Inventing and Giving
Innovator Dean Kamen lays out his argument for the Segway shortly after its official unveiling. As he loops gracefully around the stage, his fact- and figure-reeling betrays his intensity: 50 percent of the world population lives in cities; 43 percent of the refined fuel produced in the world is consumed by cars in metropolitan areas in the US; “the last mile is the problem.” He also gives an update on FIRST — the nonprofit he founded to celebrate teenagers’ achievements in science and technology — and offers a glimpse into his next big ideas: portable energy and water purification for the developing world.
About Dean Kamen:
Dean Kamen is an innovator, but not just of things. He hopes to revolutionize attitudes, quality of life, awareness. While an undergraduate, he developed the first portable infusion device, which delivers drug treatments that once required round-the-clock hospital care. And, through his DEKA Research and Development, which he cofounded in 1982, he developed a portable dialysis machine, a vascular stent, and the iBOT — a motorized wheelchair that climbs stairs (Stephen Colbert took one for a spin).
Yes, he’s a college dropout, but he’s a huge believer in education, and in 1989 established the nonprofit FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) to inspire teenagers to pursue careers in science. FIRST sponsors lively annual competitions, where students form teams to create the best robot.
His focus now is on off-grid electricity and water purification for developing countries; another recent project, is a prosthetic arm for maimed soldiers. He’s also working on a power source for the wonderful Think car. And, with more funding in the works, we haven’t seen the last of the Segway.
Tags: Business, Dean Kamen, Grid Electricity, Innovation, Innovation, Inspiration, Inspiring, Life Awareness, Metropolitan Areas, Portable Dialysis Machine, Power Source, Prosthetic Arm, Science And Technology, Segway, Stent, Stephen Colbert, Technology, Water Purification, Wheelchair That Climbs Stairs, World Population LivesRelated posts
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