Like the mythical half-horse, half-man of Greek lore, Concept Centaur combines the best of several technologies
to create an innovative whole. The result of exploration by
Segway Inc.'s product development team, Concept Centaur will
challenge the way you think about four-wheeled transportation.
From time to time Segway's product development team devotes days, or even
weeks, to creating new product concepts with the goal of finding a prince among
frogs. It's a product exploration process they call "frog kissing." During this
time, engineers and designers are encouraged to use any available materials in a
very short time frame to prove a concept will work.
The product development team demonstrated that Concept Centaur was a prince—a
concept that passed this initial feasibility test, but is not yet ready to
become a product. Concept Centaur demonstrates Segway's continued commitment to
breakthrough innovation and the innumerable possibilities for the future of
personal transportation.
WHAT IS THE CENTAUR?
Concept Centaur combines proprietary dynamic stabilization technology with
advanced propulsion and suspension systems, and an intuitive user interface to
create a unique four-wheel device that is easily controllable on two or four
wheels. Its full suspension and aggressive rider positioning provide an
exhilarating ride for one or two people while maintaining control over a variety
of terrain. Its rugged performance, zero emissions, and quiet operation make it
a good low-impact way to explore the world. Its power and versatility make it
suitable for a variety of indoor and outdoor recreational and commercial
applications.
Intuitive user controls:
Thumbs forward: The Centaur's forward and backward propulsion is easily
controlled by pushing a thumb throttle located on the underside of the
right-hand handlebar.
Pop a wheelie: The Centaur uses
dynamic stabilization technology to limit and/or maintain the angle at
which the rider experiences the device. What would normally be a dangerous
maneuver on a motorcycle or ATV becomes safe and controlled on the Centaur. In
addition, the rider can position his/her body in three different ways, which
makes for a fun ride. This technology also allows for a high-performance
design with a short, compact wheelbase - a combination that traditionally can
be very difficult to control.
Lean forward, go forward: If you've haven't yet experienced the Segway PT,
now is the time. If you have, you know what we mean by intuitive controls.
Concept Centaur uses dynamic stabilization in a similar way. When on two
wheels, the Centaur is controlled by how the rider shifts his or her weight.
To go forward, lean forward. To go back, lean back.
Simultaneous mechanical and drive-by-wire steering:
Smart steering: The front two wheels turn left and right mechanically,
which is made possible by an innovative linkage system designed by Segway
engineers. The Centaur's advanced controls software also allows the rear
wheels to turn at different rates in response to data received from the
rider's steering direction. When on two wheels, steering is accomplished in
the same manner, by turning the handlebar. Sensors in the vertical portion of
the steering column monitor the rider's input and sends a signal to the
controller boards, which then issue a command to drive either or both of the
rear wheels. Turning rate is coordinated so that even with the wheels off the
ground, Centaur follows the path defined by the front wheel angles. This
allows smooth transitions between two-wheel and four-wheel operation.
Environmentally friendly:
No exhaust: Batteries power the Centaur, so there are no emissions during
operation. In addition, the Centaur uses regenerative braking, which means the
batteries are recharged during deceleration and hill descents.
Quiet: Electric motors and an innovative gearbox design result in a quiet
ride.
Low-impact tires: The Centaur prototypes use the same non-marking
silica-based tires as the Segway PTs'. These tires are smooth, which allows
the rider to perform exciting maneuvers while having little impact on the
terrain.
Distinctive design, elegant suspension:
A profile X-shape: The profile of the Centaur creates an "X." Right after
the Centaur was crowned a prince by the engineers, they quickly pulled in
Segway's industrial design team to integrate their vision into the product's
form and function. What resulted is a concept with a sleek minimalist design
that elegantly showcases the rider, leaving the simple mechanical elegance of
the underlying design visible.
Three shocks: There are three shocks on the Centaur that absorb bumps and
help the wheels maintain contact with the ground. There is one in each front
"arm" and one in the rear.
Lightweight: Concept Centaur only weighs about 150 pounds and can be
easily transported in the back of a large SUV or small pick-up truck. If
developed, its light weight would allow for transport on the back of small
cars through a hitch-mounted rack, similar to that used for carrying bicycles.
See video:
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Concept Centaur combines proprietary dynamic stabilization technology with
advanced propulsion and suspension systems, and an intuitive user interface to
create a unique four-wheel device that is easily controllable on two or four
wheels. Its full suspension and aggressive rider positioning provide an
exhilarating ride for one or two people while maintaining control over a variety
of terrain. Its rugged performance, zero emissions, and quiet operation make it
a good low-impact way to explore the world. Its power and versatility make it
suitable for a variety of indoor and outdoor recreational and commercial
applications.
angle at
which the rider experiences the device. What would normally be a dangerous
maneuver on a motorcycle or ATV becomes safe and controlled on the Centaur. In
addition, the rider can position his/her body in three different ways, which
makes for a fun ride. This technology also allows for a high-performance
design with a short, compact wheelbase - a combination that traditionally can
be very difficult to control.
crowned a prince by the engineers, they quickly pulled in
Segway's industrial design team to integrate their vision into the product's
form and function. What resulted is a concept with a sleek minimalist design
that elegantly showcases the rider, leaving the simple mechanical elegance of
the underlying design visible.