The Segway PT (originally Segway HT short for "human transporter") is a two-wheel self-balancing scooter by Segway Inc. Created by Dean Kamen and brought to market in 2001, PT stands for private transporter, a term now commonly used for small electric portable transport devices. HT is the initialism for 'human transporter'.
Video Segway PT
History
Independent company
The Segway PT (referred to as Segway HT) was developed from the self-balancing iBOT wheelchair originally developed at the University of Plymouth, in conjunction with BAE Systems and Sumitomo Precision Products. The first patent of Segway was filed in 1994 and granted in 1997 followed by others including those submitted in June 1999 and granted in October 2001.
The discovery, development and financing of Segway is the subject of a book and information leak prior to the publication of books and product launches leading to speculation about the device and its importance. John Doerr speculates that it will be more important than the internet. South Park devotes episodes to mock hype before the product is released. Steve Jobs was quoted as saying that it was "as big as PC", (but then pulled back saying it was "sucked", probably referring to "design" but commenting on boutique prices, asking "you sure Are you a top-class consumer of transportation? ") This device was inaugurated December 3, 2001, after months of public speculation, in Bryant Park, New York City, on the morning ABC News program Good American Morning with the first unit delivered to customers in early 2002.
The original Segway model is enabled for three different speed settings: 6 miles per hour (9.7 km/h), 8 mph (13 km/h) with faster turns and 10 mph (16 km/h). The initial version drive is controlled using twist grips that vary the speed of the two motors. The p-Series range is 6-10 mi (9.7-16.1 km) on a fully charged nickel metal hydride (NiMH) battery with 4-6 hour recharge time. In September 2003, Segway PT was withdrawn, because if the user ignored the low recurring battery warnings at the PT, it could eventually cause them to crash. With software patch to version 12.0, PT will automatically slow down and stop responding to detect low battery power.
In August 2006 the Segway stopped all previous models and introduced i2 and x2 products driven by leaning the handlebars to the right or to the left, having a maximum speed of 12.5 mph (20.1 km/h) of a pair of 2 horsepower (1.5 kW) electric motors Brushless DC with regenerative braking and range up to 15-25 mi (24-40 km), depending on terrain, driving style and battery state. Refilling takes 8-10 hours. The i2 and x2 also introduce a wireless InfoKey that can show the trip mileage and travel odometer, and put the Segway into Safety mode, which locks the wheel and turns on the alarm if it is moved, and can also be used to enable the PT from a distance of up to 15 feet (4.6 m).
Product versions prior to 2011 include (in sequence of release):
- Segway i167.
- Segway e167: As i167, with an extra electric kickstand.
- Segway p133: Smaller platforms and wheels and less powerful motors than Series i and e with top speed is 10 miles per hour (16 km/h) in the P-Series.
- Segway i180: With lithium-ion battery.
- Segway XT: The first HT Segway specially designed for recreation.
- Segway i2 (2006): First on-road PT Segway with LeanSteer.
- Segway x2 (2006): PT Segway off-road first with LeanSteer.
In March 2014, Segway announced its third generation design, including the i2 SE and x2 SE sports, a new LeanSteer frame and powerbase design, with integrated illumination.
Subsidiary of Ninebot
Ninebot Inc., a Beijing-based transportation robotics company and Segway competitor, acquired Segway in April 2015 after collecting $ 80 million from Xiaomi and Sequoia Capital.
In June 2016, the company launched a miniPRO Segway, a smaller self-balance scooter.
Maps Segway PT
Products
Starting July 2017, the following self-balancing scooters are available from Segway (For other Segway products, see Segway Inc.):
- Professional
- Segway i2 SE (professional self-balancing scooter for use in warehouses and other locations)
- Segway x2 SE (self-balancing ruggedised scooters for use in the most challenging terrains)
- Segway Robot (autonomous robot based on miniPro Segway)
- Consumer
- Ninebot by Segway E (self-balancing scooter for general use)
- Ninebot by Segway miniPro (smaller self-balancing scooter for general use, controlled by 'knee control bar')
Technology
Segway Dynamics PT is similar to the classical control problem, inverted pendulum. It uses a brushless DC electric motor in each wheel that is powered by a lithium-ion battery with a balance achieved by using a slant sensor, and a gyroscopic sensor developed by Advanced Technology Center BAE Systems. The wheels are pushed forward or backward as needed to return the pitch to the upright.
Usage
- See also : Private carrier # International rules
In 2011 Segway i2 is marketed to the emergency medical services community. Special police forces trained to protect the public during the 2008 Summer Olympics use Segway for mobility.
The Segway miniPro is also available for use as a mobility part of the robot.
The Disability Rights Advocate for Technology promotes the use of Segway PT on the sidewalk as an American issue with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA). Segway Inc. however, can not market this device in the US as a medical device (in agreement with Johnson & Johnson on iBOT, self-balancing wheelchair) and they have not been approved by the Food and Drug Administration as medical devices.
The maximum speed of the Segway PT is 12.5 miles per hour (20.1 km/h). This product is capable of reaching 24 mi (39 km) on fully charged lithium-ion batteries, depending on the terrain, driving style, and battery condition. The US Consumer Products Safety Commission does not have Segway's specific recommendations but says that bicycle helmets are adequate for "low speed scooters, motor assisted".
See also
- Segway polo
- Private transporter
References
External links
- Official website
- Segway Nordic
- The official list of Segway patents
Source of the article : Wikipedia
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