Segway is expanding their robotics division (Segway Robotics) into the home service robotics industry.
The Segway scooter never really cought on as a transportation technology. Looking back, I only remember seeing one in action in Paul Blart: Mall Cop (hilarious movie).
Despite the underwhelming consumer response to the Segway scooter, the company was acquired in April 2015 by the Chinese company, Ninebot. Remember when Segway sued Ninebot for intellectual property theft? Neither do I.
This acquisition allowed Segway to remain an independent brand and grow, leading to the recent expansion of their Segway Robotics division.
Segway’s plans for 2016 include working with Intel and Xiaomi, the world’s fourth largest smartphone maker, to develop "a futuristic concept by integrating existing technological proposals." The group now holding Segway and Ninebot has received funding valued at over $1 billion from Intel Capital and GIC.
Segway is being suspiciously secretive about further details.
From a manufacturing perspective, it’s interesting to speculate on the mass production possibilities.
If Segway Robotics has a successful initial run, just how many robots will they be capable of producing? If the company is smart, they’ll employ robotic automation for mass production.
Can the Segway scooter receive a remodeling for industry use? Why not adapt the technology to allow for simpler transportation of persons and parts within a facility, whether with robots or modified scooters?
What about commercial applications? Could Segway robots soon be found in stores of all kinds, stocking shelves and assisting customers with transporting goods to their vehicles?
Segway Robotics has previously been developing small mobility platforms with omni-directional movement capabilities. Mobile robot developers can take models like the Segway RMP420 Omni and implement it with existing technology for a more agile droid.For more information on Segway Robotics, visit their website at rmp.segway.com.