One wheeled "Segway"

[DonRotolo]

No, it's a center of mass thing: the center of mass is kept below the center of the wheel axle, that's why he has to sit on the ground (almost), steer by leaning, and use such a large wheel.

zzzzz.

[Molten]

I am by no means trying to insult this invention. I think it was great for its time. I just don't see how someone looks at this and thinks segway. They are two completely different inventions. It is the equivilant of looking at a wind energy generator and think water wheel. It is just a very big leap.

A side note to Jane: I am surprised to learn that you were alive 50 years ago. You certainly don't look your age. That is assuming that your WAI wasn't taken over a decade ago.

[JaneYoung]

Originally Posted by Molten

I am by no means trying to insult this invention. I think it was great for its time. I just don't see how someone looks at this and thinks segway. They are two completely different inventions. It is the equivilant of looking at a wind energy generator and think water wheel. It is just a very big leap.

A side note to Jane: I am surprised to learn that you were alive 50 years ago. You certainly don't look your age. That is assuming that your WAI wasn't taken over a decade ago.

I read the Segway in the title as well and, after viewing the video, I thought of how sometimes I use the word, Segway, to mean human transporter. That said, I understand what you are saying and did at the time I made the post. It's just that so much history, scientific developments and discoveries, communications, and lifestyle changes have happened in 50 years...

To the aside: I checked that WAI thing and it was 2006. I was very excited that day for the game reveal - just as I am every year. So that's kind of what I look like now. Perhaps a 2008 version would be a good thing. I'm still blond though so be warned.

[Lil' Lavery]

Originally Posted by Molten

I am by no means trying to insult this invention. I think it was great for its time. I just don't see how someone looks at this and thinks segway. They are two completely different inventions. It is the equivilant of looking at a wind energy generator and think water wheel. It is just a very big leap.

The same way people look at a Segway and see a scooter. Or the same way people look at a longship and cruise liner and both times think "boat". While the individual technologies are not the same, they have similar functions and do have common themes. Both this and the segway achieved motorized transportation based on balancing on fewer than four-wheels (standard for most motorized vehicles). One has one-wheel (as the thread title suggests), one has two.

[usbcd36]

I think the coolest thing is that this guy didn't just experiment a little, he actually built a working one-wheeled car. His invention was WAY ahead of its time, and I wouldn't have been surprised to see this on the front page of Digg as "innovative new technology."

The real question is…how long before we see it on a FIRST 'bot?