Transportation Machine example essay topic

Could there be a transportation machine that has no emissions whatsoever? Could this contraption go great distances without a doubt? Could it stay balanced on two wheels with you on it? What is it? Actually, it is an "It".

The "It", or more formally known as the Segway Human Transporter is a vehicle that is said by some to "change the way we live". With so much hype, this machine of the future has high expectations from not only the public but to many environmental activists as well. I believe that the Segway HT is a benchmark in today's new technological advances. With the threat of pollution throughout the world, this machine could be a big part of the solution. I have always been extremely interested in how things work. Whatever it may be, I am always trying to figure it out, and I am usually able to.

After first reading about the "It" in Maxim magazine, I was amazed that it could not be tipped over, so amazed that doubts it even existed popped into my mind. When the Human Transporter came onto the news several months later for the first time, I immediately surfed the internet trying to find pictures, videos, and an explanation to how it works. Coming up with bundles of information, I read that it was able to run on batteries and not gas. This furthered my interest because I am also concerned about the present and future condition of the earth that we live on. As pollution from cars, trucks, and other types of vehicles enter our air, they not only deplete our protection from the sun but deplete the fresh air that animals and we humans breath everyday. With this knowledge, Dean Kamen decided to make the "It" battery operated, but not with normal batteries.

The batteries in his machine are Nickel Metal Hydride. With one charge these batteries can push the Transporter up to seventeen miles. Even in rain and snow it keeps one upright with no worry about the units circuitry that is sealed underneath the standing platform. This could mean that people living in cities could ride to work instead of dealing with smog producing taxis, buses, and mopeds. Traffic would no longer be problem if one could go up to 12.5 mph without fear of falling off. One of the most fascinating things that the scooter has to offer is its ability to not tip over.

Kenneth Terrell writes that "the machine balances itself and the one standing on through five internal gyroscopes that measure and correct the body's center of gravity at over one hundred times a second" (54). Even in the rain or snow the machine rides well without slipping. Just by leaning forward the "It" moves with you. Acting as your body's own balancing system, it senses ones every action and compensates for the slightest of movement. With all these key features, the machine would seem to be the biggest of hits amongst consumers.

Selling for around three thousand dollars, the Segway Human Transporter is said to be available in late 2002. Awaiting its arrival, some have mixed feelings on this subject. Some say it is not a big deal, and that it is no bigger than any other craze. In an article from Canadian Business Magazine, one author notes that "The need for the scooter has none that isn't already addressed by cheaper and more accessible means" (26).

I believe that this is untrue and the invention will not just be some craze but will effect the way we live. As concern for the environment grows everyday, we can only hope that more machines like Kamen's will be put onto the market. With many "hybrid" cars already on the road, we seem to be going on the right path. If more and more people read or even hear about decreasing pollution through essays such as this one, I believe that we can do something about it. "Knowledge is power", is a saying that is very true. After reading many articles on this topic, I believe that almost everyone will soon be interested in the Segway Human Transporter.

Though hyped up by the media, actually seeing the scooter in action is something that amazes and interests one. Also many Environmentalists will notice the machine due to its battery powered operations. No emissions means less pollution which is good for all humans alike. Through interviewing experts on the environment of today and people who have actually ridden the Human Transporter, I could get more in depth information and a first persons view of what it is like. This and other information helps me in understanding what can be done to save our earth and what kind of technology trends I can see in the future. In researching this growing topic, the Internet and magazine articles would be the most useful in finding information.

Since the topic is only several months old, there is not many other places I can turn to. When researching this topic, many opinions that I had, have only been strengthened with each word I read. "The "It" will change the future" is a quote that I do believe. It seems that this could be the belief of many when reading the many pros that Dean Kamen's invention has to offer. His machine can change the way we live and also change the quality of the life by reducing pollution.