22 Jul 2002
BAE Systems and Segway LLC today announced the formation of a partnership to market the revolutionary Segway™ Human Transporter (HT) to the aerospace and defence industry in the United Kingdom. Dean Kamen, Chairman, Segway LLC, and BAE Systems Chief Operating Officer Chris Geoghegan announced the partnership at the British debut of the self-balancing, electric-powered transportation device at the Farnborough Airshow.
BAE Systems and Segway LLC will initially market the Segway HT to the aerospace and defence industry in the UK. The device is currently being deployed by US companies and organisations, including numerous industrial concerns, the US Postal Service and various emergency medical and law enforcement groups. Early results have been overwhelmingly positive with most organisations seeing double-digit productivity gains in initial applications. Various US Military branches are currently evaluating Segway HT for both tactical and logistical support operations.
Dean Kamen, Chairman of Segway LLC said:
"The ability to move quicker, travel farther and carry more is critical to military operations. In tactical operations, the Segway HT can help to lessen soldier fatigue while expediting troop deployment. For logistical operations, the Segway HT consumes a fraction of the space and weight of other transportation alternatives and moves easily between indoor and outdoor applications. Our partnership with BAE Systems, will enable us to deliver these benefits to defence and aerospace organisations in the United Kingdom."
Engineers from Silicon Sensing Systems (SSS) worked with Segway LLC to develop the Balance Sensor Assembly that enables the device to balance. SSS is a joint venture between BAE Systems and Sumitomo Precision Products of Japan.
BAE Systems Chief Operating Officer Chris Geoghegan said:
"We've been working successfully with Segway LLC to develop the Balance Sensor Assembly for the Segway Human Transporter, and I'm excited by this latest development in our relationship. BAE Systems delivers innovative solutions across our product range, and we're looking forward to including the Segway HT in our portfolio. The device has massive potential for military users, and we're looking forward to discussing the Segway Human Transporter with our clients and contacts."
Notes to Editors
The Segway HT uses a Balance Sensor Assembly of five gyroscope sensors and two tilt sensors. The innovative gyroscope sensors were developed by BAE Systems, and are a Millennium Product. Cost effective, reliable and shock resistant, they are also found in cars, in Advanced Braking Systems, and they are suitable for roll-over protection and airbag deployment applications. They are used for marine navigation aids, unmanned air vehicles, tilting trains, robotics and wheelchairs.
About Silicon Sensing Systems
Silicon Sensing Systems, with its headquarters in Plymouth and its main manufacturing facility in Amagasaki, Japan, is a joint venture between BAE Systems and Sumitomo Precision Products (SPP). SSS, which draws on 90 years motion sensing experience, designed and manufactured the world's first Micromachined Silicon Ring gyroscope, of which over two million have been delivered to date. For additional information, please visit: www.siliconsensing.com
