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Old 08-01-2008, 09:11 AM   #1
Cube128
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Default Toyota Winglet - "Segway Killer"

Toyota just revealed what some are calling a Segway killer, see link at http://www.reghardware.co.uk/2008/08...shiba_winglet/.

Segway was always afraid that some huge company would steal their thunder and come out with a rival product, but I don't see this being in the same category. With a top speed of only 6 Km/H, range of 5-10 Km and a footprint of 10.4X18 inches, this will be literally seen as a replacement for walking, though the rationale is that it's meant for being used in large crowds (rush hour in Tokyo, anyone?). I do like the fact that one of the models is entirely hands free, though. Thoughts?
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Old 08-01-2008, 09:41 AM   #2
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Default Not A Threat

I agree, I don't see these as a threat to Segway, at least in this form. 3mph may be fine on ultra crowded sidewalks, but how many of us would have bought our units if they only went that slow? With such a short range, and such a long time to reach it, they are going to have one VERY limited market. I wonder what type of batteries they are using, and how they plan to distribute the units? Can you see going to a Toyota dealer and having the usual "school of sharks" (car salesmen) running up to you and then finding out that they have to spend an hour selling you one of these mosquitos and giving up a shot at selling someone a high commission Prius?!?!
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Old 08-01-2008, 10:11 AM   #3
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Default probably not for outdoor use

The wheels are so small that the slightest bump would trip it up.
I'll bet it's target is the indoor market place.
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Old 08-01-2008, 10:31 AM   #4
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Short handles, specualation is that 2 are for sitting due to short handles, frankly its more likely they are for kneeling. The 3 MPH thing makes no sense to me at all, if I was stuck at 3 MPH on my Segway, I would eventually step off and throw it in the nearest lake out of frustration. As you guys mentioned, this could work in China mayeb, but Toyota is a global company. Only thing I can say positive is the silver one is a cool design.

Oh, when I first read the article, I was excited thinking there might be something cooler out for the Segway. Sadly, we can only hope this will drive down the price of the Segway eventually.
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Old 08-01-2008, 11:39 AM   #5
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Take a look at the video: http://www.engadget.com/2008/08/01/t...y-we-dont-know ... the ones without handles are still ridden standing up. It looks kind of neat but with such a slow speed its target market will likely be elderly and disabled in shopping malls and airports. I can maybe see large entities like that buying several and renting them out.
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Old 08-01-2008, 11:57 AM   #6
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They're more like Toy-ota Wingnuts...
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Old 08-01-2008, 02:05 PM   #7
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"Competition" or no, certainly several dozen patent infringements.

Should be "fun" to watch.
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Old 08-01-2008, 02:39 PM   #8
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Quote:
Originally Posted by quade View Post
"Competition" or no, certainly several dozen patent infringements.

Should be "fun" to watch.
Sony holds a patent.
Sony/Toyota has very deep pockets.
Sony/Toyota can squish Segway Inc like a bug.
Not fun to watch at all.
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Old 08-01-2008, 03:07 PM   #9
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Sony holds a patent dated in 2007 for a similar self-balancing design. LLC's patents clearly precede that date by many years. The Winglet also appears to utilize a varient of Segway's Leansteer technology. It will be interesting to see if Segway can make some money off Toyota for some much needed cash.

Sales of other EPAMDs are a good thing, IMHO. I would like to see more disabled & elderly using similar devices all over the world. Having a bit of market competition is a good thing. I like the idea of very small, portible mobility devices and I like the suspension system built into the Toyota platform. This is actually all very good news for EPAMD owners the world over.

It's just a matter of time: widespread adoption of personal transport is an inevitability. If it's not Segway doing the innovation and marketing-- someone else will.

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Sony holds a patent.
Sony/Toyota has very deep pockets.
Sony/Toyota can squish Segway Inc like a bug.
Not fun to watch at all.
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Old 08-01-2008, 03:30 PM   #10
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Quote:
Originally Posted by SEGsby View Post
Sony holds a patent dated in 2007 for a similar self-balancing design. LLC's patents clearly precede that date by many years. The Winglet also appears to utilize a varient of Segway's Leansteer technology. It will be interesting to see if Segway can make some money off Toyota for some much needed cash.
Toyota/Sony could make a generous offer to buy out all the shares of Segway Inc's investors, buy Kamen's patents for more money he'll ever make building EPAMD's and pay for it all out of their petty cash account. Then shut down the Bedford assembly plant forever. Like I said, squish.

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