How did Dean Kamen come up with the Segway? His use of gyroscopic stabilizers on the IBOT led him to develop the Segway, which was unveiled on December 3, 2001. Kamen claimed that the Segway, with its built-in gyroscopes, computer chips, and tilt sensors, would make getting around cities so easy that automobiles would become unnecessary.
What is Dean Kamen famous for?
Dean Kamen, (born April 5, 1951, Rockville Centre, New York, U.S.), American inventor who created the Segway Human Transporter (Segway HT; later called the Segway Personal Transporter [Segway PT]), a motorized device that allowed passengers to travel at up to 20 km (12.5 miles) per hour.
Who invented the Segway?
In December 2001, a year after the initial leak, the world finally learned what IT was, as Dean Kamen presented his invention on Good Morning America. With great fanfare, an actual curtain raised to reveal a bulky two-wheeled scooter. “The Segway,” Kamen announced proudly.
Was Dean Kamen’s Segway leak my fault?
That’s because in 2001, I was a young literary agent—and Dean Kamen’s book was my first-ever big deal. The cascading series of miscues that tanked the Segway began with that book proposal, its leak, and the ensuing hype. And I’ve always had a sick sense that the leak was somehow my fault.
What is the true story of the Segway accident?
Here’s the true story about the accident. First of all, NO, the inventor of the Segway PT, Dean Kamen, is not dead! The accident involved Jimi Heselden, the former owner of parent company Segway Inc. He had bought the company in December 2009. In the accident, Jimi Heselden fell off a cliff while riding his PT near his home.
How was Segway started?
Independent years. Segway Inc. was founded in July 1999 to develop non-medical applications for the self-balancing technology, and the Segway PT, a two-wheeled personal transporter, was launched in December 2001, with first deliveries to customers in early 2002.
Who invented the Segway and what happened to him?
In 2009, he bought Segway Inc., maker of the Segway personal transport system. Heselden died in 2010 from injuries apparently sustained falling from a cliff while riding his own product....Jimi Heselden.Jimi Heselden OBEBornJames William Heselden27 March 1948 Leeds, EnglandDied26 September 2010 (aged 62) Leeds, England6 more rows
Who invented the Segway?
Dean KamenSegway / InventorDean Lawrence Kamen is an American engineer, inventor, and businessman. He is known for his invention of the Segway and iBOT, as well as founding the non-profit organization FIRST with Woodie Flowers. Kamen holds over 1,000 patents. Wikipedia
When was the Segway invented?
1999About Segway Segway is the worldwide leader in personal transportation. Founded in 1999 by renowned inventor, Dean Kamen, Segway has always strived to provide high-quality, safe, and reliable products for its customers.
Why did they stop making Segways?
Segway To End The Production Of Its Iconic Personal Transportation. While the vehicle became a fixture in law enforcement and tourism, it did not gain widespread traction among the wider public. The Segway accounted for less than 1.5% of the company's revenue last year, the Associated Press reported.
Why did the Segway fail?
Segway failed because it did not focus on any one application, and develop that market as it enhanced and improved the product. Selling 100 Segways to 20 different uses was an inherently bad decision. What Segway needed to do was sell 100 units to a single, or at most 2, applications.
Is riding a Segway difficult?
Segways are rather easy to learn, but you should not get air above your stations! Play it safe and let your moves become more elaborate and sharp gradually. Our Segway Tours in Chicago are fame for the excellent state of our vehicles, as well as their advanced technology.
How many miles can a Segway go?
How far can a Segway PT go on a single charge? On a single charge the i2 can support up to 24 miles/38 km of travel, while the x2 can support a trip of up to 12 miles/19 km. Keep in mind that travel distances are dependent on payload, riding style and terrain.
What things did Dean Kamen invent?
SegwayiBOTSlingshotDean Kamen/Inventions
Why is it called a Segway?
How did he come up with the name Segway, you ask? The word Segway is remarkably close to the word “segue” which means “smooth transition from one thing to another.” In this case, it meant the adoption of “Segway” which will transport people of all ages around the world smoothly and seamlessly.
Are Segways still sold?
