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Honda's futuristic high-tech unicycle, the U3-X
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Honda Motor Co. President Takanobu Ito
demonstrates the U3-X
(AP Photo/Shizuo Kambayashi)
Honda Motor Co. demonstrated a new "personal mobility" device that it is calling the U3-X, at a press conference in Tokyo today, September 24th (JST). The device, which looks much like a unicycle crossed with a Segway, is designed to be lightweight and extremely compact, allowing for easy use in crowded areas.
The U3-X was available for reporters to test ride after the morning conference. A reporter from FNN news who rode the device said it was like sitting in a chair, it moved smoothly at walking speed, and it is “fun to ride.” Reporters from several media companies were all able to use the U3-X with ease. (See the videos below).
The U3-X is self-balancing, and uses the same technology as Honda’s astronaut-like biped robot ASIMO, according to the company. The U3-X can essentially move in any direction, based on a simple and intuitive method of how the user shifts their weight. Lean forward to move forward, lean back to go back.
The HOT Drive System
The device is not a true unicycle. It moves on a unique series of wheels that is being called the Honda Omni Traction Drive System, or HOT Drive System. In essence, the HOT Drive System is a wheel that is made up of a number of smaller wheels placed perpendicularly to the direction of the main wheel. (See the image to the left).
The U3-X is 65cm tall (25.6 in.), 31.5 cm (12.4 in.) by 16cm (6.3 in.) wide, and weighs less than 10kg (22 lbs). The device goes up to about 6 km/h (3.7 mph), and can run for up to an hour on its lithium-ion battery.
The U3-X will be on display to the public at the 41st Tokyo Motor Show, starting on October 24th.
Related articles: Robot legs and other robotic goods for disabled created in Japan
Several news reports about the U3-X "personal mobility" device
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