Honda Personal Mobility Concept U3-X [video]

Using technology derived from the ASIMO bi-pedal humanoid robot, Honda has developed a new personal mobility concept called the U3-X. If this proves successful, owners may never have to walk again. Check out a video of the U3-X in action below the jump.

According to Honda, the U3-X is designed to provide the rider with freedom of movement in any direction forward, backward, sideways and diagonally by simply leaning slightly in the desired direction. Weighing about 22 pounds, the compact one-wheeled device also features a foldable seat and retractable footrests. A lithium-ion battery pack is purported to provide up to one-hour of use and can be recharged by plugging in to a conventional household or office 120-volt power outlet.

Central to the U3-X is an advanced Honda proprietary balance-control system. To realize full freedom of movement in all directions, the U3-X also employs the world’s first omni-directional driving wheel system (Honda Omni Traction Drive System) which utilizes 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.

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By Lucas Cooney