Thursday, July 15, 2010

Honda Unveils New U3-X Personal Mobility Device

Posted by Administrator on 07/15 at 03:36 PM (5) Comments • Permalink
by Alexis Bonari

Honda U3x
One of the most popular additions to the sustainable mobility arsenal has been the personal mobility device. These small, personal vehicles are usually powered by electricity alone and are designed for use on short trips to work or to the store. While the Segway was the first to enter into the public eye, various car manufacturers have been working on their own concepts

The U3-X

Last year, Honda announced it’s new concept personal mobility device, the U3-X. Unlike the Segway that requires the user to stand on a rolling platform, the U3-X is designed as a high-tech unicycle.

The Vision

Honda engineers worked with the idea of producing a product "in harmony with people". To this end, the movement of the U3-X is designed to mimic the directional movements common to humans. The rider balances on the unicycle, and controls the direction taken and the speed travelled by shifting their body weight. HOT Drive System (Honda Omni Directional Drive System) technology is responsible for this breakthrough. Multiple small wheels adjust the larger wheel in response to commands from the computer interface.

One of the most practical attributes of the U3-X is its portability. It is designed to be lightweight, and has a handle for portability. Foot rests fold up and it can be charged from a home outlet.

A U3-X owner living in an urban environment could potentially use the device to commute to work. The battery charge lasts for 12 miles.

Practical Ramifications

Integrating the use of personal mobility devices into our daily lives would require a fundamental restructuring of our society and our culture. Currently, too many people live more than six miles from their place of work, creating a challenge for anyone attempting to create a battery-powered commuter vehicle. Perhaps embracing new, cleaner technology will also require embracing a new way of life.

Bio: Alexis Bonari is a freelance writer and blog junkie. She is currently a resident blogger at onlinedegrees.org, researching areas of online colleges. In her spare time, she enjoys square-foot gardening, swimming, and avoiding her laptop.

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Back to the future anyone? Looks like the hover crafts from that movie. Kind of cool but I don’t see it being to practical to be honest. More trouble the it seems like it would be worth.

Posted by  on  07/29  at  12:19 AM

Okay, as an American I can already see a problem with the typically obese (and obstinately lazy) getting excited about another way not to exercise.  However, I’d like to think that the device is sensitive, and being small, so that it would not be a great alternative for walking should one be particularly heavy.  Well done, Honda, for thinking outside the box.  I think it is silly. smile

Posted by  on  07/29  at  01:46 PM

Last year, Honda announced it’s new concept personal mobility device, the U3-X. Unlike the Segway that requires the user to stand on a rolling platform, the U3-X is designed as a high-tech unicycle.

Posted by  on  08/04  at  11:20 PM

I think this should be totally effortless.  Nice that it s battery operated and environment friendly!!

Posted by  on  08/06  at  02:51 AM

Not sure how compact and how practical it is going to be…!!!

Posted by  on  08/09  at  05:14 AM
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