A breakthrough for the disabled - or a corporate con game?

Exmovere Holdings of Virginia recently announced their 'Chariot'. Their press release commented as follows:

Unlike other self-balancing vehicles, the Exmovere Chariot is controlled by subtle movements of the lower torso and hips. Sensors inside the cocoon-like shell of the vehicle predict the intended motion of the wearer. The Chariot requires no manual dexterity, minimal physical effort and allows wearers to closely approach and reach objects. The upright form of the Chariot allows its wearer to make direct eye contact with others. The Chariot is battery powered and can travel up to 12 miles per hour.




According to David Bychkov, CEO of Exmovere, “The Chariot represents an exciting path for our company. Whereas our team was originally focused on designing sensor products that monitored signs of life, the Chariot's sensors are designed to make life more livable. We especially hope that the Chariot will offer dignity, strength and increased mobility to those who were wounded serving our country.”




Production versions of the Chariot will integrate Exmovere's proprietary vital sign sensors, environmental and ground clearance sensors, wireless and cellular connectivity, a smaller form factor and unique options for military and law enforcement customers. Exmovere will also develop a feature of the Chariot that can switch the wearer from upright to seated position. Exmovere seeks to partner with an automotive manufacturer to eventually launch a performance-oriented Chariot.

I hope and trust that Exmovere's claims are correct . . . but already some commentators are raising troubling questions. It's been pointed out that the Chariot is a virtual carbon copy - down to the dimensions and coloring - of the bottom half of something called a 'Showbot', which appears to be an advertising 'robot' with an actor inside, used for corporate promotions. The picture below, with the Chariot on the left and the Showbot on the right, bears this out.




Here's a video of the Showbot in action, with its human 'actor' inside.

I'd be very annoyed if this 'product' from Exmovere turns out to be nothing more than a publicity stunt. Being partly disabled myself, I know how desperately more severely handicapped people long for this sort of invention to make their lives easier. If this announcement is nothing more than hot air, raising their hopes fruitlessly, I can only hope that something suitably nasty happens to all involved, as quickly as possible.

Peter