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The Feature Creep

Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Boston, MA
Posts: 990

Every Last Segway Recalled

09/14/2006 11:27 AM

Due to a software glitch Segway Inc. is recalling all 23,500, every single one ever sold. The glitch causes the wheels to reverse direction and dump their users. In some cases it caused the user facial damage. Reminds me of Fight Club where Norton's character talks about how much damage has to be caused for the recall of a car. Here is a link to the story on MSN.

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The Architect
Engineering Fields - Software Engineering - S/W Architect Popular Science - Evolution - Fascinating! Fans of Old Computers - TRS-80 - A fine computer United States - US - Statue of Liberty - NY

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#1

Some deteails...

09/14/2006 9:44 PM

According to the article, six people where hurt by the problem, so it's pretty rare.

"The scooter's speed is determined by how far forward users lean, and if the riders lean too far forward, a "speed limiter" pushes them back to keep the device at its maximum speed of 12.5 mph. The problem happens after the speed limiter tilts back, then the rider steps off the device and gets back on it quickly."

On a lighter note...

"The most famous tumble from a Segway came in 2003, when President Bush tried one out at his family's estate in Maine. The device went down on his first attempt to ride it, but Bush stayed on his feet with an awkward hop over the scooter. However, that incident had a different cause: Bush had not turned on the Segway."

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Mark Gaulin
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#2

Re: Every Last Segway Recalled

09/15/2006 8:24 AM

You'd think the thing would have a port in it where you can download software fixes and updates off Kaman's site right into the machine.

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The Feature Creep

Join Date: Feb 2005
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#3
In reply to #2

Re: Every Last Segway Recalled

09/15/2006 8:45 AM

I think that they would be worried about people hacking the firmware. From the sounds of things there is a proprietary port or something that only authorized repair centers have that will upload the new software.

Still not sure what I'd hack a Segway to do though.

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#4
In reply to #3

Re: Every Last Segway Recalled

09/15/2006 8:54 AM

Its an auto balancing robot with a great range and speed. Interface it with GPS and what couldn't you have it do.

.

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The Architect
Engineering Fields - Software Engineering - S/W Architect Popular Science - Evolution - Fascinating! Fans of Old Computers - TRS-80 - A fine computer United States - US - Statue of Liberty - NY

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#5
In reply to #4

Re: Every Last Segway Recalled

09/15/2006 9:23 AM

Apparently they do sell a version as a robitics platform; that product was not affected by the recall.

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The Feature Creep

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#6
In reply to #4

Re: Every Last Segway Recalled

09/15/2006 9:55 AM

Go up stairs?

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#7
In reply to #6

Re: Every Last Segway Recalled

09/15/2006 10:01 AM

Good thing the Americana with Disabilities act requires there be a ramp or elevator in public space. If a wheelchair and do it, I'd say a Segway could as well. I do agree stairs would be tough

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The Feature Creep

Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Boston, MA
Posts: 990
#8
In reply to #7

Re: Every Last Segway Recalled

09/15/2006 10:31 AM

So the Americans with Disabilities Act is just a front for the evil robot federation intent on making sure that all public buildings are prepared for their machine masters?

I KNEW IT!!!!

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Power-User

Join Date: Jan 2007
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#11
In reply to #7

Re: Every Last Segway Recalled

01/20/2007 9:27 AM

The wheelchair upon which the Segway is based can do stairs.

I b'lieve that Segway is an attempt to incorporate economy-of-scale to benefit said wheelchair.

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Commentator

Join Date: Nov 2006
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#9

Re: Every Last Segway Recalled

11/21/2006 8:52 AM

YOU WILL OBEYYY THE WILLL OF THE DAAAALLLEEEKKKSS!!!!!!!

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Anonymous Poster
#10
In reply to #9

Re: Every Last Segway Recalled

11/23/2006 12:12 PM

Here's a pic of the true origin of the Daleks (before full exoskeletons were used)

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