Sony may get into the fray

[polo_pro]

http://www.newscientisttech.com/article/dn10874-invention-skateboard-meets-segway.html

[Sal]

The description of how the device works doesn't really bode for any sort of stability. This is a device that is essentially a non tandem skateboard, which is purely recreational.

According to the description, if the sensors measure the pressure reading to tell the motors to be idle, then this beast is obviously not stabilizing the rider.

Fun, maybe...

-Sal

[Desert_Seg]

Interesting concept but if the Segway is "hard" to drive and "unsafe" what will a skateboard version be?

Steven

[BillPaxton]

my firewall is preventing my from looking at the pictures of it - any chance one of you can screen cap it and post it?

[Cody2526]

Doesn't look stable.

Whats a skateboards with 2 wheels that you put pressure on pads to use going to be called if most places consider the Segway as a sor tof out of control scooter that'll topple and go insane any second?

Doesn't seem very stable, balance is already a major issue, with nothing to lean or grab onto, it's not going to work very well.

[Tarkus]

Looks cool, fits the Ipod era and Sony would know how to market it to the young crowd at a sell-able price point.

It could be a big seller with the X-TREEM crowd.

But now we are talking apples and oranges, the two products have nothing in common.

It would sell great, remember those that will buy one wouldn't care about being thrown off the streets, they are already used to that treatment.

Be Big,
Alan

[Timezkware Tim]

my firewall is preventing my from looking at the pictures of it - any chance one of you can screen cap it and post it?

Invention: Skateboard meets Segway


15:46 02 January 2007
NewScientist.com news service
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Each wheel of the skateboards in Sony's patent have their own motor

Web Links

<LI class=rhspacer>Sony (http://www.sony.net/) <LI class=rhspacer>Rafael Armament (http://www.rafael.co.il/marketing/Templates/Homepage/Homepage.aspx?FolderID=203)
US Government Department of Energy (http://www.energy.gov/) http://adserver.adtech.de/?adserv|2.0|289|113580|1|170|ADTECH;grp=010843024; loc=300; (http://adserver.adtech.de/?adlink|2.0|289|113580|1|170|ADTECH;grp=010843024; loc=300;)


Patents reveal that Sony hopes to compete with the Segway Human Transporter (http://www.newscientist.com/article/dn1636-ginger-revealed-as-a-human-transporter.html). Whether Sony’s new motor-powered, balance-steered skateboard will be easier to ride remains to be seen.
The new board has two large wheels, one at either side of a flat platform. Each wheel is powered by a separate electric motor.
The platform has four pressure sensors, one at each corner. When the rider stands upright in the middle of the board, all four sensors return the same reading and both motors are idle. When the rider leans forward slightly the front sensors start both motors running forward at the same speed; leaning to one side makes one wheel run faster to steer round a corner; leaning back runs the contraption backwards.
Learners or sissies can use a modified board with three or four wheels for more stability. Braver folk can use two separate boards – one for each foot, like powered roller skates.
Read Sony's full skateboard patent application (http://tinyurl.com/udouj).

[BillPaxton]

Invention: Skateboard meets Segway


15:46 02 January 2007
NewScientist.com news service
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Each wheel of the skateboards in Sony's patent have their own motor

Web Links

<LI class=rhspacer>Sony (http://www.sony.net/) <LI class=rhspacer>Rafael Armament (http://www.rafael.co.il/marketing/Templates/Homepage/Homepage.aspx?FolderID=203)
US Government Department of Energy (http://www.energy.gov/)http://adserver.adtech.de/?adserv|2.0|289|113580|1|170|ADTECH;grp=010843024; loc=300; (http://adserver.adtech.de/?adlink|2.0|289|113580|1|170|ADTECH;grp=010843024; loc=300;)


Patents reveal that Sony hopes to compete with the Segway Human Transporter (http://www.newscientist.com/article/dn1636-ginger-revealed-as-a-human-transporter.html). Whether Sony’s new motor-powered, balance-steered skateboard will be easier to ride remains to be seen.
The new board has two large wheels, one at either side of a flat platform. Each wheel is powered by a separate electric motor.
The platform has four pressure sensors, one at each corner. When the rider stands upright in the middle of the board, all four sensors return the same reading and both motors are idle. When the rider leans forward slightly the front sensors start both motors running forward at the same speed; leaning to one side makes one wheel run faster to steer round a corner; leaning back runs the contraption backwards.
Learners or sissies can use a modified board with three or four wheels for more stability. Braver folk can use two separate boards – one for each foot, like powered roller skates.
Read Sony's full skateboard patent application (http://tinyurl.com/udouj).

That was awesome - thanks Tim. Tried to give you creds but apparently I need to spread the love before I can do that again! I appreciate it - damned corporate laptop!

