GM and Segway’s P.U.M.A – Vehicle of the Future

General Motors and Segway will today announce that the companies have teamed up to create a new prototype electric vehicle designed for urban transportation. Called project P.U.M.A (short for Personal Urban Mobility and Accessibility) the two-wheeled vehicle uses the same dynamic stabilization technology found in the current Segway, but is large enough to carry two people and can reach decidedly non-Segway like speeds of up to 35 mph and run an hour on top speed on a single charge. The 300-lb.

experimental vehicle, which will be demonstrated to the press this morning, has a semi-enclosed cockpit with two seats, but according to Larry Burns, GM vice-president of research and development, the idea is to eventually develop a closed-cockpit vehicle that can be driven through adverse weather conditions.

Think of it as a digital solution to an analog problem. Segway’s P.U.M.A. prototype represents the shift that’s needed for the future of transportation. It values less over more; taking up less space, using less energy, produced more efficiently with fewer parts, creating fewer emissions during production and operation, all while offering more enjoyment, productivity, and connectivity.

Features of Segway’s P.U.M.A.

Dynamic Stabilization
That’s fancy speak for the tech that enables balancing. It’s proprietary and full of benefits such as incredible maneuverability (true zero turning radius), a small footprint and providing a fantastically unique riding experience.

Advanced Sensing
If there’s a feeling you get when trying a Segway product, it’s like it can almost read your mind. Well, it’s not magic. It’s the combination of propulsion, energy, inertial sensing and an incredibly intuitive user interface that enables a ride that will force you to hold back a smile. Hopefully someday you’ll have a chance to try it out and feel good about your commute instead of fearing it.

Drive-by-wire
Mechanical controls are so yesterday. We’re all about using the latest in sensory technology to enable safe control through redundant systems that provide input for acceleration, braking, steering, and other functions.

Electric Propulsion
Besides being clean and extremely efficient, electric propulsion enables fine adjustments to be made to each wheel (for turning and smoothing out the ride), and a precise, software-based approach to traction control and braking.

Intuitive User Interfaces
When you feel it, you know it. Segway’s approach to user control is that of minimalism and a natural connection between man and machine. Our innovative sensing technologies allow us to look beyond traditional controls that haven’t changed dramatically since the introduction of the automatic transmission.

Digital Dashboard
Get all the information you need about system operation through connected devices. Speed, battery life, and other connectivity information are all conveyed over a secure wireless connection to a handheld device that can be mounted on the dash.

Smart battery management
Segway is one of the world’s largest customers of large format batteries, and was at the forefront of the development of Lithium Ion batteries for transportation. We’ve learned a lot about the advanced sensing needed inside and applied this expertise to allow for more efficient energy use that leads to a longer battery life. Add in regenerative braking capability (being able to recharge while decelerating) and that’s some smart battery tech.

Pictures of Segway’s P.U.M.A.

Watch Segway’s P.U.M.A in action