A solution in search of a problem...

n/a · 09-01-2002, 01:05 PM

The above phrase has been used as a criticizm of Segway. Guess what people, I agree with this statement with regards to Segway. Nobody approached Kamen and said to him "we need a vehicle that can effectivize walking, mingle with pedestrians and can be used indoors and out. While working on the ibot, he realized that he could use the self-balancing component to build a new type of vehicle. He also discovered that the self-balancing feature gave a very cool feeling to the rider. He explored the idea furthur and realized that there could be a lot of applications for such a technology. The more he explored the more potential advantages he saw.

Arent most serendipideous discoveries made in the same way? Somebody accidentally does something that behaves in an anomolous manner. The curious and clever scientist/inventor explores the anomaly and eventually discovers that it has some potential practical applications. Isnt that what true discovery is all about? Isnt it the true sign of a creative mind at work?

ftropea · 09-02-2002, 12:40 AM

As I've indicated on other occasions, it does seem to me (and we'll know better once Kemper's book hits the shelves) that Dean Kamen didn't set out to invent to Segway-HT. He was working on the Ibot and developed prototypes to test balancing mode, enabled by dynamic stabilizations. The simplest prototype was to reduce the Ibot to a 2-wheeled test-bed called Ginger. At the time, it might not have occured to Kamen that he just invented a viable solution to many of the world's ills. However, he didn't shelve the prototype either. He did return to finish and perfect the Ibot. Then he probably turned back to Ginger... and then the rest is history.

However, at some point he did have to work out what problems this invention solved. I never heard that Kamen invented the Segway-HT to solve any particular problem. Again, can't wait for the book...

Regards,

Frank A. Tropea
----------------------------------
Ginger : Robotics :: PC : Computers

dupa · 09-02-2002, 08:17 AM

I do not agree with the thread title. I would say..Segway, helping solve problems like congestion, pollution, and dependence on foreign oil. Segway, an American solution to international problems.

dupa · 09-02-2002, 08:18 AM

And hell, how rude of me! Nice site Frank!! Congrats!

ziggystardust_ · 09-02-2002, 09:57 AM

Quote:

quote:Originally posted by dupa

I do not agree with the thread title. I would say..Segway, helping solve problems like congestion, pollution, and dependence on foreign oil. Segway, an American solution to international problems.

The big question is: Is DS at that price point in relation to alternatives enough to accomplish the above?

n/a · 09-02-2002, 10:06 AM

Quote:

quote:The big question is: Is DS at that price point in relation to alternatives enough to accomplish the above?

Most likely not at this point, not for most people. For some niche markets and early adapters yes. Eventually the price will hopefully come down sufficiently to make Segway affordable and desireable for the masses. Kamen & co. are still working hard to adapt Segway to various uses, still searching for new problems the solution might solve.

ftropea · 09-02-2002, 01:45 PM

To me, the forumla is pretty simple. Keep selling the Segway-HT to the postal service and other places where it'll be visible to the public - see on streets and inside building - and then eventually the cost will come down, people will be well acquainted with the product and it'll sell really well. Ever been to Las Vegas? They should let you rent them there... it is a PERFECT solution to traveling up and down the strip.

In fact, ever been to Freemont street? It's downtown Las Vegas... a group of little casinos wanted to draw people from up the strip. They had nothing to compete with the likes of exploding volcanos and pirate ships in battle, so they pooled their money together and built this fantastic awning over freemont street. The underside of the awning is lines with thousands of lights... it's a huge TV set.. I mean HUGE. Everynigh they run free lightshows... it's called the Freemont Street Experience. That draws people down there and it's done wonder for their business...

If the casinos would pool their money together and invest in Segways, they could increase their revenues by making it easier for people to get around Las Vegas and throughout the various casinos. The more casinos people visit - the more they gamble. The less tired they are, the more time they spend gambling. The more people can feel they can explore - the more money you make in gambling revenue and services. Plus, the rental cost alone would help pay for these Segways in no time - say they rent them at $9 - $10 a day? THat's less than what cab fare or car rentals would cost... and they would pay for themselves in less than 2 years assuming the Segways cost around $5,000 or so. The expected operating life of a Segway is more than 5 years anyway, but they could even sell those used units and purchase new Segways every 5 years or so...

Potential - potential!

Regards,

Frank A. Tropea
----------------------------------
Ginger : Robotics :: PC : Computers

charmed · 09-02-2002, 01:53 PM

Segway+Vegas=a beautiful thing.

However....the incidence of drunkeness and questionable judgement among the visitors is unmatched anywhere in the world.

Still, the distances between casinos are perfect for the Segway's speed and range, and it would seem a relatively simple thing for various casinos to set aside space for Segway service and parking facilities. All it would take are a few of the big ones participating, and they would automatically have a huge drawing card for many, many visitors.

