Ep 24. Segway Inventor

Innovation Nation season 4 episode 24 is titled "Segway Inventor". This episode delves into the fascinating story, innovation, and legacy of Dean Kamen, the inventor who introduced a new way of commuting to the world. With his quirky personality and brilliant mind, Dean Kamen will undoubtedly leave an enduring impact on society.

The episode starts with a quick overview of how Dean Kamen became an inventor. He tells us how he was always interested in technology and science, and he started tinkering with machines from the age of five. Kamen's early passion for engineering was ignited when he built his first Rube Goldberg machine at the age of 11. He was born in Rockville Centre, New York, and he moved with his family to Manchester, New Hampshire when he was just five years old. Kamen's passion for making things led him to start his first business, which was focused on selling software to high schools.

The episode then proceeds to take us through Kamen's invention of the Segway Personal Transporter. The Segway PT was first introduced in 2001, and it's a self-balancing, two-wheeled personal transportation device. It's designed to allow users to move around smoothly and quickly, even in crowded city streets. The Segway PT has become a popular option for commuters, city tour guides, and airport security personnel.

Kamen, who comes across as a quirky and interesting personality, talks about the inspiration behind the Segway PT. He tells us how he was fascinated by the idea of creating a device that could change the way people move around. Kamen says that the Segway PT is the "first step of a journey" towards creating a more efficient and safer way to commute.

The episode then goes on to discuss the challenges that Kamen faced while developing the Segway PT. He tells us about the difficulties of designing a device that can self-balance and how he had to come up with innovative solutions to create a smooth and seamless ride. Kamen also shares his insights into the integration of software and hardware in the Segway PT. He says that the technology behind the Segway PT is complex and requires the integration of several systems to create a smooth and reliable ride.

The episode also takes us through the public response to the Segway PT. Kamen talks about how he was surprised by the initial hype around the device and how it became a cultural phenomenon. He tells us how he was inundated with media requests and how the Segway PT was featured in several movies and TV shows. Kamen also discusses the negative coverage that the Segway PT received in the media, especially after some accidents involving the device.

The show ends with a discussion of Kamen's other inventions and achievements. Kamen was awarded the prestigious National Medal of Technology and Innovation by President George W. Bush in 2000. He has also developed several medical devices that have helped improve the lives of thousands of people, including a portable dialysis machine. Kamen says that he feels "blessed" to have the opportunity to work on projects that can make a difference in people's lives.

Overall, "Segway Inventor" is a fascinating episode that sheds light on the life and work of Dean Kamen. Through his story, we learn about the importance of perseverance, innovation, and curiosity in the pursuit of knowledge and progress. The episode is an excellent example of how technology can be used to solve real-world problems and improve the lives of people across the world.