UK sensor technology revolutionises the future of human transport

Citation

(2002), "UK sensor technology revolutionises the future of human transport", Sensor Review, Vol. 22 No. 3. https://doi.org/10.1108/sr.2002.08722cab.003

UK sensor technology revolutionises the future of human transport

UK sensor technology revolutionises the future of human transportKeywords: Gyroscopes, Sensors

The sensor technology at the heart of the revolutionary Segway™ Human Transporter, the long speculated about "Ginger" project, has been created by Silicon Sensing Systems (SSS), the only UK-based company to be involved in the project.

Engineers from SSS – a joint venture company between BAE Systems and Sumitomo Precision Products (SPP), Japan – have been working closely with the Segway Company for over three years to develop the Commercial Sensor Assembly (CSA) and the inertial algorithms embodied within the human transporter. SSS beat off competition from around the world to become the supplier of the CSA due to its inertial sensing expertise (Plate 1).

Plate 1 Silicon Sensing Systems has been working with the Segway Company for over three years to develop the commercial sensor assembly and the inertial algorithms embodied within the human transporter

The CSA provides essential data from the angular rate sensors (often referred to as gyroscopes) and tilt sensors, allowing Segway's processors, batteries and motors to balance the device. Gyroscopes and tilt sensors monitor the rider's centre of gravity more than 100 times a second, to resolve the compound motions and thus provide the gravity vector with respect to each of the three axes (Plate 2). These measurements compensate for variable terrain and are communicated to the controller boards to keep the user balanced and moving safely. To move off, the rider leans slightly forward; to stop, the rider leans back and the gyroscopes make it almost impossible for the rider to fall off. The more you lean the faster you go.

Plate 2 The revolutionary Segway™ human transporter utilises the sensor technology created by Silicon Sensing Systems

In designing the CSA, Silicon Sensing Systems utilised the experience gained from the automotive industry and made full use of the APQP tool set. An example of this would be the CSA housing which is manufactured using a single pull mould tool, the most cost-effective packaging solution, well suited to high volume manufacture. In addition there are no machined parts in the assembly.

The CSA units will be manufactured in the UK before being shipped to the USA for integration into the Segway HT.

"We think the potential of the Segway HT will be absolutely massive, and the wider application of our inertial sensing technology could be even greater," said Colin Fancourt of SSS. "This technologically advanced capability can be applied to a wide range of other commercial applications such as centralised sensor clusters for chassis control, autonomous cruise control, advanced braking and roll-over detection in motor vehicles, and for marine applications such as the optimisation of stern drives and trim tab control – the possibilities are immeasurable."

The launch of the Segway signals the need for an increase in gyroscope production and after studying 14 locations around the world, it was decided that a new factory would be built in Plymouth, Devon, UK, creating around 200 jobs for the region. The new plant is expected to be operational by 2003 thanks to a Regional Selective Assistance grant from the Government.

For additional information about SSS, please visit: www.siliconsensing.com or contact Sales Department, Silicon Sensing Systems Limited, Clittaford Road, Southway, Plymouth PL6 6DE, UK. Tel: +44 (0)1752 723330.