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Last year, we showed you Canadian teen Ben Gulak's much-cooler interpretation of the Segway. Called the Uno, his 120 pound machine is capable of balancing itself and its rider using custom-programmed software and some gyros. When we last saw the contraption, it looked very much like the DIY machine that it is, but now the Uno appears in a much more finished state, complete with sporty bodywork in bright orange. There's also a website for the project, though not much is posted there as of yet.

The Uno was created as a possible response to the pollution that our internal combustion engines emit as we drive. On a 2006 trip to China, Ben says that "The smog was so thick, we never saw the sun." Though most of the hard work was done by Ben himself, a few experts stepped in to provide a bit of assistance, and the end-result is reportedly very easy to ride. We likey.


[Source: Motorcycle Mojo]

Despite the internet ribbing that the Segway tends to get, people sure are fond of making copies of them (see related posts below). Actually, maybe it's because of the ribbing they get... I mean, how cool is it that a couple of teens in Canada can take some wheelchair motors, 36 volts worth of batteries, an accelerometer and other assorted parts and make something so much cooler than the Segway? This on goes 40 mph compared to about 12 for the real thing. Some might say that no matter what the Segway was or could do, it would have been a disappointment after all of the fuss was made about it before it came out. I think that the real problem is not in the machine, but in the price. But, knowing that an enterprising DIY'er with a good deal of intelligence can duplicate the effect makes the inner-geek in all of us proud, no?

So, how long will it be until we see the Wii controller used as the accelerometer for a project like this?

Related:

• Another Segway alternative, this time no hands!
• How about a one-wheeled alternative to a Segway?
• Hubo-Way: A new Segway copy... uh, competitor?
• Will there be competition for the Segway soon from Sony?
• DIY one-wheel balancing scooter - Segway ain't got nothin' on this!

[Source: Uber Gizmo]