 President Clinton and Dean Kamen in the White House The iBOT is a variety of powered wheelchair, developed by Dean Kamen in a partnership between DEKA and Johnson and Johnson's Independence Technology division. It is a medical technology, made to help people with severe mobility problems. Image File history File links Clinton-kamen. ...
Image File history File links Clinton-kamen. ...
This article does not cite any references or sources. ...
Dean Kamen on one of his inventions, the Segway PT. President Clinton and Kamen in the White House, Kamen riding his innovative invention, the iBOT Mobility System. ...
Wikipedia does not yet have an article with this exact name. ...
Johnson & Johnson (NYSE: JNJ) is an international Pharmaceutical and Medical Devices manufacturer founded in 1885. ...
Division of Johnson and Johnson company. ...
As of 2006, the iBOT retails for approximately $26,100 and requires a prescription since it is a medical device. Year 2006 (MMVI) was a common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. ...
Features
The iBOT has a number of features distinguishing it from most powered wheelchairs: - While the iBOT has four powered wheels (in addition to two small casters used on smooth surfaces), it is capable of balancing on a single pair of wheels. This mode of operation also raises the user of the wheelchair so that their eyes are at the same approximate level as normally-standing people.
- By rotating its two sets of powered wheels about each other, the iBOT is capable of "walking" up and down stairs without requiring assistance. (Picture a cog railway or a rack and pinion with the two wheels as the "teeth" of the gear. The wheels can roll slightly at each step to compensate for a wide but not infinite range of stair dimensions). During independent stair climbing, the user requires a sturdy handrail and a strong grip. With an assistant, neither a handrail, nor a strong grip is required.
- The iBOT is capable of tethered remote control operation (useful for loading device up steep ramps into vehicles, or "parking" against a wall after rider gets into bed).
- A special software package called iBALANCE receives data via various sensors and gyroscopes, allowing the iBOT to maintain balance during certain maneuvers. For example during curb climbing the seat remains level while parts of the chassis tilt to climb the curb.
- It allows the user to rise from a sitting level to approximately 6 ft. tall (measured from the ground to the top of the head, and depending on the size of the occupant). It does this by raising one pair of wheels above the other to elevate the chassis, while a separate actuator slightly raises the seat further. In this configuration the device is on two wheels, and the 'iBALANCE' software and gyroscope signals control the iBOT to maintain equilibrium, balancing much like the Segway scooter. The user may also travel in this "standing" configuration.
- It can climb and descend curbs ranging from 0.1 in. to 5.0 inches, according to manufacturer's specifications. The performance envelope is determined by rider's technique and risk tolerance.
- It is capable of traveling on and through a large variety of terrain and weather, such as beach/desert sand, gravel, water up to 3" deep, etc.
Inventor Dean Kamen demonstrates the Segway HT at the U.S. Department of Commerce on February 14, 2002. ...
See also Segway in the Robot museum in Nagoya. ...
Dean Kamen on one of his inventions, the Segway PT. President Clinton and Kamen in the White House, Kamen riding his innovative invention, the iBOT Mobility System. ...
External links - Independence Technology Product Info Page
- Public Funding Issues in USA
- iBot 4000 article - Note: search site for other ibot articles
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