Prototype This! Season 1 Episode 7 Get Up and Go

Prototype This! was a TV show that aired in 2008 on the Discovery Channel. It featured a team of inventors who would tackle real-world problems by building prototypes of unique devices. The show was hosted by Zoz Brooks, an engineer and researcher at the SETI Institute, and co-hosted by various experts in fields like robotics, design, and engineering.

Season 1 Episode 7 of the show was titled "Get Up and Go." In this episode, the team set out to create a new kind of personal vehicle that would improve upon the traditional bicycle and make commuting easier and more fun. They wanted to design a vehicle that had all of the benefits of a bike, such as being eco-friendly and healthy, but also addressed some of the drawbacks, such as the need for physical exertion, traffic dangers, and limited cargo space.

The team started with a basic sketch of their concept, which they called the "Hamster Ball Bike." This was a self-contained contraption that would enclose the rider in a clear sphere and provide a smooth, effortless ride using electric power. The riders could control the direction and speed by tilting their body inside the sphere, similar to the way one steers a Segway.

To make their idea a reality, the team had to overcome many challenges. One of the biggest was to design a safe and sturdy sphere that would protect the rider in the event of an accident. They consulted with experts in materials and tested various kinds of plastics to find one that was strong but also transparent. Once they had the right material, they used a specialized heat-welding technique to create a seamless, durable sphere.

Another challenge was to create a propulsion system that would be both powerful and silent. The team experimented with several types of electric motors and battery systems and tested them on a small, prototype vehicle. They also added special lights and audio alerts to make the vehicle more visible and safe for riding at night.

Once they had a working prototype, the team took it out for a spin in downtown San Francisco, where they faced crowds of curious onlookers and some unexpected obstacles. They had to navigate steep hills, narrow streets, and even a skateboarder who collided with them. However, they were able to complete their journey using the Hamster Ball Bike, which proved to be a popular and practical personal vehicle.

The episode "Get Up and Go" was a fascinating look at what it takes to design and build a novel vehicle from scratch. The team's process was both inventive and rigorous, as they tackled each challenge with creativity and attention to detail. They also demonstrated how technology can be used to make daily life more enjoyable and sustainable. Overall, this episode was a great showcase for the spirit of innovation and problem-solving that was at the heart of Prototype This!