The Segway, the two-wheeled vehicle once hailed as the future of personal transportation, has reached the end of the road.
How much do Segways cost?
Usually you'll be looking at $600 – $900 but the prices can really vary depending on where you buy them from. The best option would be to try Segway themselves, or try to find a dealer as this is rarely on Amazon.
What happened to the inventor of the segue?
Jimi Heselden, the British multi-millionaire who scooped up Segway in January, died after he apparently drove one of the company's two-wheeled scooters off a cliff and into a river. He was 62.
How much did the original Segway cost?
Created over the course of a decade by Dean Kamen, a man already made impossibly rich by inventing a key technology behind medical IVs in his basement, it was released in December 2001 for $5,000 (the cost of a low-end motorcycle, despite the fact that a Segway's top speed was 10 mph).
What was the Segway originally called?
the Segway Human TransporterInitially called the Segway Human Transporter, the vehicle was the subject of hype and fevered speculation before it was unveiled in 2001 on ABC's “Good Morning America.” The first models went on sale to the public through Amazon the next year, according to Segway.
How much did Segway sell for?
It worked. Segway turned a profit within a year of Brown's arrival. He sold the company to the Chinese firm Ninebot on April 1, 2015 for more than $75 million.
When did the Segway end?
While expectations were high for the invention, it never achieved widespread popularity, and in 2020 production of the Segway ended. In 2003 Kamen introduced prototypes for an electric generator that could run on cow dung and a water purifier that could process raw sewage.
When did Kamen get inducted into the Hall of Fame?
Kamen was awarded a National Medal of Technology by U.S. Pres. Bill Clintonin 2000, and in 2005 he was inducted into the National Inventors Hall of Fame.
Who is Dean Kamen?
Lindbergh Award (2011) Global Humanitarian Award (2013) Dean Lawrence Kamen (born April 5, 1951) is an American engineer, inventor, and businessman. He is known for his invention of the Segway and iBOT, as well as founding the non-profit organization FIRST with Woodie Flowers. Kamen holds over 1,000 patents.
What is the Segway PT?
Kamen is best known for inventing the product that eventually became known as the Segway PT, an electric, self-balancing human transporter with a computer-controlled gyroscopic stabilization and control system. The device is balanced on two parallel wheels and is controlled by moving body weight.
What is the name of the company that Kamen developed?
In 2009 Kamen stated that his company DEKA was now working on solar powered inventions. Kamen and DEKA also developed the DEKA Arm System or " Luke ", a prosthetic arm replacement that offers its user much more fine motor control than traditional prosthetic limbs.
What award did Kamen receive?
Kamen received the 2018 Public Service Award from the National Science Board, honoring his exemplary public service and contributions to the public's understanding of science and engineering.
What degree did Kamen get?
Kamen received an honorary Doctor of Engineering degree from Worcester Polytechnic Institute in 1992, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute May 17, 1996, a Doctor of Engineering degree from Kettering University in 2001, an honorary Doctor of Science degree from Clarkson University on May 13, 2001, an honorary "Doctor of Science" degree from the University of Arizona on May 16, 2009, and an honorary doctorate from the Wentworth Institute of Technology when he spoke at the college's centennial celebration in 2004, and other honorary doctorates from North Carolina State University in 2005, Bates College in 2007, the Georgia Institute of Technology in 2008, the Illinois Institute of Technology in 2008 and Plymouth State University in May 2008. In 2015, Kamen received an honorary Doctor of Engineering and Technology degree from Yale University. In 2017, Kamen was honored with an institutional honorary degree from Université de Sherbrooke.
Where is Kamen from?
Early life and family. Kamen was born in Long Island, New York, to a Jewish family. His father is Jack Kamen, an illustrator for Mad, Weird Science and other EC Comics publications. During his teenage years, Kamen was already being paid for his ideas; local bands and museums paid him to build light and sound systems.
When did Dean of Invention start?
Dean of Invention, a TV show on Planet Green, premiered on October 22, 2010. It starred Kamen and correspondent Joanne Colan, in which they investigate new technologies, Kamen was a keynote speaker at the 2015 Congress of Future Science and Technology Leaders.
When did Dean Kamen make the Segway?