Happy New Year
+B

[sombody]

Well for everyone itching for more speed - here it is. I think DEKA knew the non tandem set up just cant safely go faster than 12 +

I expect even faster stuff will come eventually.
Not talking on your cell would be advised and drinking your Starbucks out of the question

I think Segway will even eventually develop somthing with out the Cs (called the sissy stick by the street luge riders) It might not even be called Segway

rick

[Timezkware Tim]

Clearly, this is a recreation vehicle. I think it's great because the big picture is that a large, well respected company is incorporating Segwaylike balance technology, which supports a Segway's usefulness as a product.

I wonder how it will work going uphill?

I can't wait until battery and motor technology allows for these to be small enough to be attached to your shoes, with tiny wheels, lol.

Tim

[byped]

Clearly, this is a recreation vehicle. I think it's great because the big picture is that a large, well respected company is incorporating Segwaylike balance technology, which supports a Segway's usefulness as a product.

I wonder how it will work going uphill?

I can't wait until battery and motor technology allows for these to be small enough to be attached to your shoes, with tiny wheels, lol.

Tim

Self balancing non-tandem single axle roller skates.... or - inline skates with only one wheel each.

[BillPaxton]

Clearly, this is a recreation vehicle. I think it's great because the big picture is that a large, well respected company is incorporating Segwaylike balance technology, which supports a Segway's usefulness as a product.

I wonder how it will work going uphill?

I can't wait until battery and motor technology allows for these to be small enough to be attached to your shoes, with tiny wheels, lol.

Tim

Seems like the self balancing technology would be functional on a no-axis platform too, like, say a solid rubber ball the size of a PC mouse ball turned by four opposing motors embedded in a shoe. That would be COOOL!

[cruiter]

It's pretty clear this machine is designed for a completly different market then the PT. I imagine it will be quite a bit cheaper with Sony behind it and I just hope that it's "similar" technology doesn't get confused with Segway when folks start getting hurt on it. If the "Gen X" generation is the target audiance and the price winds up under $1000 per unit, it will probably start a revolving door at the Emergency rooms. But it does look "kool" :). Will Sony call it the "Street Surfer"?

Clearly, this is a recreation vehicle. I think it's great because the big picture is that a large, well respected company is incorporating Segwaylike balance technology, which supports a Segway's usefulness as a product.

I wonder how it will work going uphill?

I can't wait until battery and motor technology allows for these to be small enough to be attached to your shoes, with tiny wheels, lol.

Tim

[Timezkware Tim]

Doesn't seem very stable, balance is already a major issue, with nothing to lean or grab onto, it's not going to work very well.

Good point, Cody. Regular skateboards aren't such a safety issue, because you can step/jump off pretty easily. With the Sony thing, the wheels keep your feet in, similar to a Segway. With no CS to grab, it seems much easier to go flying. Speed and turning range would have to be limited to accomodate the least amount of falls, but they would still happen more than a regular skateboard. I won't really know until I try one, but this seems to be an issue.

Tim

[Tarkus]

That's hard to say. Many have wanted a "hands free Segway" for a long time.

Again, this is an apples and oranges deal, these products are not the same nor will appeal to the same market.

You guys try one out and let me know how it works out.
Maybe after your ride you'll need a "gimp sticker" for your Seg !!!

Be Big,
Alan

[Cody2526]

Aside from the obvious safety concerns, I think the biggest issue is the overall quality. Sny has been known to use parts that will be worn out by the time the next new major product comes out from them. Timing is nearly perfect, the old one breaks a bit after the new one is out and available.

Also, the price. They will either add cheap parts at competitive prices with Segway, or will be a bit more expensive, although I doubt the overall quality and amount of parts is enough to be more than trhe Segway currently is, this thing won't be very cheap.

[drmarty]

And of course if they have a zillion of these out zooming around hurting riders and pedestrians that won't help our cause at all.

Look at the National Mall issue right now. They are lumping Segways with electric scooters. OUCH.

We shall see.

Marty

[Tarkus]

And of course if they have a zillion of these out zooming around hurting riders and pedestrians that won't help our cause at all.

Look at the National Mall issue right now. They are lumping Segways with electric scooters. OUCH.

We shall see.

Marty

There is a part of me that thinks just the opposite.

When kids, even grown ones, start to fall off these things it will just make the Segway safety record stronger.

Who knows, but I think the more "self balancing" devices would help break down the fear of the unknown.

Be Big,
Alan

[bystander]

Braver folk can use two separate boards – one for each foot, like powered roller skates.

Powered, but only for lighting, not motion:

http://www.skatebuds.com/

Skate Buds The Movie (http://stores.skatebudsdealer.com/images/New/skatebuds.wmv)

Possibly the least stable rolling platform possible.

At least the kids are wearing helmets and pads.

I dunno, maybe this one is the least stable:

The WAVE Street Surfboard (http://www.sportchalet.com/product/index.jsp?productId=1973314&cp=701959)