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iBot Self-Balancing Mobility Device FDA Approved

Posted by simoniker on from the gadgets-that-make-lives-better dept.

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.

12 of 274 comments (clear)

  1. And here I am by some+damn+guy · · Score: 5, Funny

    using my legs like a sucker.

  2. nice by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 2, Funny

    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 ;]

  3. Re:Ahem... and in some more important news: by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 2, Funny

    with brides worth an estimated $5 million

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

  4. iBot is the first step. by Cappy+Red · · Score: 3, Funny

    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*

    --
    This is my sig. It's prescription, I swear. I need it for reading things... on the other side of things
  5. Sounds like something Apple should market... by Zemran · · Score: 3, Funny

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

    --
    I love stacking my barbecues in the shed at the end of summer - you can't beat a bit of grill on grill action.
    1. Re:Sounds like something Apple should market... by LordSah · · Score: 2, Funny

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

    2. Re:Sounds like something Apple should market... by dcw3 · · Score: 2, Funny

      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.

      --
      Just another day in Paradise
  6. Presidential Testing by mothrathegreat · · Score: 5, Funny
    Now all that remains is for George w Bush to fall off it and the federal government's work here is done

    --
    Extended Warranty? How can I lose!
    1. Re: Presidential Testing by Jackdaw+Rookery · · Score: 2, Funny

      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*

  7. Tears? by bigboard · · Score: 3, Funny

    It literally brought tears to my eyes

    Perhaps you should try adjusting the seat properly.

    --
    Cynicism is the natural defence of the romantic.
  8. I have a much cheaper solution by teamhasnoi · · Score: 3, Funny

    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.

  9. Re:FYI on FDA by hellfire · · Score: 2, Funny

    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.

    --

    "All great wisdom is contained in .signature files"