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rmp

Segway toughens up, heads in new directions

Apparently the people behind the Segway are finally starting to listen to the incessant mocking of the personal transporter as the ultimate in dorkdom. The evidence: It's preparing to debut a new RMP (Robotic Mobility Platform) at the RoboBusiness conference that looks more appropriate for a desert battlefield than a paved sidewalk.

It's a far more macho version of the first RMP released more than a year ago, which was developed for use by robots. The new model--which could cost as much as $50,000--can carry up to 400 pounds, according to MAKE, and has omnidirectional wheels for … Read more

A Segway for your robot?

That's right, Sparky. Now your favorite bot can tool around on its own personal transporter with "human-sized performance."

Segway has released its "RMP" (Robotic Mobility Platform) for the "quick and easy transportation" of civilian and military robots, according to Engadget. The price is steep--about $11,500 to $50,000, depending on the model--but that's still cheaper than buying a car that your robot can drive. (And it won't be nagging you for the keys to yours either.)

The RMP is making its debut in Japan, of course, land of the eventual … Read more