You’ve probably seen the Segway—maybe in Mall Cop—but there’s much more to its inventor, Dean Kamen. Through his nonprofit, FIRST, Kamen is transforming engineering into something as thrilling as sports, making it inspiring, accessible, and exciting for young people. Beyond the Segway, he’s developed hundreds of groundbreaking inventions in fields like aviation, biotechnology, and clean water. Dean Kamen’s story is a gift to the world and one worth sharing.
Dean Kamen's Background
Dean Kamen was born on April 5, 1951, in Long Island, New York, to a creative household—his father, Jack Kamen, was a skilled illustrator for EC Comics, and his mother, Evelyn Kamen, was a teacher. Growing up surrounded by art and education, Kamen developed a passion for innovation early on. By his teenage years, he was already building and selling sound and light systems from his parents' basement, a glimpse into the ingenuity that would change the world. [1][2]
After high school, Kamen attended Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) but didn’t stay there long. He was itching to get his hands on real-world projects and left college to invent his first big product—the AutoSyringe. This device was a portable infusion pump that made life easier for people who needed regular injections, like diabetics. The AutoSyringe was a breakthrough in medical technology that allows people to administer precise doses of medication from home. This early success showed Kamen that he could use technology to make life better for people, sparking a lifelong mission. [3]
In 1982, Kamen officially founded DEKA Research & Development Corporation, his company in Manchester, New Hampshire. DEKA quickly became a place where incredible inventions took shape. Its mission? To improve lives through technology. DEKA created everything from advanced medical devices, like dialysis machines for kidney patients, to clean energy solutions. [4] Through DEKA, Kamen invented tools to solve real problems for people around the world.
FRIST: The Invention of Inventors
Dean Kamen has countless inventions, but perhaps his greatest is the invention of inventors themselves. That’s exactly what he created FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) to achieve—and that’s exactly what FIRST does: it creates inventors.
The Start of FIRST: Making Science and Technology Exciting
Dean Kamen noticed that most kids were captivated by sports and celebrities, not science and technology. So in 1989, he founded FIRST to change that—to make STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) as thrilling as sports through challenges that inspire kids to change the world. Kamen called it a “sport for the mind,” to engage students from all backgrounds in the wonders of science and technology. FIRST quickly became a movement that provided students hands-on experiences in building robots and tackling real-world challenges that extended beyond the classroom. Its mission was to show that STEM could be creative, collaborative, and transformative. [5]
One powerful symbol of what FIRST stands for is the “This Isn’t a Robot” video. The video reminds people that these robots are more than just machines—they’re a way for students to learn teamwork, problem-solving, and even how to make a positive impact on the world. [6]
Expanding FIRST to a Global Stage
As FIRST teams took root worldwide, Kamen saw the potential for the program to bridge cultural divides. He partnered with former Israeli Prime Minister Shimon Peres to create FIRST Global, an “Olympics” for young innovators. Founders like Mitt Romney and Martine Rothblatt join him in this mission, with will.I.Am amplifying the message. Together, they inspire students from 194 countries to tackle shared challenges and collaborate in a spirit of unity and innovation. [7][8]
Honoring Christa McAuliffe and the Role of Teachers
Dean Kamen's commitment to honoring and inspiring people through FIRST extended even further when, after 20 years of dedicated advocacy, he successfully had a commemorative silver dollar minted in honor of Christa McAuliffe, the teacher who tragically lost her life in the Challenger space shuttle disaster. The coin features FIRST’s logo and Christa McAuliffe’s famous quote, “I touch the future. I teach.” Naturally, in true FIRST fashion, Kamen's presented the first FIRST coin to the First Lady, Jill Biden, a teacher herself. [9][10] That's three firsts!
Inventions
Dean Kamen’s ingenuity has produced numerous groundbreaking inventions, each a testament to his commitment to social impact, with the following examples highlighting just a few of his remarkable contributions.
