I’ve been working in secret on a GM/Segway project. Today was the first press conference and I can share with the world. For years, I have worked on videos about Dean Kamen’s iBot 4000 Mobility System.
Now, that same technology, also used with the Segway, is being developed as a transportation device, potentially to replace cars. This is, of course, a first prototype and there’s lots of work still to be done to make it viable but I think it’s exciting and I’m glad that GM is, and has been, thinking along these lines.
Watch:
And:
More to come
on Apr 7th, 2009 at 6:13 pm
Great videos and a very cool little vehicle. It might be the first “car” that needs to have a padlock and chain as standard equipment!
on Apr 8th, 2009 at 3:20 pm
I hope this has a better future than the iBot. Last month J&J announced it was shutting down the division that manufactures and markets it. They’ll continue to support the product for 5 years for current owners. It’s a bummer for us because of the business we won’t get; but it’s a real tragedy for paralyzed people who’ve entire lives revolve around it.
J&J lost millions on the device hoping that eventually they’d get major insurers to cover it so it could get wider sales. No luck.
Health care reform anyone?
on Apr 10th, 2009 at 3:30 pm
Re the iBot: That sucks. It’s a real shame.
Re the PUMA: I don’t see a mass market for it for some time but I predict a better/wider future for it than for the Segway.