Background:
Dean Kamen, an acclaimed inventor, creator, and communicator, visited the Manhattan Classic Car Club for an interview on Angry Americans. Kamen is renowned for his contributions to medical technology, including the iBot, a revolutionary wheelchair that offers increased mobility and independence to wheelchair users. The iBot’s unique features, such as the ability to climb stairs and navigate various terrains, were demonstrated during the interview.

Dignity and Empowerment:
Kamen highlighted the importance of eye-level communication and avoiding the patronizing treatment often faced by wheelchair users. The iBot allows wheelchair users to engage in conversations at eye level, fostering a sense of dignity and empowerment.

Stigma and Confinement:
Julie, Kamen’s colleague, expressed her dissatisfaction with the traditional wheelchair’s limitations and stigma. She described a wheelchair as a confining device that separates individuals from their surroundings and restricts their ability to interact with others.

iBot’s Versatility:
The iBot’s capabilities extend beyond standard wheelchairs, enabling users to navigate challenging terrains such as sand, beaches, and snow. Videos showcasing an iBot user climbing through snow to reach a ski gondola were mentioned, highlighting its exceptional versatility.

Cost-Effectiveness:
Kamen emphasized the long-term cost-effectiveness of the iBot compared to traditional wheelchairs. Over a five-year lifespan, the iBot can save costs associated with home modifications, specialized vans, job loss, and antidepressant medication.

Importance of Accessibility:
Paul Rieckhoff, the interviewer, stressed the obligation to provide veterans with access to advanced mobility solutions like the iBot. He emphasized that if the country sends individuals to harm’s way, it has a responsibility to ensure their well-being upon their return.

Gratitude and Inspiration:
Rieckhoff expressed gratitude for Kamen’s visit and the inspiring nature of their conversation. Kamen’s contributions as an inventor, communicator, and educator were acknowledged, particularly his impact on fathers like Rieckhoff himself.

The iBot’s History:
The iBot is a robotic device that was reviewed by the Food and Drug Administration 20 years ago. It utilizes a complex system of gyroscopes, accelerometers, sensors, computers, and actuators.

The iBot’s Functionality:
It elevates a person to eye level, allowing them to interact with others at the same height. It balances on two points of contact, like a ballerina’s toes, making it highly maneuverable. It allows users to climb stairs vertically, eliminating the need to turn their bodies at a 45-degree angle.

The iBot’s Advantages:
The iBot’s compact footprint allows it to navigate through narrow spaces and climb stairs with ease. Its fly-by-wire system and advanced sensors ensure a safe and stable ride for the user. It has the potential to transform the lives of individuals with mobility challenges, providing them with greater independence and access to various environments.

The iBot’s Potential:
It represents a significant advancement in assistive technology, offering users increased mobility and independence. It has the potential to revolutionize the way society views and accommodates individuals with disabilities. Its innovative design and functionality can inspire future advancements in assistive technologies and robotic devices.

Design Goals:
Kamen aimed to develop a device that could enable a person with limited mobility to navigate various terrains and environments. The device should have a four-wheel drive mode for increased traction and stability, while maintaining the user’s balance above the wheels. It should be able to navigate challenging terrains like sand dunes, snow drifts, and mud and water.

Benefits of the iBot:
The iBot restores independence and access to users, allowing them to move freely and navigate their surroundings. It enhances dignity by enabling users to stand up, look others in the eye, and participate in conversations at eye level. The iBot enables users to interact with their environment more fully, improving their overall quality of life.

Importance of Standing Erect:
Kamen emphasizes the significance of standing erect and walking as unique human capabilities. He highlights the importance of being able to stand, look others in the eye, and interact at eye level. Losing the ability to stand and walk can be isolating and limit a person’s sense of dignity.

Impact on Veterans with Disabilities:
Kamen mentions veterans who have lost their legs in conflicts like Afghanistan and Vietnam. Using a wheelchair can confine these veterans to a limited space and isolate them from their surroundings. The iBot empowers veterans by providing them with mobility, independence, and the ability to interact with others at eye level.

Conclusion:
The iBot is more than just a mobility device; it restores dignity, independence, and a sense of normalcy to individuals with limited mobility. It enables them to navigate challenging terrains, interact with their surroundings, and participate in life more fully. The iBot empowers users to regain their sense of self and reclaim their place in society.

