Segway's new hyperdirectional RMP robot

[iamelgringo]

http://blog.makezine.com/archive/2008/04/segways_new_rmp.html

[khafra]

I think "hyperdirectional" is a bit of a hyperbole, considering it looks unable to handle three dimensional movement, let alone rolling backward in time as well as forward. On the other hand, if they could make it 20x faster and able to carry passengers, I'd finally be able to parallel park.

[markessien → khafra]

Stop being so negative. They just need to add a Flux Capacitor.

[rkowalick → khafra]

Anyone can claim hyperdirectional movement...you just need to convince them it moves in directions they can't see.

[mhb]

Segway reinvents omni-drive? What's new here?

Here's a LEGO version: http://www.chiefdelphi.com/media/photos/19030

[otto → mhb]

That's similar, however the Segway RMP is using mecanum wheels.

[mhb → otto]

Yes. And the LEGO one is made of LEGO. Neither omni-drive nor mecanum wheels are new.

[gills]

That looks like a great replacement for forklifts to shuffle parts around factories, especially spots where turning space is limited. It looks like it would make path planning a little easier too (for autonomous use).

[otto → gills]

It's been done.

Apparently these videos are very impressive compared to current forklifts(or so I've been told by forklift operators): http://www.airtrax.com/

[aerocapture]

April 8th. "New"?