Ninebot's Segway Robot is a gadget that attaches to a standard two-wheeled scooter and includes features such as an Intel RealSense Zr300 camera, speech recognition, and self-driving features. Segway's robotic head will also include a software dev kit (SDK) so the self-balancing "hoverboard" converted into a butler can perform actions such as streaming video, talking with people, and using its arms to pick up objects.
Segway's scooter is powered by Intel's Atom processor, according to Time. When the robot is being used as a hoverboard the head fits inside the device's cylinder-shaped body.
Ninebot bought Segway less than a year ago. Its mini robot fits in the base of the Ninebot Segway scooter/hoverboard that was released at that time, according to Tech Crunch.
The scooter's base is self-balancing like the old Segway models. This allows Segway Robot to bolt around with the scooter's rider even during bumpy rides.
Segway's new robotic hoverboard is an open platform. This will allow developers to create new cases and applications.
The small robot is a partnership between Ninebot and chip giant Intel. A developer version will first roll out in the second half of 2016, and a commercial version will follow it.
Segway's new robot-hoverboard is being introduced at a time hoverboards are being investigated for safety issues. They include public safety concerns about the devices' lithium ion batteries catching fire.
Segway's first self-balancing scooter was introduced in 2001. The company's name sounds like the Italian word "segue" that means "follows."
Ninebot acquired Segway in April 2015. The Beijing-based startup company is financially backed by smartphone giant Xiaomi.