时间:2026-04-07 18:47:43 来源:网络整理编辑:探索
Dean Kamen, the man who gave us the Segway, has teamed up with Toyota to bring back another one of h
Dean Kamen, the man who gave us the Segway, has teamed up with Toyota to bring back another one of his most fascinating transportation devices: the iBot.
SEE ALSO:Segway just dealt a huge blow to the hoverboard industryThe iBot debuted back in the late '90s as an innovative multi-wheel chair that gave wheelchair-bound users the ability to travel up steep stairways, elevate themselves to the height of a standing person and even traverse rough, outside terrain. However, with a cost of about $25,000 per unit, the device simply didn't find enough users to stick around, as the device was officially discontinued in 2009.
Now, in an announcement posted on its website on Saturday, Toyota has pledged to work with Kamen's Deka Research to launch a next generation version of the iBot.
Kamen even appears in a new video (see below) riding the iBot, detailing the vision and reasoning behind bringing the device back into the market.
"Our company is very focused on mobility solutions for all people," Osamu 'Simon' Nagata, chief administrative officer at Toyota Motor North America, said in a statement on Toyota's website. "We realize that it is important to help older adults and people with special needs live well and continue to contribute their talents and experience to the world."
Toyota will also license Deka's balancing technology for the development of other medical rehabilitative therapeutic solutions.
No price or release date for the next iteration of the iBot has been announced, but given the history of the first, potential users can at least hope for a lower price in the future.
Have something to add to this story? Share it in the comments.
This weird squid looks like it has googly eyes, guys2026-04-07 18:27
Forget moths, THIS was the funniest moment of the Euro 2016 final2026-04-07 18:27
Mick Fanning triumphantly returns to surf where he was attacked by a shark2026-04-07 18:08
How to escape your routine and get ahead at work2026-04-07 17:51
Tyler, the Creator helped Frank Ocean celebrate 'Blonde' release in a delicious way2026-04-07 17:49
Giants pitcher makes a miracle catch while arguing with an umpire2026-04-07 17:48
'Harry Potter' star Tom Felton joins 'The Flash'2026-04-07 17:29
New Yorkers capture the warm glow of 'Manhattanhenge'2026-04-07 17:10
Hiddleswift finally followed each other on Instagram after 3 excruciating days2026-04-07 17:10
Introducing the most awkward three2026-04-07 17:04
5 people Tim Cook calls for advice on running the biggest company in the world2026-04-07 18:17
Typhoon Nepartak slams Taiwan, threatens China with more flooding2026-04-07 17:51
Twitter courts small businesses with a new 'Dashboard' app2026-04-07 17:46
Devastating R.I.P. video will make you mourn for Sydney's lost nightlife2026-04-07 17:45
Teacher absolutely nails it with new homework policy2026-04-07 17:30
Spending a day on 'Pokémon Go' is not good for your phone's battery life2026-04-07 16:51
8 biggest digital entertainment trends in 2016 (so far)2026-04-07 16:38
#CarefreeBlackKids2k16 offers comfort in the midst of tragedy2026-04-07 16:36
U.S. pole vaulter skids to a halt for national anthem2026-04-07 16:24
7 sexual health issues facing teen girls globally — and how you can help2026-04-07 16:17