Toyota Winglet - "Segway Killer" - Page 4

SEGsby · 08-02-2008, 03:15 PM

The smaller, harmless looking profile of the Winglet will help it in being accepted into ultra-dense urban environments. How is size an advantage over the current incarnation of the Segway?

The i2's wheels freak a lot of people out. They don't see the rider on top, they fixate on the "HUGE" looking wheels on either side, and assume that it must be highly dangerous to others. Think of it this way: If skateboards had wheels as large (or even half as large) as the i2, they would be far less tolerated on sidewalks then they are at present. So, no huge social upswell of support for Segways, cause they appear scary to the ignorant masses in close quarters.

But the small size of the Winglet, is key to winning political and social acceptance of this particular device. Clearly, the end goal is to sell faster, more capable machines, so this baby-step paves the way for the appreciation and understanding of such mobility devices in their culture. It's a very well thought out plan, if you think more long term.

In the near-future, the ability to quick charge the device when it's parked, coupled with advances in small scale energy-dense storage, will allow the Winglet far more capabilities then you're seeing now. Autonomous motion was one example mentioned as a future feature; to pick riders up. Remember the range of the original Segway? It wasn't very impressive, or thought to be terribly useful to anyone... It was deemed an overpriced toy, basically. But that's changed quite a bit in a rather short time.

Don't underestimate the long-term plans Toyota has for their device...

SEGsby

segsurfer · 08-02-2008, 04:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SEGsby

The smaller, harmless looking profile of the Winglet will help it in being accepted into ultra-dense urban environments. How is size an advantage over the current incarnation of the Segway?

The i2's wheels freak a lot of people out. They don't see the rider on top, they fixate on the "HUGE" looking wheels on either side, and assume that it must be highly dangerous to others. Think of it this way: If skateboards had wheels as large (or even half as large) as the i2, they would be far less tolerated on sidewalks then they are at present. So, no huge social upswell of support for Segways, cause they appear scary to the ignorant masses in close quarters.

But the small size of the Winglet, is key to winning political and social acceptance of this particular device. Clearly, the end goal is to sell faster, more capable machines, so this baby-step paves the way for the appreciation and understanding of such mobility devices in their culture. It's a very well thought out plan, if you think more long term.

In the near-future, the ability to quick charge the device when it's parked, coupled with advances in small scale energy-dense storage, will allow the Winglet far more capabilities then you're seeing now. Autonomous motion was one example mentioned as a future feature; to pick riders up. Remember the range of the original Segway? It wasn't very impressive, or thought to be terribly useful to anyone... It was deemed an overpriced toy, basically. But that's changed quite a bit in a rather short time.

Don't underestimate the long-term plans Toyota has for their device...

SEGsby

You do have a point about the size of the Winglet, when I first saw an i series in person, it did seem pretty big...before seeing one in person, I thought the i series were about the size of a p133. Personally, the size of my segway doesn't bother me because it reminds me that I'm harnessing the power of technology to convey me from place to place. Even after 300+ miles, I still get a rush when traversing obstacles that I know I would be incapable of traversing on my walker or staffs.
-segsurfer

terryp · 08-02-2008, 06:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BarryT

They did not appear nearly as stable to me, particularly with the smaller wheels and tight turns. I wonder if they have an off road model?

I tend to think that if you were to take one on the road, it would soon become an 'off road' model.

philippeseg · 08-03-2008, 06:55 AM

more pictures and video on "Segway in Paris" http://www.segway-in-paris.com/article-21674908.html

aviators99 · 08-03-2008, 08:54 AM

Of course I'm getting e-mail from everyone I know, with a link to a Toyota article. They are doing a good PR job.

GadgetmanKen · 08-03-2008, 10:24 PM

OK they are starting to look cooler but they wouldn't be for the masses, at least here in the states. I would much rather have a Segway.
I was looking at the videos in Segway in Paris link above and did notice in the first video of the three, which I hadn't seen yet, showed me something that I have wished Segway could have done with theirs. If you go to the 44 second mark and watch carefully you will see what I'm talking about. The platform tilts as you turn, but am not sure the wheels don't to. This is one improvement that the Segway could use. Anyone agree?

