Press Release
Honda has developed a new personal mobility technology, U3-X. It is a compact experimental device that fits comfortably between the rider's legs, to provide free movement in all directions just as in human walking – forward, backward, side-to-side, and diagonally. Honda will continue research and development of the device including experiments in a real-world environment to verify the practicality of the device.
This new personal mobility device makes it possible to adjust speed and move, turn and stop in all directions when the rider leans the upper body to shift body weight. This was achieved through application of advanced technologies including Honda's balance control technology, which was developed through the robotics research of ASIMO, Honda's bipedal humanoid robot, and the world's first* omni-directional driving wheel system (Honda Omni Traction Drive System, or HOT Drive System), which enables movement in all directions, including not only forward and backward, but also directly to the right and left and diagonally. In addition, this compact size and one-wheel-drive personal mobility device was designed to be friendly to the user and people around it by making it easier for the rider to reach the ground from the footrest and placing the rider on roughly the same eye level as other people or pedestrians.
Of course, they'll need special facilities.
7 comments:
An interesting product. The background of the first few movements does not provide a very good spatial reference, but the last few seconds are an improvement.
Clearly an easier means of transport than Focus Design's Self-Balancing Unicycle:
http://focusdesigns.com/design/
and an entertaining video at:
http://focusdesigns.com/2009/09/18/the-nerd-herd-the-vegas-interbike-convention/
I took delivery of mine last week and after three days of practice could ride around the block non-stop (1 km) at about three times walking speed. I do have a little bit of unicycle experience, but this thing is a breeze to learn.
I don't hate walking, other than the pain I endure when doing so, but I can use the SBU to get to the grocery store, auto parts store, hardware store and other places that are too short for a bike ride.
Once you get past the gee-whiz factor, it's very possible to see some practical uses for this device. It would be an excellent substitute for a powered wheelchair, for instance, and wouldn't have the same body image issues. Shopping would be much easier on such a slim device, especially in clothing stores. (Trust me on this one.)
At the same time, I foresee helmeted dorks using them to wander about in amusement parks.
My longer walks are usually associated with flats lately. That seems one reason. A better one is people with restricted mobility. My aunt comes to mind. She's 80.
I don't see your Aunt or my Father-in-Law getting on one of those.
It looks a lot like a solution looking for a problem to solve!
They'll also need a bunch of new laws since the ones they wrote for Segways won't apply.
Holy smoly, what the heck is that thing...wow!
I still like walking and I don't want one of those "scooter" thingies.
What's next, an ad for this new Honda thing from the Scooter Store? LOL!!
Peace :)
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