Anatomy of a Failed Invention

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Anatomy of a Failed Invention

In 2003 the inventor Dean Kamen visited the university where I was teaching Mechanical
Engineering courses and addressed the entire student body. He gave great detail about the efforts he and his team put forth to conceptualize and finally produce the Segway. I had assigned, as a final project, my students the task of inventing a complimentary device or system to be used in conjunction with the Segway. My student teams produced very clever add-ons and adaptations to Dean’s original design. The Segway was once one of the most anticipated pieces of technology at the time, yet today it’s mostly seen as a joke. This video explores what happened.

The Segway Personal Transporter (PT) was invented by Dean Kamen, an American inventor and entrepreneur. Here’s a brief history of the original Segway Mr. Kaman presented to my university:

Inception and Development
Dean Kamen founded the company Segway Inc. and developed the Segway PT, a two-wheeled, self-balancing personal transporter. The invention was the result of years of research and development, building on Kamen’s earlier work with medical devices and mobility aids.

The Segway PT was code-named “Ginger” during its development phase, and its technology was kept a closely guarded secret. The project was backed by significant investment from high-profile individuals and companies, fueling media speculation and intrigue.

Technology
The Segway PT’s innovative technology allowed it to balance on two wheels using gyroscopic sensors and a control system. The rider could control the direction and speed by leaning forward, backward, or to the sides. The device’s ability to mimic human balance captured the public’s imagination and was seen as a revolutionary advancement in personal transportation.

Launch and Reception
The Segway PT was unveiled in December 2001 on the ABC news program “Good Morning America.” The launch was met with great fanfare, and many believed it would revolutionize urban transportation.

However, the initial excitement was tempered by several factors, including the device’s high cost, regulatory challenges, and safety concerns. Some cities banned or restricted the use of Segways on sidewalks and public spaces.

Impact and Legacy
Despite the challenges, the Segway found a niche in various applications, such as tourism, security, and industrial environments. Police forces and security personnel used Segways for patrolling, and guided Segway tours became popular in many cities. Dean Kamen’s invention also inspired further research and development in electric mobility and self-balancing technology. The Segway’s influence can be seen in various modern electric scooters, hoverboards, and other personal transportation devices. The original Segway PT was a groundbreaking invention that captured the world’s attention. While it did not become the ubiquitous mode of transportation that some predicted, it left a lasting impact on the field of personal mobility and showcased Dean Kamen’s inventive genius.

The Segway’s story also serves as a lesson in innovation, highlighting the challenges and complexities of bringing a revolutionary product to market. It’s a tale that could certainly inspire young inventors, such as those in our “Invention School” series, to persevere through obstacles and think creatively about solving real-world problems.

We have published other informative posts on Invention School’s website which may interest you. To view our entire catalog of over 800 posts go to inventionschool.tech/category/blog/ or use our handy search tool to find topics of interest to you.

Mechanical/Solar Engineer, Prof. Oku Singer

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