This looks like it would be terrifying to actually ride in, but there’s a new motorized wheelchair for sale that can balance on two wheels and climb up and down stairs:
The iBOT uses a unique combination of electronics, sensors and software components that work on the principle of balance to continuously and automatically adjust wheel position and seat orientation to stabilise the user. It has five functioning features. The Balance Function elevates the user to move around at eye level and to reach high places independently. The Stair Function enables the user to safely climb up and down stairs, with or without assistance, often gaining access to previously inaccessible places. The 4-Wheel Function allows the user to climb curbs as high as four inches and to travel over grass and gravel, through sand and across other forms of uneven terrain.
Curiously, the article fails to mention that the iBOT 3000, which costs $29,000 and was supposed to be out in 2001, was invented by Dean Kamen, the man behind the Segway HT (three Segway mentions in one day!).