DARPA and DEKA:
DARPA (Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency) is a U.S. government agency that funds and manages high-risk, high-payoff research and development projects. Dean Kamen’s company, DEKA, has worked with DARPA on various projects, including the iBot, a mobility device for individuals with disabilities.

The iBot:
Paul Rieckhoff highlights the innovative design of the iBot, which allows users to navigate stairs and other obstacles with ease. Kamen emphasizes the importance of dignity and empowerment for individuals with disabilities, and how the iBot helps restore these qualities.

Kamen’s Drink of Choice:
Kamen expresses his preference for beer, describing it as a “safe thing to drink” with calories, carbs, and a mild sedative effect from the alcohol. He acknowledges that the quality of beer can vary, but notes that even bad beer is “pretty good.”

Segway and Other Inventions:
Paul Rieckhoff mentions Kamen’s invention of the Segway and other game-changing technologies, such as the Slingshot water purification system.

DARPA’s Role in Innovation:
Kamen describes DARPA as an organization that funds high-risk, high-reward research projects, often leading to breakthrough technologies. He acknowledges that not all DARPA projects succeed, but emphasizes the importance of taking risks and pushing the boundaries of innovation.

The Military’s Role in Medical Breakthroughs:
The military has a long history of driving medical innovations, from antiseptics in the Civil War to advanced anesthesia techniques.

Prosthetics in the Civil War:
During the Civil War, soldiers who lost limbs were often fitted with simple wooden sticks with hooks, due to limited technology.

Colonel Ling’s Passion for Advanced Prosthetics:
Colonel Ling, a neurosurgeon and full colonel, approached Dean Kamen to develop advanced prosthetics for soldiers injured in Iraq and Afghanistan.

The Need for Fine Motor Control and Haptic Response:
Colonel Ling emphasized the importance of fine motor control, such as picking up a raisin and a grape, as well as afferent-efferent haptic response for touch and pressure sensation.

DARPA’s Challenge to Dean Kamen:
DARPA tasked Dean Kamen with creating a prosthetic arm that could perform all these functions while being no larger or heavier than the original arm.

Kamen’s Motivation to Accept the Challenge:
Kamen was motivated by Colonel Ling’s passion and the realization that the small group of soldiers who lost two arms faced unique challenges.

A Chance Meeting and a Mission:
Dean Kamen received an unexpected request from Colonel Lang to create a prosthetic arm for wounded soldiers. Despite initial doubts, Kamen was inspired to pursue the challenge and named the project “Luke” after Luke Skywalker’s prosthetic arm.

The Luke Arm: A Life-Changing Innovation:
Over a few years, Kamen and his team developed the Luke prosthetic arm, which received FDA approval and was provided to soldiers. The arm offered significant improvements over traditional prosthetics, enabling soldiers to perform everyday tasks with greater ease and dignity.

Witnessing the Transformative Impact:
Kamen recalls the first time he witnessed the Luke arm in action and the profound impact it had on soldiers and their families. The ability to perform basic tasks like shaking hands, opening doors, and picking up children restored a sense of independence and empowerment.

A Sense of Patriotism and Commitment:
Kamen’s motivation to help wounded warriors stemmed from a deep sense of patriotism and appreciation for those who serve the country. He saw the opportunity to create a meaningful impact through medical equipment that met the specific needs of the military.

Visiting Walter Reed Hospital:
Kamen and his team visited Walter Reed Hospital to gather feedback from wounded soldiers on the Luke arm. Despite expectations of encountering negative emotions due to their injuries, they were met with an overwhelming sense of positivity and enthusiasm. The soldiers’ gratitude and optimism inspired Kamen and his engineers to work harder and improve the arm further.

A Group of Extraordinary People:
Kamen emphasizes the exceptional nature of soldiers and the sacrifices they make for their country. He laments that most Americans do not fully comprehend the small size and unwavering commitment of this group of people.

The Path to Acceptance:
Kamen acknowledges that while his innovations may seem remarkable, the path towards their acceptance and widespread use can be challenging. He anticipates discussing the bureaucratic hurdles and frustrations he has faced in bringing his inventions to fruition.

