Intel, Segway build a transformer that goes from hoverboard to robot

Nevertheless, Intel showed off something very cool at CES 2016, it’s a hoverboard that it has built with Segway, but this one is also capable of transforming into your robot valet. Segway were pioneers of the self-balancing personal transport device, but their original device, released in 2001, was far too costly and bulky to ever reach mass popularity. Segway has teamed up with Intel for the new personal transporter.

Intel and Segway just announced their own version of a hoverboard, those insanely popular, dubiously safe hands free two-wheeled scooters that keep catching fire. It’s powered by Intel’s Atom processor and features the company’s RealSense ZR300 camera.

Intel CEO Brian Krzanich said “Last year, I showed you some advanced but expensive drones that could see and react to their environments”. Later in the talk, a robot head popped up right where Krzanich’s groin had been.

You could use it as a ‘hover’board of sorts, but with a touch of a button, the Ninebot Segway can turn into a robot, complete with blinking, camera eyes and movable arms. The hands are pretty crude-looking, like two plastic cup holders, but the robot is cute.

The robot is capable of navigating around the home without bumping into anything, stream live video and follow the user on command.