Segway PT
The Segway PT (Personal Transporter) was designed to address the need for efficient, eco-friendly short-distance transportation. The Segway’s self-balancing technology, which uses gyroscopic sensors and accelerometers, allows users to lean in the direction they want to go. The Segway PT is powered by rechargeable batteries and influenced the development of other electric personal transportation devices like e-scooters and e-bikes. [2]
AutoSyringe
Developed while Kamen was still in college, the AutoSyringe solved the issue of inconsistent, time-consuming medication delivery for patients who require regular injections, such as those with diabetes. Traditional methods of infusion therapy were often cumbersome, requiring patients to remain in hospitals. The AutoSyringe, a portable, programmable infusion pump, allows patients to administer precise doses of medication over a set period. Using a small motorized pump mechanism, the device’s compact design and portability represented a breakthrough in at-home medical care, reducing hospital visits and allowing patients to maintain an active lifestyle. [1]
iBOT Mobility Device
The iBOT, an advanced mobility device, was created to enhance accessibility for people with disabilities. Unlike traditional wheelchairs, which struggle with obstacles like stairs and uneven terrain, the iBOT uses gyroscopic stabilization and a multi-wheel configuration, allowing it to “stand up” on two wheels and even climb stairs. This enables users to navigate a wider variety of environments independently and interact at eye level. For users who might otherwise be restricted to limited mobility, the iBOT offers greater freedom and empowerment, improving both physical access and social interactions. [3]
DEKA Arm (Luke Arm)
The DEKA Arm, also known as the “Luke Arm,” was developed to improve the quality of life for amputees, particularly those who lost limbs in combat or accidents. Traditional prosthetics often lack precise motor control, limiting functionality. The DEKA Arm, funded in part by DARPA, is a robotic prosthetic controlled by muscle signals from residual limbs. The technology uses advanced sensors and motors to mimic human arm functionality, enabling users to perform delicate tasks such as picking up small objects or handling utensils. [3]
Slingshot, Stirling Engine, and Ray Kurzweil
Dean Kamen's Slingshot water purifier is a compact, refrigerator-sized device that provides safe drinking water to resource-limited communities. The Slingshot employs a modified Stirling engine to drive vapor compression distillation, purifying over 66,000 gallons of water annually—enough to meet the daily needs of about 300 people. [11] Ray Kurzweil, a futurist and AI singularity predictor, even hinted at Dean Kamen’s Slingshot in his novel Danielle: Chronicles of a Superheroine. The story’s young protagonist, Danielle, uses a Stirling-engine-driven purifier to bring clean water to underserved regions. [12]
Dialysis Machines
Kamen’s at-home dialysis machine addresses the challenge of providing accessible kidney care to patients who live far from traditional dialysis centers or lack regular access to medical facilities. These machines use a process called peritoneal dialysis, which filters waste and excess fluid from the blood through a membrane in the abdomen, instead of relying on the large, fixed hemodialysis machines typically found in clinics. The portability of these machines gives patients the freedom to perform dialysis at home. [3]
Aviation
Dean Kamen’s aviation journey is a testament to his commitment to innovation and sustainability in flight. Kamen is a certified pilot with qualifications in both fixed-wing aircraft and rotorcraft, including helicopters.
Enstrom Helicopters
Dean Kamen acquired Enstrom Helicopter Corporation in the early 2000s. His intention was to improve helicopter efficiency and investigate clean energy applications within rotorcraft technology, which reflects his broader mission to integrate sustainability into aviation. [13]
Burt Rutan, XPRIZE, and Peter Diamandis
Dean Kamen met Burt Rutan, a pioneering aerospace engineer, through Peter Diamandis’s XPRIZE Foundation, where Kamen was a founding member. This initiative was geared towards driving private space exploration and awarded $10 million to Rutan’s team for the first privately funded human spaceflight with SpaceShipOne in 2004. [14] Beyond their collaboration on XPRIZE, Kamen, a skilled helicopter pilot, taught Burt Rutan and his brother, Dick Rutan, to fly helicopters.