Dean Kamen introduces the Segway Human Transporter on December 3, 2001.
Who invented the Segway PT?
Dean Kamen (born April 5, 1951) is an American engineer, inventor, and entrepreneur who is best known for his invention of the Segway PT, a self-balancing personal transporter scooter. He is also noted as a founder of the non-profit FIRST organization for advancing science and technology-dedicated education. Holding over 450 patents, Kamen has been ...
How does a slingshot purify water?
Using a Stirling engine specially modified by Kamen to drive a process called vapor compression distillation, a single compact refrigerator-sized Slingshot can purify more than 66,000 gallons (250,000 liters) of water per year—enough to meet the daily needs of about 300 people. According to Kamen, the Slingshot can run on any combustible fuel, including cow dung, and can remove all organic and inorganic pathogens from “anything that looks wet.” In a 2004 demonstration, Kamen ran his own urine through a Slingshot, immediately drinking the water that came out. During a test in the summer of 2006, two Slingshot devices successfully produced clean water in a Honduran village for over a month.
How many Segway scooters were sold in 2008?
When the Segway hit the market in early 2002, Kamen predicted future sales of 10,000 units a week—half a million a year. However, by late 2008, only 30,000 Segway scooters had been sold. While it worked as advertised, the Segway suffered from its $4,900 price tag and a bad public image.
Why is the slingshot called the slingshot?
Named for the humble weapon used by the Biblical David to defeat the giant Goliath, the Slingshot is the result of Kamen’s 15-year quest to bring safe drinking water to the world. “Fifty percent of all chronic human disease would go away—you would empty 50 percent of the hospital beds in the world—if you just gave people clean water,” Kamen has said.
How many patents did Kamen have?
Holding over 450 patents, Kamen has been called the “next Thomas Edison ,” particularly for his life-changing inventions improving the mobility of persons with disabilities and treating illnesses ranging from diabetes to cancer.
What is Dean Kamen's company?
The same year, he founded DEKA (DE-an KA-men) Research and Development Corp., a firm dedicated to creating robotic mobility solutions for persons with disabilities. By age 30, Dean Kamen had become a multimillionaire.
Who invented the Segway?
The Segway is a two-wheeled, self-balancing personal transporter invented by Dean Kamen and brought to market in 2001 as the Segway HT, subsequently as the Segway PT, and manufactured by Segway Inc. HT is an initialism for "human transporter" and PT for "personal transporter.".
Who owns Segway?
Ninebot In c., a Beijing-based transportation robotics startup rival, acquired the Segway company in April 2015, broadened the company to include other transportation devices, and announced in June 2020 it would no longer make a two-wheeled, self-balancing product.
What is a Segway X2 SE?
Segway x2 SE ( ruggedised self-balancing scooter for use on most challenging terrain)
Why was the Segway PT recalled?
In September 2003, the Segway PT was recalled, because if users ignored repeated low battery warnings on the PTs, it could ultimately lead them to fall. With a software patch to version 12.0, the PT would automatically slow down and stop in response to detecting low battery power.
How fast was the Segway?
The original Segway models featured three speed settings: 6 miles per hour (9.7 km/h), 8 mph (13 km/h) with faster turning, and 10 mph (16 km/h). Steering of early versions was controlled using a twist grip that varied the speeds of the two motors. The range of the p-Series was 6–10 mi (9.7–16.1 km) on a fully charged nickel metal hydride (NiMH) battery with a recharge time of 4–6 hours. In September 2003, the Segway PT was recalled, because if users ignored repeated low battery warnings on the PTs, it could ultimately lead them to fall. With a software patch to version 12.0, the PT would automatically slow down and stop in response to detecting low battery power.
Where is the Segway i2?
Two tourists on a Segway tour in Florence, Italy. In 2011, the Segway i2 was being marketed to the emergency medical services community. In 2018, the police of Stockholm adopted segways as permanent transportation method for the patrollers of the old town.
Where was the Segway PT made?
The Segway PT, referred to during development and initial marketing as the Segway HT, was developed from the self-balancing iBOT wheelchair which was initially developed at University of Plymouth, in conjunction with BAE Systems and Sumitomo Precision Products. Segway's first patent was filed in 1994 and granted in 1997, ...
