iBot Self-Balancing Mobility Device FDA Approved

ptorrone writes "In November of 2002, I was able to see the self-balancing iBot mobility device, which can go up and down stairs and travel/balance on two wheels, in person. It literally brought tears to my eyes seeing what it will mean for millions of disabled people around the world. Today, the FDA has approved its use, after years of approval processes and testing." We've mentioned this Dean Kamen-created product previously, but it's good to see it officially approved and available for those who need it.

Comments

And here I am

[some damn guy]

using my legs like a sucker.

nice

[Anonymous Coward]

really nice. good to see they've got this approved. now if they could get the thing to look a bit better. maybe some gofaster stripes or alloy wheels on it would do ;]

Re:Ahem... and in some more important news:

[Anonymous Coward]

with brides worth an estimated $5 million

Damn, those are some expensive women. Apparently Microsoft is "diversifying" their business quite a bit.

iBot is the first step.

[Cappy Red]

This is but the first step on the way to making giant robot anime a reality.

I wonder if I can mod this thing into a gundam... or better yet a megadeus.

*honk*

Fun

[LiquidCoooled]

Remote Function
The remote function allows you to detach the joystick, and via cable wire connection, drive the empty iBOT(TM) Mobility System into the back of a vehicle for easy transporting.

I sense a few comedy moments exploiting THAT feature.

From a serious side, I saw a documentery a while ago about these, and the only thing about them that would make me nervous is the stair climbing and descent.

Sounds like something Apple should market...

[Zemran]

Well you can listen to music on your iPod while working on your iBook and sitting in your iBot whilst invading iRaq.

Re:Sounds like something Apple should market...

[LordSah]

And get iRate over the overuse of 'i' in marketing. I find it annoying to the X-Treme.

Re:Sounds like something Apple should market...

[dcw3]

Well you can listen to music on your iPod while working on your iBook and sitting in your iBot whilst invading iRaq.

i'Ve gotta go iNto iSolation to get away from all these iDiots before i go iNsane.

boxing?

[hangingonwords]

Maybe if Rocky had one of these way back when he wouldn't have had to run up all those stairs.

Presidential Testing

[mothrathegreat]

Now all that remains is for George w Bush to fall off it and the federal government's work here is done

Re: Presidential Testing

[Jackdaw Rookery]

Oh c'mon, be serious. The President is a person of dignity and intelligence; they would have the common sense NOT to hop onto some weird device and make an ass of themselves.

*cough*
http://www.usatoday.com/money/industrie s/technolog y/maney/2003-06-17-segway_x.htm
*cough*

Does the iBot incorporate a video camera...

[PiscoX]

... so that grandpa falling down the stairs in his new mobility device can be sent to funniest home videos?

Tears?

[bigboard]

It literally brought tears to my eyes

Perhaps you should try adjusting the seat properly.

I too welcome our new Dalek masters....

[mikeee]

...and I'd like to take this opportunity to point at that, with my excellent slashdot karma, I'll be invaluble in rounding up geeks to work in their code mines.

I have a much cheaper solution

[teamhasnoi]

I prefer to have a MSCE carry me around. Their minds are quite malleable and are easy to train and control. Best yet, they can bring me a beer, which is the test of any fine robot.

Re:FYI on FDA

[hellfire]

Corruption is almost unknown in the US Government.

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!

*wipes the tears from his eyes and gasps for breath*

Thank you... I needed a good laugh today.