Collaboration with Martine Rothblatt and Kyle Clark
One of Dean Kamen's most impactful collaborations has been with Dr. Martine Rothblatt, founder of United Therapeutics and creator of SiriusXM. They first connected at one of Peter Diamandis' XPRIZE events and quickly joined forces to develop a subcutaneous delivery method for Rothblatt’s drug, Remodulin. Rothblatt went on to join the Board of Directors at FIRST and became a founding member of FIRST Global. Both Kamen and Rothblatt are avid aviators, certified in both fixed-wing and rotorcraft piloting. Rothblatt envisioned electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft for the transport of 3D-printed organs, leading her to introduce Kamen to Kyle Clark, CEO of Beta Technologies. Kamen subsequently joined Beta’s board, and together, the trio is advancing zero-carbon, vertical, electric aviation. Kamen now even owns a fully electric Enstrom helicopter, embodying their shared vision for a cleaner future in aviation.
Help Grow FIRST
Dean Kamen has redefined every field he’s entered, but these innovations depend on the brightest young minds to flourish. Imagine a future where every young mind can access the power of science and technology, creating solutions that change lives. FIRST is more than an organization—it’s a global movement igniting passion and purpose in students worldwide. Whether you’re a parent, educator, or industry leader, your support can shape the innovators of tomorrow. Demand FIRST programs in schools, get involved as a mentor, or become a sponsor. The experience is unforgettable, as thrilling as the Super Bowl but with the impact to change our world. Join us in making STEM education a reality for all and invest in the leaders of tomorrow.
References
ThoughtCo. (n.d.). Dean Kamen - Profile. Retrieved from https://www.thoughtco.com/dean-kamen-profile-1992041
Britannica. (n.d.). Dean Kamen. Retrieved from https://www.britannica.com/biography/Dean-Kamen
FIRST. (n.d.). Dean Kamen - Leadership. Retrieved from https://www.firstinspires.org/about/leadership/dean-kamen
History Oasis. (n.d.). Dean Kamen’s Inventions. Retrieved from https://www.historyoasis.com/post/dean-kamens-inventions
FIRST. (n.d.). Vision and Mission. Retrieved from https://www.firstinspires.org/about/vision-and-mission
FIRST. (n.d.). This Isn’t a Robot - Video. Retrieved from https://www.firstinspires.org/resource-library/video/this-isnt-a-robot
FIRST Global. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://first.global/
Farley, S. (2021, July 20). How FIRST Global is Inspiring the Next Generation of Tech Leaders in 194 Countries. Forbes. Retrieved from https://www.forbes.com/sites/shannonfarley/2021/07/20/how-first-global-is-inspiring-the-next-generation-of-tech-leaders-in-194-countries/
U.S. Mint. (n.d.). Christa McAuliffe Commemorative Coin. Retrieved from https://www.usmint.gov/learn/coin-and-medal-programs/commemorative-coins/christa-mcauliffe
NBC News. (2021, January 28). First Lady Jill Biden Pays Tribute to Christa McAuliffe on 35th Anniversary of Challenger Disaster. Retrieved from https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/first-lady-jill-biden-pays-tribute-christa-mcauliffe-35th-anniversary-n1256310
PopSci. (n.d.). Pure Genius: How Dean Kamen’s Invention Could Bring Clean Water to Millions. Retrieved from https://www.popsci.com/article/science/pure-genius-how-dean-kamens-invention-could-bring-clean-water-millions/
Danielle World. (n.d.). Ray Kurzweil’s “Danielle: Chronicles of a Superheroine”. Retrieved from https://danielleworld.com/
Wikipedia. (n.d.). Enstrom Helicopter Corporation. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Enstrom_Helicopter_Corporation
XPRIZE. (n.d.). Ansari XPRIZE for Suborbital Spaceflight. Retrieved from https://www.xprize.org/prizes/ansari
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