22 Jul 2002
The Segway™ Human Transporter (HT), the first self-balancing, electric-powered transportation device, had its British debut this week at the Farnborough Airshow. Dean Kamen, Chairman Segway LLC, and BAE Systems Chief Operating Officer Chris Geoghegan announced the formation of a partnership to market the revolutionary Segway HT to the aerospace and defence industry in the UK.
BAE Systems provides the Balance Sensor Assembly in the Segway HT that enables the device to balance. The assembly includes five gyroscopes developed by BAE Systems.
Dean Kamen, Chairman and Founder of Segway LLC said:
"The Balance Sensory Assembly that BAE Systems developed is critical to the Segway HT. The data it provides is essential to Segway's breakthrough 'Dynamic Stabilisation' technology that keeps the Segway HT upright."
BAE Systems and Sumitomo Precision Products of Japan collaborated to develop the Silicon Vibrating Structure Gyro at the heart of the Segway HT. They formed a joint venture company, Silicon Sensing Systems (SSS), to manufacture and sell the highly innovative sensors into the commercial and automotive sectors. SSS uses micro-machining technology and silicon wafers to create gyroscopes using a 6mm vibrating ring. Engineers from SSS worked with Segway LLC to develop the Balance Sensor Assembly, which monitors the rider's centre of gravity more than 100 times per second.
The sensors have a wide range of commercial applications.
Chris Geoghegan, BAE Systems Chief Operating Officer said:
"The sensors that enable the Segway HT to balance are also found in cars, in Intelligent 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. The potential of these cost effective, reliable, shock resistant sensors is limitless."
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
