Yeah, we've seen a
self-balancing unicycle before, but the brand new U3-X from Honda takes it to another level. A creepy-sterile, awesomely futuristic Honda level, to be precise. What makes the U3-X particularly interesting is it has the regular large wheel of a unicycle, but that wheel is actually made up of several small wheels in a series, which can rotate independently, meaning that the device can go forward, backward, side-to-side and diagonally, all being controlled with a simple lean. Honda credits its
ASIMO research for this multi-directional capability, though we're not sure we see it -- ASIMO is biped, after all -- but far be it from us to discredit an excuse to keep up the good work on the ASIMO front. Right now the "experimental model" of the U3-X gets a single hour of battery and weighs under 22 pounds, with a seat and foot rests that fold into the device for extra portability. No word of course on when the thing might make it to market, but Honda plans to show it off next month at the Tokyo Motor Show. A devastatingly short video of the U3-X in action is after the break.
posted September 24th 2009 12:27AM
Honda never said it would be released in its current form. If anything they will just see if it is well received by the public at the Tokyo Motor Show, which I am sure it will be because its something innovative and new. If investors like it, expect Honda to find a way to make the technology useful, whether it's used for a new robot or wheelchair. I don't see it as competition for the Segway since the wheels are too tiny for outdoor use.
guaranteed to provide a maximum loss of dignity!
I thought it might be a new Sybian.
The Mobile Sybian - For your mobile masturbatory pleasure.
It looks pretty good, especially the abilty to go sideways. Though I look at this and think the one from the Polish guy has more potential. It's easier to build, goes faster, it's cheaper and probably easier to ride. Going sideways is nice, but you might drift of course quite easy I think.
Great !
The power of the technology is truly amazing.
I think they will soon reach the point where they can attach bio-mecanical moving sticks to the hips of people to make them move forward.
I'm glad I live in the future.
Actually "the future" hasn't happened yet and never will because we are always in the present and slightly in the past but NEVER in the Future.
whatever happened to the convention of putting things to hold onto in front of the person?!
Basic rule of thumb.
If your product makes the user look like an IDIOT when they use it, no matter how cool the technology, it will fail. The segway failed on a mass marketing basis just because you look like a nimrod riding one.
Segway Failed? Why cause Bush couldn't ride one and he's the only one who looks like a nimrod whilst riding, that I understand but FAIL, nah just wrong marketing....
back to the drawing board Honda.
and here i am using my legs like a sucker
Those japanese and their crazy sex experiences, to think we missed it all before we had internet.
The Yike Bike is way cooler but no doubt way more expensive - http://www.yikebike.com
I like this idea better. Yike Bike FTW!
Notice the Yike Bike was shown on the street and sidewalk. That big wheel helped manage the real world.
This thing has a bunch of tiny wheels mounted in that big circular thing on the underside. I suspect that anything more challenging then industrial carpet would result in a face plant.
Of course, run the yike into a curcb and see what happens...
Yike thing would kill a user within a week when used outside.
At least this one you won't try to use outside.
Does this unicycle make my thighs look fatter?
I love innovation but this isn't made for the average person. You know someone who doesn't have a clown license or raised in the circus.
That chick looked so uncomfortable. ps the camera moved instead of her to show turning...wtf?
I'll wait for the version you can drive without clutching your buttocks.
This is just what I need to get me to and from my treadmill.
I'd like to ride one of these on top of a Segway for double the coolness.
Damn. Honda with all of it's kick-assedness couldn't run this vid through a comb filter first?
The ride looks really awkward, and I suspect uncomfortable for more than a minute or two.
Slap a La-Z-Boy recliner on the damn thing. Until then it ain't 'US (Fat Ass) Ready'. ; P
This is ridiculous.
As if Segways didn't make people lazy enough now they can sit down on a wheeled device resembling a penis.
Thank you, Honda, thank you for never failing to surprise me with the most foolish ideas in your cars and concepts.
I pray that there is a seat under that, or that would be a serious PITA to ride for long periods!
I'd hit it.
Actually, I have muscular dystrophy and standing for long periods IS uncomfortable. I've used a Segway and really like it for the distance you can cover quickly, but it does wear out my leg muscles. I always thought a Segway that I could sit on would be perfect. Granted, this is a prototype, but it comes really close to implementing that concept...basically a motorized stool (pardon the reference to Mr. Garrison's design :-).
Now if they can only make something that doesn't look hideous, can handle 6' 200# person, and won't cost more than a car. Dare we dream?
Check out Focus Designs' response: http://focusdesigns.com/2009/09/29/hondas-u3-x-versus-the-sbu/
This is ideal for navigating the billiard-table smooth world in which I live.