Honda U3-X
Encyclopedia
The Honda
U3-X is a self-balancing one-wheeled electric vehicle
similar to the Segway PT
.
Honda developed the U3-X with technology originally developed for ASIMO
the bipedal human robot project. Honda states that the "U" stands for unicycle and for universal. It weighs 10 kg (22 lb) and travels at 6 km/h (3.7 mph), a similar speed to the Toyota Winglet
. It was unveiled by Honda's CEO on September 24, 2009 and it was announced that it would be shown at the 2009 Tokyo Motor Show
. Time Magazine
called it one of the 50 best inventions of 2009.
In April 2010, Honda engineers did a short demonstration of two of the devices in Times Square
, New York City
.
In May of 2010, Honda representatives demonstrated the U3-X at the Honda Collection Hall in Motegi, Tochigi
, Japan
.
Honda U3-X is a compact experimental device that fits comfortably between the rider's legs, to provide free movement in all directions just as in human walking - forward, backward, side-to-side, and diagonally. It uses Honda Omni-Traction (HOT) drive system to permit it to move in any lateral direction.
It has not been announced yet whether the vehicle will be offered for consumer sale.
Honda
is a Japanese public multinational corporation primarily known as a manufacturer of automobiles and motorcycles.Honda has been the world's largest motorcycle manufacturer since 1959, as well as the world's largest manufacturer of internal combustion engines measured by volume, producing more than...
U3-X is a self-balancing one-wheeled electric vehicle
Electric vehicle
An electric vehicle , also referred to as an electric drive vehicle, uses one or more electric motors or traction motors for propulsion...
similar to the Segway PT
Segway PT
The Segway PT is a two-wheeled, self-balancing transportation machine invented by Dean Kamen. It is produced by Segway Inc. of New Hampshire, USA. The name "Segway" is a homophone of "segue" while "PT" denotes personal transporter....
.
Honda developed the U3-X with technology originally developed for ASIMO
ASIMO
is a humanoid robot created by Honda. Introduced in 2000, ASIMO, which is an acronym for "Advanced Step in Innovative MObility", was created to be a helper to people. With aspirations of helping people who lack full mobility, ASIMO is used to encourage young people to study science and mathematics...
the bipedal human robot project. Honda states that the "U" stands for unicycle and for universal. It weighs 10 kg (22 lb) and travels at 6 km/h (3.7 mph), a similar speed to the Toyota Winglet
Toyota Winglet
The Toyota Winglet is a self-balancing two-wheeled scooter similar in function and form to the Segway PT and the Honda U3-X. It is capable of cruising at 3.7 miles per hour . Unveiled August 1, 2008, it is not known when or if the Winglet will be offered for consumer sale...
. It was unveiled by Honda's CEO on September 24, 2009 and it was announced that it would be shown at the 2009 Tokyo Motor Show
Tokyo Motor Show
The is a biennial auto show held in October-November at the Makuhari Messe, Chiba City, Japan for cars, motorcycles and commercial vehicles. Hosted by the Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association , it is a recognized international show by the Organisation Internationale des Constructeurs...
. Time Magazine
Time (magazine)
Time is an American news magazine. A European edition is published from London. Time Europe covers the Middle East, Africa and, since 2003, Latin America. An Asian edition is based in Hong Kong...
called it one of the 50 best inventions of 2009.
In April 2010, Honda engineers did a short demonstration of two of the devices in Times Square
Times Square
Times Square is a major commercial intersection in the borough of Manhattan in New York City, at the junction of Broadway and Seventh Avenue and stretching from West 42nd to West 47th Streets...
, New York City
New York City
New York is the most populous city in the United States and the center of the New York Metropolitan Area, one of the most populous metropolitan areas in the world. New York exerts a significant impact upon global commerce, finance, media, art, fashion, research, technology, education, and...
.
In May of 2010, Honda representatives demonstrated the U3-X at the Honda Collection Hall in Motegi, Tochigi
Tochigi
Tochigi can refer to:* Tochigi Prefecture, a Japanese prefecture* Tochigi, Tochigi, a city in Tochigi prefecture, Japan* Tochigi Station, a railroad station in Tochigi city, Japan.* Tochigi S.C., a Japanese soccer club...
, Japan
Japan
Japan is an island nation in East Asia. Located in the Pacific Ocean, it lies to the east of the Sea of Japan, China, North Korea, South Korea and Russia, stretching from the Sea of Okhotsk in the north to the East China Sea and Taiwan in the south...
.
Honda U3-X is a compact experimental device that fits comfortably between the rider's legs, to provide free movement in all directions just as in human walking - forward, backward, side-to-side, and diagonally. It uses Honda Omni-Traction (HOT) drive system to permit it to move in any lateral direction.
It has not been announced yet whether the vehicle will be offered for consumer sale.
Specifications
Honda recently shared a slide with the key specifications of the U3-X:- Length 313 mm
- Width (stowed) 160 mm
- Height (stowed) 647 mm
- Weight < 10 kg (22 lbs)
- Top speed 6 km/h
- Drive system: Omni Traction Drive System
- Battery type: Lithium-ion battery
- Operation time: ~1 hour
External links
- Honda U3-X, from ASIMO official website
- Honda U3-X Demonstration Video
- Honda U3-X Personal Mobility Device in NY, indoor and outdoor demonstrations, April 2010.