Honda U3-X: Segway-style unicycle (Video)
Honda have revealed a bizarre looking unicycle device which they claim could be the future of personal mobility.Riders just sit on the figure-of-eight shaped U3-X and lean in the direction they want to travel, it then moves at speeds of up to 3.7mph.
The main wheel is actually made from lots of smaller wheels meaning the device can move forward, backward, side-to-side or even diagonally.
When not in use, the foot-rests and seat fold away, meaning you can carry the U3-X by a pop-up handle… ideal for running away (at more than 3.7mph) from all those people pointing and calling you names.
A spokesperson for Honda said the device came out of research and development of the ASIMO robot but that they would continue testing until it was ready for market.
"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 Honda's balance control technology, which was developed through the robotics research of ASIMO.
"We will continue research and development of the device including experiments in a real-world environment to verify the practicality of the device."
Honda is planning to showcase the U3-X at the 41st Tokyo Motor Show 2009LINKS
Honda
