Honda to show smaller, lighter UNI-CUB Personal Mobility Device

The UNI-CUB β and the UNI-CUB. The family was first seen four years ago at the Tokyo Motor Show as the U3-X. The U3-X was significantly developed to become the UNI-CUB (pictured right) in May 2012 featuring the same balance control technology and Honda Omni Traction Drive System which originated from Honda's three-decade-old research into humanoid robots. The UNI-CUB β (left) is the third generation.

by Mike Hanlon of www.gizmag.com

Honda has announced that yet another version of the UNI-CUB personal mobility device will be shown at next week's Tokyo Motor Show. The UNI-CUB β is smaller, lighter, lower and can be used as a seat, making it a potential alternative to the office chair.

First seen four years ago at the Tokyo Motor Show as the U3-X, the remarkable personal mobility device was developed to become the UNI-CUB in May 2012. It features balance control technology and the Honda Omni Traction Drive System which has been developed by Honda over three-decades of research into humanoid robots.

For the last year, Honda has been showing the UNI-CUB at shows around the globe, at the same time as testing the vehicle jointly with the National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation (Miraikan), where it has been used by staff and visitors to the museum.

The UNI-CUB β was developed using data and user feedback from the Miraikan testing program. Apparently the next step for Honda will be offering the UNI-CUB β for a variety of uses by other businesses and organizations through a fee-based leasing program.

The U3-X, UNI-CUB and now the UNI-CUB β are all steered by movements in the user's body weight and thanks to Honda's clever omni-directional wheel, it enables seamless movement in any direction.

The UNI-CUB β will not just be on show at the Tokyo Motor Show, it will also be offered to the press for testing, so watch out for a ride report around a week from now.

Source;
http://www.gizmag.com/honda-new-uni-cub-personal-mobility-device/29771/