Seg-wager · 09-02-2002, 03:53 PM

Quote:

quote:Ever been to Las Vegas? They should let you rent them there... it is a PERFECT solution to traveling up and down the strip

I still think they'd make an excellent comp for the hotels, since some of the larger complexes seem to cover such vast areas.

charmed · 09-02-2002, 03:59 PM

Sounds like a likely market, to me.

09-01-2002, 01:05 PM	#1
n/a Member Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: , , . Posts: 697	A solution in search of a problem... The above phrase has been used as a criticizm of Segway. Guess what people, I agree with this statement with regards to Segway. Nobody approached Kamen and said to him "we need a vehicle that can effectivize walking, mingle with pedestrians and can be used indoors and out. While working on the ibot, he realized that he could use the self-balancing component to build a new type of vehicle. He also discovered that the self-balancing feature gave a very cool feeling to the rider. He explored the idea furthur and realized that there could be a lot of applications for such a technology. The more he explored the more potential advantages he saw. Arent most serendipideous discoveries made in the same way? Somebody accidentally does something that behaves in an anomolous manner. The curious and clever scientist/inventor explores the anomaly and eventually discovers that it has some potential practical applications. Isnt that what true discovery is all about? Isnt it the true sign of a creative mind at work?

09-02-2002, 12:40 AM	#2
ftropea Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Brooklyn, NY, USA. Posts: 1,778	As I've indicated on other occasions, it does seem to me (and we'll know better once Kemper's book hits the shelves) that Dean Kamen didn't set out to invent to Segway-HT. He was working on the Ibot and developed prototypes to test balancing mode, enabled by dynamic stabilizations. The simplest prototype was to reduce the Ibot to a 2-wheeled test-bed called Ginger. At the time, it might not have occured to Kamen that he just invented a viable solution to many of the world's ills. However, he didn't shelve the prototype either. He did return to finish and perfect the Ibot. Then he probably turned back to Ginger... and then the rest is history. However, at some point he did have to work out what problems this invention solved. I never heard that Kamen invented the Segway-HT to solve any particular problem. Again, can't wait for the book... Regards, Frank A. Tropea ---------------------------------- Ginger : Robotics :: PC : Computers

09-02-2002, 08:17 AM	#3
dupa Junior Member Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: , , . Posts: 71	I do not agree with the thread title. I would say..Segway, helping solve problems like congestion, pollution, and dependence on foreign oil. Segway, an American solution to international problems.

09-02-2002, 08:18 AM	#4
dupa Junior Member Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: , , . Posts: 71	And hell, how rude of me! Nice site Frank!! Congrats!

09-02-2002, 01:45 PM	#7
ftropea Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Brooklyn, NY, USA. Posts: 1,778	To me, the forumla is pretty simple. Keep selling the Segway-HT to the postal service and other places where it'll be visible to the public - see on streets and inside building - and then eventually the cost will come down, people will be well acquainted with the product and it'll sell really well. Ever been to Las Vegas? They should let you rent them there... it is a PERFECT solution to traveling up and down the strip. In fact, ever been to Freemont street? It's downtown Las Vegas... a group of little casinos wanted to draw people from up the strip. They had nothing to compete with the likes of exploding volcanos and pirate ships in battle, so they pooled their money together and built this fantastic awning over freemont street. The underside of the awning is lines with thousands of lights... it's a huge TV set.. I mean HUGE. Everynigh they run free lightshows... it's called the Freemont Street Experience. That draws people down there and it's done wonder for their business... If the casinos would pool their money together and invest in Segways, they could increase their revenues by making it easier for people to get around Las Vegas and throughout the various casinos. The more casinos people visit - the more they gamble. The less tired they are, the more time they spend gambling. The more people can feel they can explore - the more money you make in gambling revenue and services. Plus, the rental cost alone would help pay for these Segways in no time - say they rent them at $9 - $10 a day? THat's less than what cab fare or car rentals would cost... and they would pay for themselves in less than 2 years assuming the Segways cost around $5,000 or so. The expected operating life of a Segway is more than 5 years anyway, but they could even sell those used units and purchase new Segways every 5 years or so... Potential - potential! Regards, Frank A. Tropea ---------------------------------- Ginger : Robotics :: PC : Computers

09-02-2002, 01:53 PM	#8
charmed Member Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: , , . Posts: 252	Segway+Vegas=a beautiful thing. However....the incidence of drunkeness and questionable judgement among the visitors is unmatched anywhere in the world. Still, the distances between casinos are perfect for the Segway's speed and range, and it would seem a relatively simple thing for various casinos to set aside space for Segway service and parking facilities. All it would take are a few of the big ones participating, and they would automatically have a huge drawing card for many, many visitors.

09-02-2002, 03:59 PM	#10
charmed Member Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: , , . Posts: 252	Sounds like a likely market, to me.

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