Honda Develops New Personal Mobility Device: U3-X

Honda has developed a new personal mobility technology, U3-X. It is a compact experimental device that fits comfortably between the riders 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 Hondas balance control technology, which was developed through the robotics research of ASIMO, Hondas bipedal humanoid robot, and the worlds 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.

Key features of U3-X:

Free movement just as in human walking
1.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 riders 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.

2.HOT Drive System (Omni-directional driving wheel system):
Honda developed the worlds first 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 size which fit between the users legs
3.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.

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

* Based on Hondas internal research

Category:

Autos & Vehicles

Tags:

• Honda
• robotics
• technology
• personal
• mobility
• device
• U3-X
• ASIMO

[durkadurka2323]

Or you could, you know...walk.

[TheMacoke]

Most of you are not thinking outside the box because you are not disabled and don't know anyone disable. I have Multiple Sclerosis and can't walk very far without an aid (cane or walker), and far distances require a scooter. How much better it would be if I had one of these!!! A scooter makes me feel old (and I'm not!). Way to go Honda!!!

[EverythingOtaku]

Honda is AMAZING!!!!

[tonymetalmouth]

this is gonnna turn us into those fat asses from wall-e

[id493337]

@durkadurka2323

Naw, sitting easier.

[indigoandbluetoo1]

Really awesome tech workplaces should force you to use these

[NaruKami1313]

I'm not into Asians that much, but that long haired one at the end was pretty attractive, oh yeah, the motorized unicycle thing is neat too.

[link991]

@serranojavier99

>implying obese people would be able to properly balance and shift their weight or even be held up by this

[serranojavier99]

oh boy another way to make Americans fatter

[HostingReviews1]

Look like the camera is moving around not the machine.. hahahaha

[speedstriker]

@durkadurka2323 *2011; still think walking is a viable mode of transportation

[aros5144]

the new abb workout machine