Tokyo Preview: Honda unveils U3-X personal mobility device
by Damon Lavrinc on Sep 24th 2009 at 7:26PM 
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
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 4)
larry raines 7:29PM (9/24/2009)
looks like the next gen Sybian
Reply
James 7:43PM (9/24/2009)
This must be the next Acura...
fmwso 7:46PM (9/24/2009)
that's what I was thinking.
TVs Hasselhoff 10:31PM (9/24/2009)
Two girls and a Honda.
Steven 7:29PM (9/24/2009)
walk!
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Rev 7:41PM (9/24/2009)
No kidding.
Saw a tool riding a Segway down University Ave. in Palo Alto. He wasn't going much faster than the pedestrians. Such a pathetic display of laziness. Couldn't help but laugh.
I figure this little Honda-Segway would get engulfed in the average American's ass. Way too small...
RG 7:48PM (9/24/2009)
Why don't you think a little more about who this product is aimed at. I see this as an excellent alternative for someone who doesn't need complete seated mobility (wheelchair, rascal) yet would like to have the convenience of assisted mobility. My Grandmother comes to mind.
While it may not pluck at the car enthusiast or the easily mobile, I don't think that this was designed for you. Much like the assisted legs they introduced months ago.
tankd0g 7:55PM (9/24/2009)
Really? You see your grandmother riding this?
James 7:56PM (9/24/2009)
Butt Casters
James 9:36PM (9/24/2009)
BYOB: Bring Your Own Bumpers
000000 10:51AM (9/25/2009)
I could see this for people with MS or other such problems. They have a hard time walking sometimes but not all the time if they are not wheelchair bound.
Chazz 11:41AM (9/25/2009)
Unfortunately the folks who need to use this - FAT, OBESE, BOVINE people can use it unless you put three or four together, install a back brace, and cup holders for those full calorie sodas!
Duke 11:21AM (9/30/2009)
Though we bust on people using Segways as being lazy, lets be realistic why they are doing it - for fun. Like riding a bike or skateboard, the mobility aspect is secondary to that of enjoying it. As far as this device goes, I don't think it has much benefit other than people having some fun with it. I don't see elderly or infirmed people sitting on a little device and balancing while shifting their weight around.
mugatu 7:34PM (9/24/2009)
"Thank God I'm not the biggest idiot on earth anymore." -Dean Kamen.
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larry raines 7:41PM (9/24/2009)
it better come with bigger ass flaps because you caboose is gonna get HUGE riding one of these around all day
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Jim 10:41AM (9/25/2009)
When you take into account how overweight we American are, what is the top speed and battery life then? Pushing around a 115lb girl looks fairly easy, but how about pushing around a 270 lb guy?
Obviously DaMinority 7:42PM (9/24/2009)
So it's a Segway for people who are to lazy to stand while they're not walking?
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no_one 3:04AM (9/25/2009)
This is ideal platform for robots, not humans.
Franz 7:42PM (9/24/2009)
Doesn't look very comfortable to me.
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Jonathan102 2:01AM (9/25/2009)
my thought exactly.