easy installation to add a SegSeat to an existing Segway, and you can collapse the seat when it's not in use. To emulate the leaning motion of a standing rider, the seat slides forward and back, so we're not sure this is 100% sedentary approved, but at least it's a good start. You can get one starting now for $749.[Via TRFJ]
Segway's new loan program offers scoot now, pay later
It seems the makers of everyone's favorite self-balancing scooter (sorry i-swing) have finally realized the average consumer might need a little time to come up with the $5,000 the Segway's price tag demands. The company's execs have tapped the consumer financing arm of General Electric to instate a loan program, much like the one car dealerships have been using for decades, letting buyers pay in monthly installments. This comes as part of an effort, which may eventually include the sale of shares to the public through an IPO, to regain company funds lost to lower-than-expected sales. Of course buyers will have to qualify for the loan and accept the increase in total cost that'll come from interest, so rich guys like crooked hand-held gaming executives will be better off paying cash, then trying not to crash their shiny new Segway into pole at 125 mph.[Via ZDNet]
Flickr Find: Woz playing Segway polo
Our man Eliot, from Hack A Day, was at the Maker Faire this weekend and who did he spy playing Segway polo? Why, Woz of course!Thanks, iamdigitalman.
