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Segway Update
Photo: Segway Human Transporter

We now have an answer and a name, the mysterious invention created by Dean Kamen that had everyone speculating as to what it was, has been finally revealed and demonstrated. The Segway Human Transporter is the first self-balancing, electric-powered transportation machine. The Segway HT is a personal transport device (see photo top left) that uses five gyroscopes and a built-in computer to remain upright.

The Segway HT has no brakes and does a nifty 12 mph. The speed and direction (including stopping) are controlled by the rider shifting weight and a manual turning mechanism on one of the handlebars. The initial public demonstrations showed that the Segway HT could travel smoothly across pavement, gravel, grass, and small obstacles. Kamen's team has developed a breakthrough technology the company has termed "Dynamic Stabilization," which is the essence of the Segway HT. Dynamic Stabilization enables Segway HT's self-balancing emulation to work seamlessly with the body's movements. Gyroscopes and tilt sensors in the Segway HT monitor a user's center of gravity about 100 times a second. When a person leans slightly forward, the Segway HT moves forward. When leaning back, the Segway HT moves back.  One battery charge (cost of ten cents) lasts 15 miles and the 65-pound Segway HT can run over your toes without causing you harm.

The United States Postal Service, the National Park Service and the City of Atlanta will field test the invention in the coming year. The consumer will be able to buy the Segway HT in the year 2003 at the initial cost of $3,000.

The company will produce three distinct models: the i-series optimizes range and speed across a variety of terrain; the e-series is designed for business applications where it is necessary to carry cargo - up to 75 pounds in addition to the rider; the p-series will be ideal for densely populated areas, both indoors and out. The Segway HT's footprint is narrower than the average adult's shoulders and its length is no greater than a large shoe. And it's quiet—designed to emit only a barely audible harmonic hum.

Segway Homepage
Segway LLC is a Manchester, NH, based business founded by renowned inventor and entrepreneur Dean Kamen to provide a solution to short-distance travel.
Segway FAQ
Frequently asked questions about the Segway HT.
Segway News
Paul Nakada's web sightings of Dean Kamen's Segway. 
How Segways Work
Diagram of the Segway

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A book proposal has heightened the intrigue about a secret invention touted as being bigger than the Internet or the PC and Dean Kamen is the inventor. The article states that Ginger is not a medical device, even though Kamen has created many medical innovations. Ginger is supposed to be a fun invention that comes in two models, Metro and Pro, will cost about $2000 and be an easy sell. Ginger will also revolutionize city planning, create an upheaval in several existing industries and may be an environmentally friendly product. The world has a new buzz. Dean Kamen, a renowned inventor and visionary who holds more than 100 US patents, has invented a breakthrough device, code named Ginger.

My best guess, after looking over the patents Dean Kamen now holds and after reading about the inventor, is that Ginger is a transportation device that flies and requires no gasoline. My impression of Mr. Kamen is that he is an inventor in the best sense of the word - his inventions improve lives and the man cares about the future welfare of the world. Whatever Ginger really is, my intuition tells me that Ginger will make the impact that all the "hype" claims it will.

Dean Kamen's Home Page (DEKA Research and Development)
Biography of the inventor and physicist Dean Kamen, highlights his accomplishments and the non-profit organization he founded. Besides reading the long list of scientific accomplishments, you can learn trivia about Dean Kamen such as the following fact.

"One of Dean's little known accomplishments is his ranking in the Guinness Book of World Records for most consecutive days wearing a denim outfit. The record is currently 14,616 days (no, not really) and counting... Dean's fashion consultants."

However, more importantly, in 1995, Dean Kamen was awarded the Hoover Medal for "inventions that have advanced medical care worldwide, and for innovative and imaginative leadership in awakening America to the excitement of technology and its surpassing importance in bettering the lot of mankind."
Dean Kamen - Founder, FIRST
FIRST is an acronym that stands for "For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology".
Dean Kamen
Dean Kamen invented a portable medication technology.
The IBOT
Dean Kamen's IBOT is not a wheelchair -- Dean Kamen insists his IBOT is not a wheelchair.
A Revolutionary New Wheelchair
One inventor has decided it’s time to get wheelchair riders rolling into the 21st century.
Conversations with Dean Kamen
Inventor Dean Kamen discusses an annual robot competition, US FIRST.
Patents
A list of patents held by Dean Kamen - from the USPTO.
IT's a Mystery
Inventor's newest brainstorm sparks praise, funding and wild speculation.
Mysterious Ginger May be a Scooter
The mysterious, purportedly world-changing device that has caught the attention of the technology industry may be something as simple as a scooter.
Dean Kamen - Father of the Segway