Tokyo Preview: Honda unveils U3-X personal mobility device
Honda U3-X - Click above for high-res image gallery
We've seen our fair share of personal mobility devices over the past few years -- from the ill-received Segway to Toyota's i-Real. Now, Honda's joining the minimalist motoring set with its own limb-atrophying U3-X.
Using technology originally developed for ASIMO the robot, the "U" in U3-X stands for both "universal" and "unicycle," and that's where the interesting tech resides. Housed within the large wheel are a series of smaller wheels that can rotate independently, allowing the awkwardly perched user to go forward, backward, side-to-side or diagonally. Like the Segway, the person piloting the U3-X simply leans in the desired direction to control the movement through the Honda Omni Traction Drive System (HOT).
Honda's keen to point out that the 22-pound U3-X is ultra-portable and easy to use, with fold away footrests and seat cushions. A single, lithium ion battery powers the electric motors up to one hour and the maximum speed is just a few ticks under four MPH.
We'll see the U3-X in person next month at the Tokyo Motor Show, but before then, you can get an eyeful in the gallery below and make the jump for several videos of the U3-X in action, along with Honda's press release.
Gallery: Honda U3-X
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
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Turbofrog 7:46PM (9/25/2009)
Interesting technology and all, but do we really need a replacement for relatively short stints of walking? This is stupid.
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Jason 9:41PM (9/24/2009)
ROTFL!!!
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Chris M 10:12PM (9/24/2009)
In some ways, it is better than the Segway, as it can move sideways as well as forwards, and can roll through doors and other spaces too narrow for a Segway. Unfortunately, it will probably be more expensive than the Segway, too.
Riding looks a bit precarious, and having to hold on to the seat looks a bit embarrassing.
The "wheel made of wheels" bears some similarity to a roller-wheel idea that was also capable of moving in all directions, though that design used 3 roller wheels and was simpler and more stable than the Honda design.
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rtshinn 10:20PM (9/24/2009)
When two gorgeous babes like that can't even make that thing look cool, your product is in trouble.
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Bob Seeley 10:28PM (9/24/2009)
I know this has something to do with green automobiles, but it just escapes me at the moment.
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Hans Wurst 12:30AM (9/25/2009)
Under 4 mph?
So I can awkwardly get to where I wanna go, slower than if i walked?
Come again?
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Matt234 9:54AM (9/25/2009)
Might not be hard for you to walk at 4 mph, but if I had arthritis in my knees or something like that then I would love this gadget.
This didn't seem that special at first glance, but imagine the possibility of a wheel that can go sideways. Sure would make parallel parking easy.
Brent 8:39PM (9/28/2009)
That bottom video with the motion from side to side is neat, this kind of thing could bring on a new generation of movement, in a variety of applications.
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jpm 12:47AM (9/25/2009)
It looks awkward and uncomfortable. It seems to be worse than the Segway. I wonder how it will do?
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Laurens 4:10AM (9/25/2009)
To me, even a Segway is ridiculous. However with the affluent population on average getting both older and heavier; it looks better than those electricity propelled arm chairs.
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Matt 10:39AM (9/25/2009)
Somehow I fail to imagine either old or fat people sitting down on this. :P
3PeaceSweet 4:47AM (9/25/2009)
Try using two of the wheels like roller skates (one on each foot)
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Mark Kiernan 5:43AM (9/25/2009)
I would pay to see Rush Limbaugh on it ;)
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JasonN 11:58AM (9/25/2009)
I would pay to see Rush Limbaugh run over by 100 of these little wheelstools!
Unknown 10:04AM (9/28/2009)
I would pay to see Rush Limbaugh run over by 100 of these little wheelstools!
So because you disagree with him ... You want to see HARM come to him? You want to see him in pain? Why don't you just say you want him TO DIE!!!!
"Celebrating the death of somebody you disagreed with pretty much makes you a D***"
(10 Things Christians and Atheists Can (And Must) Agree On)
tinman 12:30PM (9/25/2009)
I can only say I wish I were a U3-X!
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Mark Kiernan 2:53PM (9/25/2009)
The technology is good so why not incorporate it until a personal transport device something like that thing by Renault. Give it another two or three wheels and a roof.
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