Human Mobility
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Pictured to the right is Trevor Blackwell, a California inventor. Trevor built a self-balancing scooter out of pretty much off-the-shelf parts for around $1500. The control software consists of 500 lines of code running on an Amtel 8-bit microcontroller. He became motivated to build his scooter in order to learn more about the engineering and design behind self-balancing scooters. He was clearly inspired by the introduction of the Segway Human Transporter.
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The Segway Human Transporter is a highly engineered mobility device developed by famed inventor Dean Kamen. It uses more than a dozen microcontrollers to oversee the motor control system, balance algorithms, steering, battery charging, 64-bit security encryption device and higher-order system monitoring for safe shutdown in case of a system failure. The Segway HT has been promoted as a revolution in the way people will view their urban transportation needs. The Segway is envisioned being used for postal deliveries, neighborhood police patrols and for people unable to walk long distances yet who are not ready to be confined to a wheel chair and eventually alternative transportation for the masses.
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Several notable setbacks for wide acceptance of the Segway have come to light. The most public was President George Bush tumbling over the front of a Segway after mounting it when it was not turned on. Another was when a Persons with Disabilities spokesman was trying to gain the approval for the use of Segways on DC metros. Her Segway sped away from her and onto the tracks. It shut down subway traffic until it could be safely removed from the tracks. |
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