时间:2026-08-21 12:07:05 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.
Snapchat is about to explode in popularity, report says2026-08-21 12:05
18 women accuse 'One Tree Hill' show runner Mark Schwahn of sexual harassment2026-08-21 11:50
Bitcoin and its meteoric rise looks like a classic bubble2026-08-21 11:30
Elon Musk suggests the new Roadster could have flight capabilities2026-08-21 11:20
This weird squid looks like it has googly eyes, guys2026-08-21 10:40
Parents attempt to take selfie, accidentally record hilarious video2026-08-21 10:18
4 ways to be there for someone who is grieving during the holidays2026-08-21 09:52
Bill Gates pledges $100 million to innovative Alzheimer's research2026-08-21 09:36
Uber's $100M settlement over drivers as contractors may not be enough2026-08-21 09:27
Elon Musk suggests the new Roadster could have flight capabilities2026-08-21 09:27
Metallica to seek and destroy your eardrums with new album this fall2026-08-21 12:05
Texas church shooting reignites the encryption debate between Apple and FBI2026-08-21 12:05
Spotify is quietly testing a new feature to make your Discover Weekly playlist even smarter2026-08-21 11:56
The 'Stranger Things' memes that will make you say 'whoa'2026-08-21 11:24
Snapchat is about to explode in popularity, report says2026-08-21 11:18
DMX is coming for Mariah Carey's Christmas throne with a 'Rudolph the Red2026-08-21 11:16
Bitcoin and its meteoric rise looks like a classic bubble2026-08-21 11:01
Cheeky seal gets chased away by weary fishmonger, goes viral2026-08-21 10:31
Richard Branson 'thought he was going to die' in bike accident2026-08-21 09:54
Star Wars Holiday Gift Guide: Your shopping mission starts here2026-08-21 09:51