Dean Kamen’s First Car:
At the age of 17, Kamen purchased an old 1963 Triumph TR3 sports car from a junkyard for $275. He and his team spent a summer rebuilding the car, replacing parts and repainting it British Racing Green. The TR3 became a cherished possession that Kamen drove for many years.

Background:
Dean Kamen’s father was an artist who worked for EC Comics and other popular comic books. Kamen watched his father’s dedication and passion for his work and realized the importance of finding something he loved to do.

Kamen’s Education and Career Path:
Kamen struggled in school, as he preferred learning practical skills rather than following traditional academic paths. He dropped out of school to pursue his passion for engineering and design. Kamen’s father supported his decision to find a career he was passionate about and encouraged him to develop his skills.

Success and Recognition:
Kamen went on to create successful innovations, including the Segway, and received honorary Ph.D.s and recognition for his achievements.

Challenges and Frustrations:
Despite his success, Kamen faced obstacles, particularly in New York, due to excessive regulations and challenges in attracting skilled employees. He was inspired by the “Live Free or Die” motto of New Hampshire and decided to relocate his business there.

Importance of Autonomy and Passion:
Kamen emphasized the significance of finding a career that aligns with one’s passion and allows for independence and creativity.

Obstacles in Innovation:
Kamen expressed frustration with unnecessary regulations and processes that hinder progress and innovation.

Inspiration for Moving to New Hampshire:
Dean Kamen was inspired to move his company to New Hampshire due to its “live free or die” motto and the state’s alignment with his values.

Challenges in Translating Research Miracles into Practical Applications:
Basic research in medicine and biology has produced remarkable advancements, leading to numerous potential cures and treatments in the form of cells and tissues grown in laboratory settings. However, the challenge lies in scaling up these laboratory miracles and translating them into high-volume manufacturing processes to create replacement organs and tissues.

The Role of Engineering in Advancing Medical Miracles:
Dean Kamen emphasizes the need for engineering and manufacturing expertise to bridge the gap between laboratory research and practical applications. Engineering can play a crucial role in transitioning science fair projects into viable replacement organs and tissues.

Department of Defense Funding for Engineering Miracles:
The United States Department of Defense recognized the importance of engineering in advancing medical miracles and funded a program to address this need. The program aimed to transition laboratory miracles into high-volume manufacturing processes, particularly focusing on the production of skin, bone, and cartilage.

Dean Kamen’s Involvement in the Program:
Dean Kamen’s company was invited to bid on the Department of Defense program and ultimately won the bid, demonstrating their expertise in engineering miracles.

Healthcare Innovations:
Dean Kamen leads a project to create a platform for manufacturing replacement human organs. Recent progress includes demonstrating a closed system that produced a segment of bone, ready for biological study. Aiming to develop subsystems of full organs within five years, potentially transforming healthcare and lowering costs. Kamen emphasizes the importance of replacing chronic treatments with cures, such as new organs instead of dialysis or insulin pumps.

Climate Strike and Young People:
Kamen expresses support for the recent climate strike and the movement of young people raising awareness about climate change. He views the strike as a positive sign of youth engagement and action on important global issues.

State of Affairs in America:
Kamen reflects on his observations over the past 30 years, particularly in relation to the FIRST organization. He believes that the perceived education crisis in producing scientists and engineers is a misdiagnosis of a larger problem. Kamen emphasizes the need for a broader perspective on education and societal issues, rather than solely focusing on traditional educational approaches.

Inventor’s Perspective:
Kamen draws upon his experience as an inventor to provide a unique perspective on social issues. He encourages looking at problems differently and seeking innovative solutions beyond conventional approaches.

American Culture and Education:
The problem with American education is not a lack of great teachers, schools, or education, but rather a culture that overemphasizes leisure time and idolizes professional athletes and entertainers.

The Glorification of Sports and Entertainment:
American culture has made superheroes out of athletes and entertainers, leading young people to believe that these are the only paths to success and happiness.

The Lack of Recognition for Scientists and Inventors:
Young people are unaware of the many exciting and rewarding career opportunities in science, engineering, and invention.

The Need for a Cultural Shift:
To address the problem, there needs to be a cultural shift that emphasizes the importance of STEM education and celebrates scientists, engineers, and inventors as role models.