Who invented the Segway?
Segway was invented by Dean Kamen , and was first shown to the public in 2001 by ABC ‘s Good Morning America program. It came at a time critical time in American history where the country was still yearning over the tragic events of 911. Then, along comes Mr. Dean Kamen to demonstrate this unique invention intended to revolutionize how people travel throughout public city streets. How did he come up with the name Segway, you ask? The word Segway is remarkably close to the word “segue” which means “smooth transition from one thing to another.” In this case, it meant the adoption of “Segway” which will transport people of all ages around the world smoothly and seamlessly.
How much does a Segway weigh?
The Segway weighs about 30 kilos or 65 pounds. It can operate up to speeds of 20.1 km/h (12.5 mph), and consists of 2 horsepower (1.5 kW). The Segway was commercially available for purchase in 2003 with 3 different models, but in 2006 Segway launched their i2 and x2. The x2 is designed for travel on mountainous terrain, while the i2 is less wide, and may offer easier maneuverability through major cities. Additionally, the 2nd-generation of Segways now offer easier steering, as you can lean the handlebars left or right to turn the Segway. The company was sold to Jimi Heselden in 2010, but an unfortunate accident ended his life shortly thereafter.
How many gyroscopes does Segway have?
The Segways uses 5 gyroscopes (mounted rotating wheel and it’s axis that are free to turn in any direction) to enable the Segway to obtain “self-balancing” which David Kamen’s team coined the phrase—Dynamic Stabilization. Along with gyroscopes, the Segway also has tilt sensors that monitor the user’s center of gravity 100 times per second, giving the rider a feel that they’re gliding on air.
How did Jimi Heselden fall?
Jimi Heselden (British entrepreneur) was riding an x2 through the rugged terrain in West Yorkshire, when tragedy struck as he fell 80 feet over a limestone cliff near his home . The rugged pathway has many tree roots, and it’s believed that he may have lost control of the x2 by hitting a tree root, causing his fall. Regardless, we would like to pay tribute to a man who had an extraordinary life, and one of Europe’s most generous philanthropists who intended to take Segway higher than it is currently. His legacy will not be forgotten. Meanwhile, Segway continues to evolve.
When did Kamen leave Segway?
Kamen stepped away from the Segway business in about 2009. The buyer of the company, Jimi Heselden, rode his Segway off a cliff in a tragic accident in 2010. The next buyer sold the company to Ninebot in China in 2015 and so the Segway name lives on.
Who invented the Segway?
When Dean Kamen invented the Segway, he envisioned towns that would be car-free but Segway-friendly. Why didn’t this dream come true?
What could Segway have done differently?
Probably the most important thing that Segway could have done differently was to move Dean Kaman into the background and giving design control to someone less imaginative and better equipped to do market-driven innovation. That’s a hard thing to tell any inventor, but inventions need to separate themselves from the people that create them. As an example, a big part of Apple’s success was the relegation of the true inventor, Wosniak, to the background and promoting the market visionary, Jobs, to the lead. A similar move might have made Segway a long term success rather than a market leading innovator which succumbed to more nimble competitors.
Why do people ride segways?
Some large public parks also use them for security/police personnel, because when you're riding a segway your head is slightly higher than that of most walking people, which provides a useful perspective for keeping an eye on problems . Additionally, some cities license specific tour companies to use flocks of them to do guided tours for visitors (while wearing brightly-colored helmets, and on specific pathways, usually in parks).
How much are Segways?
Segways are, first and foremost, extremely expensive, at several thousand dollars each . Most individuals won't buy one because of cost: the benefits are very small compared to the dollars spent (often comparable to the cheapest used cars, in the US).
How many patents does Dean Kamen have?
As for Dean Kamen, he was a renowned inventor before the Segway. Him and his company, DEKA Research, holds over 1,000 patents according to Wikipedia. Many of his inventions are in the medical field and focus on diabetic and dialysis needs.
Why do airports use segways?
