Honda has revealed new personal mobility device dubbed the UNI-CUB, designed to revolutionize the way people move around.
The UNI-CUB is the latest evolution of the U3-X personal mobility device that Honda unveiled 2009.
The UNI-CUB features Honda’s proprietary balance control technology and the world’s first omni-directional driving wheel system (Honda Omni Traction Drive System).
These technologies allow the rider to control speed, move in any direction, turn and stop. You simply lean to ‘drive’, and to steer – and in a demonstration in Tokyo, volunteers piloted it with ease. Since the rider can freely move forward, backward, side-to-side and diagonally, he or she can quickly and easily maneuver among other people. When not in use, it can be folded up into a tiny carry case.
Moreover, UNI-CUB’s compact saddle-style packaging makes it easy for the rider’s legs to reach the ground and maintains eye-level height with other pedestrians. This configuration promotes harmony between the rider and others, letting the rider travel freely and comfortably inside facilities and among moving people.
The UNI-CUB measures 520 x 345 x 745 mm and has a seat height of 745 to 825 mm. Power for the motor comes from a lithium-ion battery and the devices has a top speed of 6 km/h. The range of a full charge is 6 km.
Starting in June 2012, Honda will jointly conduct demonstration testing of UNI-CUB with Japan’s National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation. In addition to testing the feasibility of using UNI-CUB indoors, this project will explore the practical applications of the device in a wide range of environments in Japan and other countries.
The balance control technology of UNI-CUB is part of the Honda Robotics family of technologies, which originates with Honda’s research into humanoid robots, including the world-famous ASIMO.
UNI-CUB key specifications
• Size (L x W x H): 520 x 345 x 745 mm (20.5 x 13.6 x 29.3 inches)
• Seat height: 745 – 825 mm (29.3 – 32.5 inches)
• Battery type: Lithium-ion battery
• Maximum speed: 6 km/h (3.7 mph)
• Range: 6 km (3.7 miles)[wzslider height=”400″ lightbox=”true”]