Importance of Making Learning Fun and Engaging:
Dean Kamen emphasizes the need to make learning exciting and enjoyable for students, rather than being solely focused on grades and assessments. He proposes transforming the traditional classroom environment into a sports-like atmosphere, where teachers become coaches and students are encouraged to learn through hands-on experiences and teamwork.

The FIRST Program:
Kamen founded FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) to promote STEM education and cultivate a passion for science and technology among young people. FIRST involves students in building robots and competing in robotics competitions, providing a fun and engaging way to learn about STEM concepts. The program has grown significantly over the years, with over 72,000 schools participating and culminating in a grand championship event held in Houston and Detroit.

FIRST’s Impact on Students:
FIRST is not just about building robots; it aims to build kids by nurturing their problem-solving skills, fostering innovation, and igniting a passion for STEM subjects. FIRST has provided opportunities for students from diverse backgrounds, including Title I schools and teams led by girls, to engage in STEM education. The program has also led to increased scholarship opportunities for students pursuing STEM careers.

The Need for STEM Education and Appreciation of Technology:
Kamen emphasizes the importance of STEM education for all students, regardless of whether they intend to pursue careers in science or engineering. He stresses the need for individuals, especially those in leadership positions, to understand the value and impact of technology on society.

Frustration with Government’s Response to Technological Advancements:
Kamen expresses frustration with the slow recognition and adoption of new technologies by government agencies, citing the example of the iBot, a motorized wheelchair. He argues that the government’s oversimplified view of technology can deprive individuals, particularly veterans, of essential tools and resources.

FIRST as a Legacy and Investment in the Future:
Kamen believes that FIRST will have the most significant legacy of his work due to its focus on empowering young people through STEM education. He emphasizes that FIRST is not about robots but about using robots to build kids and prepare them for the challenges and opportunities of the future. Kamen views FIRST as a crucial investment in the future, as it equips the next generation with the skills and knowledge necessary to solve global problems and shape a better world.

Environmental Debate:
Dean Kamen criticizes the ongoing debate about human activities causing global warming, deeming it a “fool’s errand” and a rhetorical question that lacks a conclusive answer.

Pragmatic Approach:
Kamen emphasizes the need to focus on practical solutions rather than engaging in futile debates. He suggests that instead of arguing about whether climate change is primarily caused by human activities, we should focus on improving our own lives and the lives of future generations.

Technological Advancements:
Kamen advocates for the development of technologies that can create better jobs, cleaner environments, and more efficient energy systems. He believes that such advancements can reduce carbon emissions and mitigate the effects of climate change, regardless of their primary cause.

Avoiding Political Dichotomies:
Kamen criticizes the tendency of politicians to polarize debates, such as the “glass half empty or half full” argument. He believes that such discussions hinder progress and distract from the real issues that need to be addressed.

Uniting the World through Technology:
Kamen sees technology as a tool for uniting the world rather than dividing it. He believes that by teaching children to communicate, cooperate, and collaborate, we can create a future where people work together to solve global challenges such as water, food, cybersecurity, healthcare, and education.

Ideas over Stuff:
Kamen argues that we should shift our focus from valuing material possessions to valuing ideas and knowledge. He believes that a world centered around ideas, where people share and build upon each other’s concepts, can lead to progress and innovation without the zero-sum mentality of politics.

Scientist vs. Politician:
Kamen believes that the world needs scientists and inventors, not politicians, to solve the challenges of the future. He emphasizes the importance of thinking outside the box and creating practical solutions to improve people’s lives.

Running for Office:
Kamen declines the suggestion of running for office, acknowledging his limitations and preferring to contribute his expertise as a scientist and inventor.

Segway: A Balancing Device for the Disabled:
Dean Kamen, inventor of the Segway, clarified that the Segway wasn’t his first balancing device. His initial application of solid-state gyros, servos, and balance-simulating computer programs was for the iBot, a medical device for the disabled.

Balancing Capability for Everyone:
To reduce the cost and increase the availability of the iBot’s balancing technology, Kamen removed the seat and created the Segway, a balancing platform for everyone. The Segway’s popularity stemmed from its appeal to healthy individuals, unlike medical devices that people only use when necessary.

