IBOT

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The correct title of this article is iBOT. The initial letter is shown capitalized due to technical restrictions.

President Clinton and Dean Kamen in the White House

The iBOT is a variety of powered wheelchair, developed by Dean Kamen in a partnership between DEKA and Johnson and Johnson's Independence Technology division. It is a medical technology, made to help people with severe mobility problems. The iBOT is often called a powered wheelchair.

As of 2006, the iBOT retails for approximately $26,100 and requires a prescription since it is a medical device. Therefore, many people with partial disabilities have purchased Segway PT scooters to aid in their mobility, instead of the higher-priced and more difficult-to-obtain iBOT.

[edit] Features

The iBOT has a number of features distinguishing it from most powered wheelchairs:

While the iBOT has four powered wheels (in addition to two small casters used on smooth surfaces), it is capable of balancing on a single pair of wheels (in the same manner as the related Segway HT scooter). This mode of operation also raises the user of the wheelchair so that their eyes are at the same approximate level as normally-standing people.
By rotating its two sets of powered wheels about each other, the iBOT is capable of "walking" up and down stairs without requiring assistance. (Picture a cog railway or a rack and pinion with the two wheels as the "teeth" of the gear. The wheels can roll slightly at each step to compensate for a wide but not infinite range of stair dimensions). During independent stair climbing, the user requires a sturdy handrail and a strong grip. With an assistant, neither a handrail, nor a strong grip is required.
The iBOT is capable of tethered remote control operation (useful for loading device up steep ramps into vehicles, or "parking" against a wall after rider gets into bed).
A special software package called iBALANCE receives data via various sensors and gyroscopes, allowing the iBOT to maintain balance during certain maneuvers. For example during curb climbing the seat remains level while parts of the chassis tilt to climb the curb.
It allows the user to rise from a sitting level to approximately 6 ft. tall (measured from the ground to the top of the head, and depending on the size of the occupant). It does this by raising one pair of wheels above the other to elevate the chassis, while a separate actuator slightly raises the seat further. In this configuration the device is on two wheels, and the gyroscope acts as the iBOT’s equilibrium to keep itself stable, balancing much like the Segway scooter. The user may also travel in this "standing" configuration.
It can climb and descend curbs ranging from 0.1 in. To 5.0 inches, according to manufacturer's specifications. Further, performance envelope determined by rider's technique and risk tolerance.
It is capable of traveling on and through a large variety of terrain and weather.