SegwayDan · 08-03-2008, 10:38 PM

Yes and no.

It does seem like it would be quite a nifty feature and "feel good", too, but to accomplish this would take a lot more parts and programming which would add up to more cost and less reliability.

All in all, I don't think it would be worth it.

Quote:

Originally Posted by GadgetmanKen

OK they are starting to look cooler but they wouldn't be for the masses, at least here in the states. I would much rather have a Segway.
I was looking at the videos in Segway in Paris link above and did notice in the first video of the three, which I hadn't seen yet, showed me something that I have wished Segway could have done with theirs. If you go to the 44 second mark and watch carefully you will see what I'm talking about. The platform tilts as you turn, but am not sure the wheels don't to. This is one improvement that the Segway could use. Anyone agree?

budsiskos · 08-03-2008, 11:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by philippeseg

more pictures and video on "Segway in Paris" http://www.segway-in-paris.com/article-21674908.html

wow that babble fish program really butchers english

bud01234 · 08-04-2008, 09:48 AM

The only thing I see that's worthwhile in the winglet, is the bubble sideskirts that cover up the outside of the wheels and would help avoid the nasty falls when a segway newbie brushes up against a wall.

BarryT · 08-04-2008, 07:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by terryp

I tend to think that if you were to take one on the road, it would soon become an 'off road' model.

Agreed.

08-02-2008, 03:15 PM	#31
SEGsby Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: California Posts: 2,114	The smaller, harmless looking profile of the Winglet will help it in being accepted into ultra-dense urban environments. How is size an advantage over the current incarnation of the Segway? The i2's wheels freak a lot of people out. They don't see the rider on top, they fixate on the "HUGE" looking wheels on either side, and assume that it must be highly dangerous to others. Think of it this way: If skateboards had wheels as large (or even half as large) as the i2, they would be far less tolerated on sidewalks then they are at present. So, no huge social upswell of support for Segways, cause they appear scary to the ignorant masses in close quarters. But the small size of the Winglet, is key to winning political and social acceptance of this particular device. Clearly, the end goal is to sell faster, more capable machines, so this baby-step paves the way for the appreciation and understanding of such mobility devices in their culture. It's a very well thought out plan, if you think more long term. In the near-future, the ability to quick charge the device when it's parked, coupled with advances in small scale energy-dense storage, will allow the Winglet far more capabilities then you're seeing now. Autonomous motion was one example mentioned as a future feature; to pick riders up. Remember the range of the original Segway? It wasn't very impressive, or thought to be terribly useful to anyone... It was deemed an overpriced toy, basically. But that's changed quite a bit in a rather short time. Don't underestimate the long-term plans Toyota has for their device... SEGsby Last edited by SEGsby; 08-02-2008 at 03:21 PM..

08-03-2008, 06:55 AM	#34
philippeseg Junior Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Paris - France Posts: 58	more pictures and video on "Segway in Paris" http://www.segway-in-paris.com/article-21674908.html __________________ Visit my new (french) Segway blog - GyroSCOOP.info To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.

08-03-2008, 10:24 PM	#36
GadgetmanKen Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Indianapolis, IN Posts: 1,149	OK they are starting to look cooler but they wouldn't be for the masses, at least here in the states. I would much rather have a Segway. I was looking at the videos in Segway in Paris link above and did notice in the first video of the three, which I hadn't seen yet, showed me something that I have wished Segway could have done with theirs. If you go to the 44 second mark and watch carefully you will see what I'm talking about. The platform tilts as you turn, but am not sure the wheels don't to. This is one improvement that the Segway could use. Anyone agree? __________________ "Wouldn't it be cool, if?...is like Folgers in my cup"

08-03-2008, 08:54 AM	#35
aviators99 Junior Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Posts: 29	Of course I'm getting e-mail from everyone I know, with a link to a Toyota article. They are doing a good PR job.

08-04-2008, 09:48 AM	#39
bud01234 Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: ky Posts: 230	The only thing I see that's worthwhile in the winglet, is the bubble sideskirts that cover up the outside of the wheels and would help avoid the nasty falls when a segway newbie brushes up against a wall.

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