Sad day for iBot

jgbackes · 12-15-2008, 03:31 PM

I had an appointment to get fitted for an iBot, I got a call that they will no longer be sold.

I'm waiting for the press release to show up.

Finally someone solves a real life problem for the disabled and the market is too small to pay for it. Sad!

Let's hope the same thing doesn't happen to Inc.

Bob.Kerns · 12-15-2008, 03:50 PM

I'm very sorry to hear that.

I wonder if it would be possible to locate a used one?

I wonder if this would make it possible for INC to seek clearance to market the Segway as a mobility aid? (Probably not, would be my guess). I'm guessing INC won't find it economically attractive, even if it was clear to do so, as FDA pre-marketing approval is a fairly involved and expensive process. But maybe it's less unlikely than before. (Trying to see the silver lining in the cloud).

Good luck, Jeff.

jgbackes · 12-15-2008, 05:16 PM

Independence Technology to Cease iBOT Sales in January December 12, 2008 Independence Technology will stop marketing and selling its iBOT power wheelchair in January. A Dec. 12 statement issued by Independence Technology's public affairs agency said, "Despite significant, long-term investment by the company and acceptance of the iBOT mobility system, demand has not proven sufficient to create a sustainable market. A challenging reimbursement environment for innovative assistive technologies has been a factor in limiting demand." iBOT's Web site - www.ibotnow.com -- currently lists the chair's price as $26,100. The chair - perhaps best known for its stair-climbing ability - formally debuted as the iBOT 3000 Mobility System in 2003, though it had appeared at industry events and on television news programs for years before that. The iBOT's gyroscope technology, which enables it to balance on two wheels and to climb stairs and other obstacles, is also seen in Segway consumer vehicles and is credited to inventor Dean Kamen. Health-care giant Johnson & Johnson partnered with Kamen's DEKA Research & Development Corp. in 1995 to develop and market the iBOT. Johnson & Johnson formed Independence Technology in 1999, and the division at one time marketed and sold the iGLIDE power-assist manual wheelchair, which was also introduced in 2003. iGLIDE was discontinued the following year. In 2005, Independence Technology received FDA approval for the iBOT Mobility System 4000, the chair's current iteration. Although iBOT became something of a mainstream media darling thanks to appearances on programs such as NBC's Dateline, even admirers of the general technology wondered about iBOT's seemingly narrow demographic. For instance, the most famous of the iBOT's abilities - stair-climbing - required the user to "guide" iBOT by holding firmly to the staircase's handrail as the chair ascended or descended. Since many power chair users lack that required strength, balance, stamina and/or postural stability, some providers wondered how many of their clients would be able to use iBOT, which also required standard joystick driving and, as a custom-built vehicle, did not generally accommodate other manufacturers' positioning equipment.

gbrandwood · 12-15-2008, 06:17 PM

That is indeed sad to hear. I always thought, and continue to think so, that the iBot was a miracle - or rather, it was miraculous, especially for the people who benefited from it.

I do hope the same doesn't happen to Segway INC, but we can probably guess more PTs have been sold than iBots - but that's not to say the risk of failure isn't real. The future will tell. To quote Alan Partridge, I think the Segway PT is a "healthy duck with lots of legs"! Not as healthy and with as many legs as I would like, but still, it quacks and waddles.

Anyway, Jeff, is an iBot an essential tool for you? Do you have anything else in mind? I guess the iBot is fairly unique in lots of ways. As Bob says, a used one might be an option. Hope you find what you are looking for.

Bob.Kerns · 12-15-2008, 08:17 PM

How many iBot's is a team allowed to have on the field at one time?

jgbackes · 12-15-2008, 08:52 PM

As anyone with a nerve condition will tell you, I have good days and bad days. Today was a GREAT day, I didn't even need my cane to get around.

Tomorrow may be better, may be worse.

Tarkus · 12-15-2008, 10:31 PM

This is a classic example of how the greatest technology is of no use if it can't be put to use by those who need it.

At close to 30K a pop it was just a matter of time. J&J does not have a good history when it comes to marketing chairs. Band-Aids & Tylenol is what they do best.

Be Big,
Alan

ledebuhr1 · 01-10-2009, 06:23 PM

So do you think that J&J will sell the patents to someone eles? If it were made in China with tight quality standards, sold in many of the meedical supply stores, then it could be very sucessfull.
Many paraplegics dont even know about it.

thouston · 01-11-2009, 11:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tarkus

This is a classic example of how the greatest technology is of no use if it can't be put to use by those who need it.

At close to 30K a pop it was just a matter of time. J&J does not have a good history when it comes to marketing chairs. Band-Aids & Tylenol is what they do best.

Be Big,
Alan

You can say that again Alan. I've been trying to get this off the ground for years. It's revolutionary technology that I fear is a bit before its time.

http://www.2hei.com

Madsegs · 01-11-2009, 11:52 AM

The i bot has set many companies and people in motion but yes it was before its time and a very small market.....
There are quite a few out there that can decend steps and curbs but not many that can climb like the ibot did.
Even the segway has competitors but not all in prodution yet.

Here is the latest from toyota, cross segway wheelchair if you have not seen it.

12-15-2008, 03:31 PM	#1
jgbackes Senior Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: San Jose, CA - USA Posts: 1,314	Sad day for iBot I had an appointment to get fitted for an iBot, I got a call that they will no longer be sold. I'm waiting for the press release to show up. Finally someone solves a real life problem for the disabled and the market is too small to pay for it. Sad! Let's hope the same thing doesn't happen to Inc. __________________ sǝʞɔɐq ɟɟǝɾ If I had known I was going to live this long, I would have taken better care of myself. To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.

