Sony patents something already invented by college kids

Remember that Sony patent we reported on for a vehicle steerable by movement of center of gravity? Well, Sony may have an artist’s conception of a stick figure snowman riding one, but some college kids at UBC (where?) have video footage of pretty much the same device that they made and actually rode back in February of 2005. Patent law in the U.S. is one big mess. I’m sure these kids will get screwed. No matter, it’s not like the devices are going to become popular. Catch the video after the jump.

First succesfull test ride of Emanual, self balancing skateboard project

From Google Video.

This was recorded about 15 minutes after the project Emanual finally came together on Feb 8th 2005. The maiden voyage takes place in the Engineering Physics penthouse at UBC, with Justin Lemire-Elmore riding the board and Matt Chudleigh providing commentary, and students all around taking a study break to see the commotion.

The Emanual (E-manual?) device actually looks like a really smooth ride. It’s an impressive accomplishment, but just barely related to a skateboard.