Honda Develops New Experimental Personal Mobility Device
24 September 2009
| The U3-X. The two seat pads and the foot rests fold into the body of the device when not in use. Click to enlarge. |
Honda has unveiled the U3-X, a compact Li-ion-powered experimental personal mobility device that fits between the rider’s legs and provides 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 technologies including Honda’s balance control technology, which was developed through the robotics research of ASIMO, Honda’s bipedal humanoid robot, and the first—based on Honda’s assessment—omni-directional driving wheel system.
| Image of HOT Drive System. Click to enlarge. |
The Honda Omni Traction Drive System, or HOT Drive System, 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.
Honda is planning to showcase the U3-X at the 41st Tokyo Motor Show 2009 which will begin on 24 October 2009 at Makuhari Messe in Chiba, Japan.
Honda has been conducting robotics research since 1986, including ASIMO, walking assist devices and U3-X, at the Honda R&D Co., Ltd. Fundamental Technology Research Center in Wako, Saitama, Japan.
Key features of U3-X include:
Device control featuring application of balance control technology cultivated through ASIMO research. The incline sensor detects the incline of the device based on the weight shift of the rider and determines the rider’s intention in terms of the direction and speed. Based on the data, precise control is applied to return the device to an upright position, which achieves smooth and agile movements and simple operation by weight shift only.
HOT Drive System (Omni-directional driving wheel system). A wheel structure which enables movement in all directions including forward, backward, side-to-side and diagonally. Multiple small-diameter motor-controlled wheels were 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 moves diagonally.
Compact and innovative package. 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 device adopts a light-weight monocoque body in which the foldable seat, footrests and body cover that also function as the frame are stored in the body of the device, achieving highly portable convenience.
The experimental model is 315 mm x 160 mm x 650 mm (L x W x H), and weighs less than 10 kg. Operational time with a fully-charged :Li-ion battery is 1 hour.
White and nerdy EXTREME!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: wintermane2000 | 24 September 2009 at 04:58 AM
May be appropriate for those with hip, knee, or ankle pain or disabilities. More and more seniors will be falling into this category.
Posted by: Will S | 24 September 2009 at 05:17 AM
I've thought what would be even simpler is a hub-motored Landroller in-line skates. The larger rear wheel of the two-wheel Landroller looks large enough for a 40 watt hub motor. That would be sufficient power for a 9 mph maximum speed, not to fast for sidewalk use. Battery pack could be worn on waist. If battery power runs out, the skates could be used in human power mode. Simple, small and inexpensive.
Posted by: fred schumacher | 24 September 2009 at 05:17 AM
Looks innovative, but do not show to US personal injury lawyers.
Posted by: kelly | 24 September 2009 at 05:50 AM
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Personal Mobility Device
Sorry, Honda: God beat you to it. Legs and feet.
Praise be unto Algore!
.
Posted by: The Goracle | 24 September 2009 at 06:43 AM
The USA model will come with an air (helium) lift balloon to reduce user's weight by up to 50%, to increase stabilization and reduce injuries.
Posted by: HarveyD | 24 September 2009 at 07:59 AM
Oh look, a unicycle for people without skill or desire for exercise.
Posted by: ai_vin | 24 September 2009 at 08:42 AM
And HOW EXACTLY is this supposed to go up and down curbs? Or navigate through ice and snow? Or...? It's in the same vein as GM's PUMA
http://www.engadget.com/2009/04/07/gm-and-segways-p-u-m-a-unveiled-and-no-this-isnt-a-joke/
Methinks some people at Honda and GM have TOO much time on their hands.
Posted by: Thomas | 24 September 2009 at 12:23 PM
@Fred
I've had the same idea for a couple of years now! Just haven't gotten around to building it yet. Nice to see there are like minded thinkers out there
@Kelley and Harvey
LOL!
Posted by: GreenPlease | 24 September 2009 at 12:36 PM
Honda:
Borrow some engineers from TATA and make a cheap series hybrid car with a tiny engine. Hydraulic hybrid even. ..HG..
Posted by: Henry Gibson | 24 September 2009 at 01:56 PM
The average Japanese female weighs about 90 lbs. The average American female is more like 125...American male 200 - 250...obese Americans a lot more...so a lot of engineering would need to be done to Americanize this toy - especially the obese.
Posted by: ejj | 24 September 2009 at 05:57 PM