Abstract: A method for conducting the motion of a transporter under riderless conditions. The transporter has two laterally disposed primary wheels. In accordance with the method, an input is received via a user input disposed on the transporter and a control signal corresponding to the input received is generated. Then a torque is applied to the laterally disposed wheels so as propel the transporter on the basis of at least the control signal. The control signal may correspond to either a commanded torque or to a commanded transporter velocity. The torque may include coadded terms where the terms are, respectively, proportional to the control signal, to a counteracting artificial friction proportional to the common velocity of the wheels, and a term proportional to the differential rotation of the wheels to facilitate turning of the transporter.

Abstract: A method for fore-aft stabilization of a vehicle for motion in a specified direction over an underlying surface. The vehicle has at least one forward wheel and at least one aft wheel, and the forward wheel is characterized by a force normal to the instantaneous direction of motion of the vehicle. A motor actuator drives each aft wheel, and a controller governs the motor actuator or motor actuators in such a manner as to dynamically stabilize the vehicle, according to a uniform control law, when the forward wheel is in contact with the underlying surface or not. A torque is applied to the aft wheel on the basis of vehicle pitch or the force on the forward wheel normal to the direction of motion. Additionally, a periodic rotational modulation may be applied to the aft wheel, and a stabilizing torque provided based on a detected response, either of vehicle pitch or of normal force on the front wheel.