12-15-2008, 05:16 PM	#3
jgbackes Senior Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: San Jose, CA - USA Posts: 1,314	Independence Technology to Cease iBOT Sales in January December 12, 2008 Independence Technology will stop marketing and selling its iBOT power wheelchair in January. A Dec. 12 statement issued by Independence Technology's public affairs agency said, "Despite significant, long-term investment by the company and acceptance of the iBOT mobility system, demand has not proven sufficient to create a sustainable market. A challenging reimbursement environment for innovative assistive technologies has been a factor in limiting demand." iBOT's Web site - www.ibotnow.com -- currently lists the chair's price as $26,100. The chair - perhaps best known for its stair-climbing ability - formally debuted as the iBOT 3000 Mobility System in 2003, though it had appeared at industry events and on television news programs for years before that. The iBOT's gyroscope technology, which enables it to balance on two wheels and to climb stairs and other obstacles, is also seen in Segway consumer vehicles and is credited to inventor Dean Kamen. Health-care giant Johnson & Johnson partnered with Kamen's DEKA Research & Development Corp. in 1995 to develop and market the iBOT. Johnson & Johnson formed Independence Technology in 1999, and the division at one time marketed and sold the iGLIDE power-assist manual wheelchair, which was also introduced in 2003. iGLIDE was discontinued the following year. In 2005, Independence Technology received FDA approval for the iBOT Mobility System 4000, the chair's current iteration. Although iBOT became something of a mainstream media darling thanks to appearances on programs such as NBC's Dateline, even admirers of the general technology wondered about iBOT's seemingly narrow demographic. For instance, the most famous of the iBOT's abilities - stair-climbing - required the user to "guide" iBOT by holding firmly to the staircase's handrail as the chair ascended or descended. Since many power chair users lack that required strength, balance, stamina and/or postural stability, some providers wondered how many of their clients would be able to use iBOT, which also required standard joystick driving and, as a custom-built vehicle, did not generally accommodate other manufacturers' positioning equipment. __________________ sǝʞɔɐq ɟɟǝɾ If I had known I was going to live this long, I would have taken better care of myself. To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.

12-15-2008, 06:17 PM	#4
gbrandwood Advanced Member Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: North west England, UK. Posts: 3,043	That is indeed sad to hear. I always thought, and continue to think so, that the iBot was a miracle - or rather, it was miraculous, especially for the people who benefited from it. I do hope the same doesn't happen to Segway INC, but we can probably guess more PTs have been sold than iBots - but that's not to say the risk of failure isn't real. The future will tell. To quote Alan Partridge, I think the Segway PT is a "healthy duck with lots of legs"! Not as healthy and with as many legs as I would like, but still, it quacks and waddles. Anyway, Jeff, is an iBot an essential tool for you? Do you have anything else in mind? I guess the iBot is fairly unique in lots of ways. As Bob says, a used one might be an option. Hope you find what you are looking for. __________________ Gareth Brandwood The comments posted are made by the fat figners of the individual and do not necessarily represent the views of the brain.

12-15-2008, 08:52 PM	#6
jgbackes Senior Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: San Jose, CA - USA Posts: 1,314	As anyone with a nerve condition will tell you, I have good days and bad days. Today was a GREAT day, I didn't even need my cane to get around. Tomorrow may be better, may be worse. __________________ sǝʞɔɐq ɟɟǝɾ If I had known I was going to live this long, I would have taken better care of myself. To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.

12-15-2008, 10:31 PM	#7
Tarkus Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Ponte Vedra Beach, FL/ Mantoloking NJ Posts: 2,081	This is a classic example of how the greatest technology is of no use if it can't be put to use by those who need it. At close to 30K a pop it was just a matter of time. J&J does not have a good history when it comes to marketing chairs. Band-Aids & Tylenol is what they do best. Be Big, Alan __________________ *************************************** Messages from Alan Maccini and are produced utilizing voice recognition software. We apologize for any errors . To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.

12-15-2008, 03:50 PM	#2
Bob.Kerns Advanced Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Marin County, CA Posts: 3,783	I'm very sorry to hear that. I wonder if it would be possible to locate a used one? I wonder if this would make it possible for INC to seek clearance to market the Segway as a mobility aid? (Probably not, would be my guess). I'm guessing INC won't find it economically attractive, even if it was clear to do so, as FDA pre-marketing approval is a fairly involved and expensive process. But maybe it's less unlikely than before. (Trying to see the silver lining in the cloud). Good luck, Jeff.

12-15-2008, 08:17 PM	#5
Bob.Kerns Advanced Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Marin County, CA Posts: 3,783	How many iBot's is a team allowed to have on the field at one time?

01-10-2009, 06:23 PM	#8
ledebuhr1 Junior Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Michigan Posts: 32	So do you think that J&J will sell the patents to someone eles? If it were made in China with tight quality standards, sold in many of the meedical supply stores, then it could be very sucessfull. Many paraplegics dont even know about it.

01-11-2009, 11:52 AM	#10
Madsegs Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Madrid, Spain. Posts: 256	The i bot has set many companies and people in motion but yes it was before its time and a very small market..... There are quite a few out there that can decend steps and curbs but not many that can climb like the ibot did. Even the segway has competitors but not all in prodution yet. Here is the latest from toyota, cross segway wheelchair if you have not seen it. __________________ Antony Don´t you just love segs, i´m always riding mine. To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.

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