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Honda U3-X concept has its first US demonstration – video

By Matt Brogan |

Honda has this week given its first US demonstration of its personal mobility concept, the U3-X.

First introduced at the Tokyo Motor Show last year, the U3-X uses Honda’s proprietary balance-control system and is controlled simply by shifting your body weight in the intended direction of travel.

The U3-X concept follows a similar theme to the GM Segway or Toyota i-REAL, but is far more compact in size weighing in at just 9.97 kilograms.

The one-wheeled U3-X features retractable footrests and a foldable seat and is powered by a lithium-ion battery pack that allows up to one hour of continuous operation. The U3-X is recharged via any regular domestic power outlet.

Movement is achieved in all directions via the use of a world-first omni-directional driving wheel system (Honda Omni Traction Drive System), as Honda’s explains:

“The system utilises a series of concentrically mounted wheels – a larger, forward and backward moving inner wheel and a series of smaller sideways moving outer wheels,

“Diagonal motion is achieved when both forward and sideways moving wheels operate in tandem.”

Honda says the U3-X’s compact size and one-wheel drive system will provide more user-friendly personal mobility in built-up areas when compared to its direct rivals. The U3-X is designed so its rider is close enough to reach the ground, but still at a similar eye-level to walking people.

The U3-X comes from a long lineage of robotic products with Honda’s research dating back as far as 1986. Honda’s first walking robot was introduced in 1999 when ASIMO (pictured below), the world’s most advanced bi-pedal humanoid robot was unveiled.

Honda hopes devices such as the U3-X concept as well as Honda’s Stride Management Assist and Bodyweight Support Assist walking assist devices will further advance human mobility through technological innovation.


 
  • t39

    I wonder what NVH levels are, especially V.

  • Marty

    Just what we all need. Another excuse to not even do the simplest of exercises…..walking!! Hope they make a big ass model because that’s what everyone will need soon enough.

    • Baddass

      Haha, so true. But you can’t deny the cleverness of engineering, it is quite a marvel. But for now, I’ll stick with walking.

  • Duckula

    Well the americans wont like it, cos there are no cup holders….

    Maybe they can option a toilet on it, then u wouldnt even have to get up
    to take a Cr*p!!!

  • ABMPSV

    If this is what Honda can do I do not want to see the next model. Civic boring, Accord bad fuel economy, F1 could not win a race…etc Spend money on cars not some bull…t!

  • Valet Dabess

    walking is for the weak, i want one of these. so i’m assuming it rivaling the seg way. i’d get this over the seg way any day. this isn’t just for the disabled and elderly, it’s also for the lazy!

  • Nick

    Whats the top speed on this bad boy and can I get a chrome wheel?

  • Paul

    Perhaps this could be used for people who can’t walk? Have disabilities?

    How awesome would be it, young guy sprained his ankle, can’t walk, doesn’t want crutches, instead hires one of these for a week to get around?

    Old people in shopping centres? Instead of using those God forsaken electric karts.

    I somehow don’t think this will be aimed at the people who CAN walk, rather those who can’t.

    Consider your ability to walk a gift, some people arnt as lucky as yourself.

    • MrQuick

      What you just said is completly true, Honda is a Japanese company and they recognise that the number of over 60 year olds in Japan is going up massively.

      The whole purpose of this isn’t to benefit individuals who can walk, but instead the elderly and increase their mobility.

      • Baddass

        “the number of over 60 year olds in Japan is going up massively.” Haha, how exactly is this possible MrQuick?

  • Bob

    Unfortunately while the most altruistic of us want to believe this – that fact of the matter probably is that the people who most need one of these probably don’t have the balance required to control one anyway, especially people with muscular impairment and especially people with injuries.

    I highly doubt someone with a sprained ankle, bandaged limb or worse is going to want to risk falling off one, especially with reduced control through immibilised limbs.

    I count my ability to walk and run as a blessing and would certainly not want to risk my chance of regaining that in times of injury.

    Stick to your Hydroegn-Fuel Cells Honda, that stuff actually matters.

  • Wayne Kerr

    Honda’s deviously smart. They borrowed the great American idea of creating demand for an otherwise unnecessary product.

    This entry level device will allow thin people to stop walking and thus get fatter. Then they’ll start selling heavy duty versions for fat people at a higher premium.

    Better yet, make fat people even fatter and sell them the ultra heavy duty version.

  • My Cars Called T-Rex

    I want to see the robot ride it.

  • carl

    I like the blonde

    • Bezza

      If the aged in Japan all look like this then I am moving.

      I prefer the brunette so that is settled then.

      :lol:

  • http://CarAdvice The Salesman.

    What happens when you get to stairs?

  • fasthonda

    Can’t wait for the Type R version!

  • George

    I am SOOOO gonna hoon in this.