[niky]

http://green.autoblog.com/2009/09/24...bility-device/

PRESS RELEASE

Honda Develops Revolutionary New Personal Mobility Device to Work in Harmony with People

World's first driving system capable of 360 degree movement

Pursuing the concept of "harmony with people" Honda has developed a new personal mobility technology and unveiled U3-X, a compact experimental device to provide free movement in all directions just like human walking - forward, backward, side-to-side, and diagonally. Honda will continue research and development of the device including experiments in the real-world environment to verify the practicality of the device.

This new personal mobility device makes it possible to adjust speed, move, turn and stop in all directions when the rider leans their upper body to shift their body weight. This was achieved through application of advanced technologies including Honda's balance control technology, which was developed through ASIMO (Honda's bipedal humanoid robot) robotics research, 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, not only forward and backward, but also directly to the right and left and diagonally. In addition, the compact, one-wheel-drive personal mobility device was designed to be user friendly and unimposing to people around it. This is achieved by making it easy for the rider to reach the ground from the footrest and by seating the rider at roughly the same eye level as a person standing.

Honda is planning to showcase the U3-X at the 41st Tokyo Motor Show 2009 (sponsored by JAMA) which will begin on 24th October 2009 at Makuhari Messe in Chiba, Japan.

Honda has been conducting robotics research since 1986 at the Honda R&D Co., Ltd. Fundamental Technology Research Center in Wako, Saitama, Japan, striving to develop the next-generation mobility products that bring joy to our customers. These research projects includes ASIMO, walking assist devices and U3-X.

* Based on Honda's internal research

Key features of U3-X

Free movement just like human walking

1. The device is controlled by application of balance control technology refined through ASIMO research. The incline sensor detects the tilt of the device created by the weight shift of the rider and subsequently determines the rider's intention in terms of direction and speed. Based on the data, precise control is applied to return the device to an upright position, which allows for smooth and agile movements and simple operation.

2. HOT Drive System (Omni-directional driving wheel system):Honda has developed the world's first wheel structure which enables movement in all directions including forward, backward, side-to-side and diagonally. Multiple small-diameter motor-controlled wheels are connected in-line to form one large-diameter wheel. By moving the large-diameter wheel, the device moves forward and backward, and by moving small-diameter wheels, the device moves side-to-side. By combining these movements the device can also move diagonally.

Compact and innovative package

3. Slim enough to ride between legs and carry with one arm : The combination of the balance control technology and the HOT Drive System enabled the one-wheel style compact and innovative package of the device. In addition, the monocoque body houses the folding seat, foot rests and body cover, which also acts as the frame, making the device light weight and portable.

Key specifications of the experimental model:

Length×Width×Height(mm) :315×160×650

Weight: less than 10kg

Battery Type: Lithium ion battery

Operation time (with fully charged battery): 1 hour

Or maybe not.






Looks like fun, though. I'd like to see them ride one with a skirt on without getting run over by it.

[homeforsummer]

Or a miniskirt and seeing it blowing up and showing us their underwear.

Oh wait, I said that out loud, didn't I...

[niky]

A full skirt is more likely to get tangled in the wheel and come off...

[TorqueHappenS08]

Ahh, the evolution of the "uni cycle" i knew it was coming.

[homeforsummer]

Not shown in the videos: The wall just out of frame that they headbutted as nobody had told them how to stop.

Oh, and this:

Honda

Pursuing the concept of "harmony with people" Honda has developed a new personal mobility technology and unveiled U3-X, a compact experimental device to provide free movement in all directions just like human walking

So apart from feeling your arse grow, what advantages does it actually provide over walking? I suspect "confused by steps of any sort" and "likely to chuck you into a hedge in bad weather" aren't two of them.

I'm sorry, I know I'm a bit of a cynic but really, what are the uses of such a device? I'm all for new technology and I can even tolerate the crazy concept cars that get shown at the Tokyo motor show each year which spin around on their axis or let you have a disco in your car or drive themselves, but a piece of technology that offers no advantage to walking, yet when you do get off it you presumably have to carry it around with you, seems like an utter waste of time and money.

[daan]

Can people not walk anymore?

This is the first "step" to the lard ass humans in WALL-E...

[Appie]

daan

Can people not walk anymore?

This is the first "step" to the lard ass humans in WALL-E...

I was thinking the same there. Why buy such a expensive while u can walk?

[niky]

daan

Can people not walk anymore?

This is the first "step" to the lard ass humans in WALL-E...

They're already here.

This is just the first step in getting them off their feet... the poor dears...

[Jim Prower]

That thing looks extremely uncomfortable.

[ROAD_DOGG33J]

Jim Prower

That thing looks extremely uncomfortable.

No kiddin', if I wanted to sit on a stool I'd go to a bar.

[Jim Prower]

Y'know, I'd LOVE to see someone riding that thing drunk. I can imagine the Hilarity now.

"VrrrrrrRRRRRRMMMMMMMMMMMM - *THUMP*"

[daan]

And then someone will fit it with a V8. Probably with the name of Jeremy....

[niky]

But where would he fit the induction pipes? Surely, they won't fit up his ?

[Omnis]

niky

I'd ride with the one on the right.

They look cool but are a little too slow to be worthwhile. At least Segways are faster than walking.

[Philly]

They may have the longest name for "unicycle" ever in that paragraph...

homeforsummer

So apart from feeling your arse grow, what advantages does it actually provide over walking? I suspect "confused by steps of any sort" and "likely to chuck you into a hedge in bad weather" aren't two of them.

I think it's supposed to look cool. What I don't get is that the balance systems basically take everything cool out of the concept of a unicycle (being able to balance) and leave you with a somewhat lame unicycle...

[TorqueHappenS08]

Can you Get them in different colors?

[soms1804]

Ever think of the uses it might have for the physically disabled? like a person who cant maybe walk!!!

[homeforsummer]

Because perching someone who can't walk on a single wheeled device is a really good idea. You can generally assume that if they can't walk then use of their legs in general is compromised. Which means they might have trouble mounting and dismounting, and even more trouble should they lose balance and fall off, when their legs are unable to support them like would happen with someone who has full use of their legs.

Ever think of that?...

[Snowboard_kid]

Haha, I sure need one of those Eventhough I'm not fat.

[niky]

homeforsummer

Because perching someone who can't walk on a single wheeled device is a really good idea. You can generally assume that if they can't walk then use of their legs in general is compromised. Which means they might have trouble mounting and dismounting, and even more trouble should they lose balance and fall off, when their legs are unable to support them like would happen with someone who has full use of their legs.

Ever think of that?...

Not to mention that many people with paralysis of the legs can't maintain an upright posture without support, anyway.