Many airports and some really big malls have bought them for use by security or police, because when you need to be somewhere in an emergency, the difference in speed between walking or a segway's top pace is significant, and segway-ing there is a little safer than running. Large warehouses and logistics operations also use them to save workplace injuries among employees who must go from one end of the location to another frequently.
When did the Segway accident happen?
Many people still don’t know the truth about the fatal Segway accident that took place on September 26, 2010, in the county of Yorkshire in England. Just yesterday, a client in one of the agencies of Mobilboard, the network for Segway PT rental, repeated the same thing.
How many patents does Segway have?
Known for his many humanist inventions, the creator of the Segway has over 400 patents to his name. A fervent defender of science and technology, he is the head of DEKA Research and Development Corporation in Manchester, NH, a company that develops new technologies.
Where was Jimi Heselden's body found?
In the accident, Jimi Heselden fell off a cliff while riding his PT near his home. His body was found in the Wharfe river, at the bottom of a ravine, along with the Segway x2 that he was using, an all-terrain model. Several theories explaining his fall were proposed, but the reliability of his vehicle was never questioned.
Is Dean Kamen dead?
First of all, NO, the inventor of the Segway PT, Dean Kamen, is not dead! The accident involved Jimi Heselden, the former owner of parent company Segway Inc. He had bought the company in December 2009. In the accident, Jimi Heselden fell off a cliff while riding his PT near his home.
Overview
Career
Kamen is best known for inventing the product that eventually became known as the Segway PT, an electric, self-balancing human transporter with a computer-controlled gyroscopic stabilization and control system. The device is balanced on two parallel wheels and is controlled by moving body weight. The machine's development was the object of much speculation and hype after se…
Early life and family
Kamen was born on Long Island, New York, to a Jewish family. His father was Jack Kamen, an illustrator for Mad, Weird Science and other EC Comics publications. During his teenage years, Kamen was already being paid for his ideas; local bands and museums paid him to build light and sound systems. His annual earnings reached $60,000 before his high school graduation.
He attended Worcester Polytechnic Institute, but in 1976 dropped out before graduating, after fiv…
Personal life
In 2007, his residence was a hexagonal, shed style mansion he dubbed Westwind, located in Bedford, New Hampshire, just outside Manchester. The house has at least four different levels and is very eclectically conceived, with such things as: hallways resembling mine shafts; 1960s novelty furniture; a collection of vintage wheelchairs; spiral staircases; at least one secret passage; an observation tow…
See also
• North Dumpling Island
• SlingShot
External links
• Dean Kamen at IMDb
• Dean Kamen at TED
Overview
The Segway is a two-wheeled, self-balancing personal transporter invented by Dean Kamen and brought to market in 2001 as the Segway HT, subsequently as the Segway PT, and manufactured by Segway Inc. HT is an initialism for "human transporter" and PT for "personal transporter."
Ninebot, a Beijing-based transportation robotics startup rival, acquired Segway I…
History
The Segway PT, referred to during development and initial marketing as the Segway HT, was developed from the self-balancing iBOT wheelchair which was initially developed at University of Plymouth, in conjunction with BAE Systems and Sumitomo Precision Products. Segway's first patent was filed in 1994 and granted in 1997, followed by others, including one submitted in June 1999 an…
Products
At the end of production in 2020, Segway was selling these five self-balancing scooters:
Professional
• Segway i2 SE (professional self-balancing scooter for use in warehouses and other locations)
• Segway x2 SE (ruggedised self-balancing scooter for use on most challenging terrain)
Technology
The dynamics of the Segway PT are similar to a classic control problem, the inverted pendulum. It uses brushless DC electric motors in each wheel powered by lithium-ion batteries with balance achieved using tilt sensors, and gyroscopic sensors developed by BAE Systems' Advanced Technology Centre. The wheels are driven forward or backward as needed to return its pitch to upright.
Usage
In 2011, the Segway i2 was being marketed to the emergency medical services community. In 2018, the police of Stockholm adopted Segways as a permanent transportation method for the patrollers of the old town.
The Segway miniPro is also available to be used as the mobility section of a robot.
See also
• Scooter (motorcycle)
• Segway polo
• Jonathan Gleich
External links
• Official website
• Segway Patent Information at the Wayback Machine (archived 2017-07-21)