Legal Classification of the Segway:
Kamen recognized that the Segway’s motors and wheels didn’t make it a traditional motor vehicle. He sought and obtained a letter from the Department of Transportation stating that the Segway was not a motor vehicle.

Integration into Pedestrian Environments:
Kamen worked with state and city governments to define safe and responsible ways to integrate the Segway into pedestrian environments. This process took time and effort, but it ensured the Segway’s safe and scalable use.

Electric Scooter Proliferation:
Kamen criticized the proliferation of electric scooters without proper consideration for safety and scalability. He attributed this issue to the “ask for forgiveness, not permission” philosophy of many tech companies. Kamen emphasized the importance of seeking permission and working with authorities to integrate new technologies safely and responsibly.

Kamen’s Perspective on Innovation and Regulation:
Kamen acknowledges the backlash against irresponsible use of new technologies and the role of government in balancing innovation with safety. He emphasizes the need for government to act swiftly in approving beneficial innovations, especially in the medical field, where slow approval processes can have dire consequences. He expresses frustration with the increasing risk-averse approach in regulatory bodies, which hinders the adoption of innovative technologies.

Kamen’s Experience with Regulation:
Kamen cites the example of New York’s subway system, where safety measures have become excessive, limiting innovation and increasing bureaucracy. He highlights the lengthy approval processes for new medical devices, which delay access to potentially life-saving treatments.

Kamen’s Personal Drive:
Kamen describes his relentless focus on achieving his goals, attributing this trait to his upbringing and early childhood experiences. He expresses a chronic sense of frustration due to his limited time on earth and his desire to accomplish as much as possible.

Kamen’s Current Projects:
Kamen oversees a company with over 800 engineers, managing multiple large and small projects simultaneously. He expands on the FIRST robotics competition, now known as FIRST Global, which brings together teams from 191 countries to compete in robotics challenges. The theme of this year’s competition, “Ocean Opportunities,” aims to address the issue of plastic pollution in oceans, encouraging innovative solutions.

Kamen’s Advice on Innovation:
Kamen advocates for a balanced approach to innovation, avoiding extremes of excessive regulation and complete disregard for potential risks. He emphasizes the importance of seeking win-win solutions that address environmental concerns while promoting technological advancements.

Unity and Cooperation in the FIRST Robotics Competition:
Dean Kamen highlights the significance of cooperation and unity in the FIRST Robotics Competition. The game begins with 30 seconds of cooperation, where all six teams work together to remove parts from the field. Each team receives the same number of points, symbolizing that they are working towards a common goal of cleaning up the ocean.

Promoting Innovation and Recycling:
The next 90 seconds of the game focus on individual team efforts to recycle and reduce the use of materials. Teams earn more points by recycling and reducing usage, encouraging innovation in finding better solutions to address environmental issues.

Encouraging Understanding and Cooperation:
Kamen emphasizes the importance of fostering cooperation and understanding among people from different backgrounds. He believes that the youth should be taught to work together and appreciate the commonalities that unite humanity.

Breaking Barriers and Creating a New Generation:
Kamen’s goal is to create the first generation of kids who recognize the need for global cooperation and the consequences of repeating the mistakes of the past. He emphasizes the importance of recognizing universal laws and the need for a common understanding of the world we live in.

Gratitude and Recognition:
Paul Rieckhoff expresses gratitude for Dean Kamen’s inspiring work and his positive impact on people’s lives. He presents Kamen with gifts, including Angry Americans merchandise, a color quiz, and a bottle of Peerless bourbon, recognizing Kamen’s contributions and his American spirit.

Homework from Dean Kamen:
Get involved with FIRST: Kamen emphasizes the importance of supporting his robotics program for kids. He calls for parents, moms and dads, teachers, corporate sponsors, and others to get involved in FIRST to provide every kid and every school in the country the opportunity to have a FIRST team.

Expanding the reach of IBOTs:
Community outreach: Kamen urges the community to unite, not just those who directly benefit from IBOTs, but also those who are indirectly affected, such as the American public that relies on the military. Political pressure: Kamen stresses the need for political pressure to ensure that veterans who could benefit from IBOTs receive them. He emphasizes that this should not be a matter of debate and that it is outrageous that it might take longer to make this happen than it took to design, develop, and invent the IBOT.