The granola girls over at Autoblog Green had the rare opportunity to test out the quirky little U3-X on a visit to the Honda R&D center in Japan. You remember: the self-balancing unicycle that fits in a car door and relies on an inclinometer (not gyroscope) to know which way is up. In essence it balances the rider like a broomstick held on-end in the palm of the end. Autoblog calls it "far more intriguing than a Segway" due largely to the Honda Omni Traction (HOT) drive system that allows the personal transporter to move forward, back, and left and right on a series of small wheels. Unfortunately, Honda wouldn't let anyone peek underneath to see the magic. When turned on the U3-X stands upright making small motions to maintain balance. And as awkward as it looks, riding the U3-X "couldn't be easier" -- like a Segway you just lean ever so subtly in the direction you want to go. It will tip over if the rider leans too far or too fast but it's apparently very simple and intuitive to keep upright. The 20-pound model tested was designed for indoor use only and booked along at an overdue-toilet-break pace of 4MPH. Check it out in the video after the break.
Cant wait for fat people to be riding these at walmart. They will look like they are hovering in mid air with the cycle hidden deep within their butts.
Seems pretty difficult to turn without using your feet to rotate yourself, can imagine that would get annoying if you wanted to get somewhere quickly. Other than that it's pretty cool
SRSLY whenever I'm walking or running, and I'm trying to get somewhere quickly I just HATE having to use my feet to rotate. it sucks, someone please upgrade my bipedal nature.
Except that you must be able to walk/stand to start using it and correct it, so non-handicapped handicapped. Reminds of a cyclist I once saw who had crutches with him for when he arrived, made me raise an eyebrow.
Sponsored by: Activia. A healthy squat is a healthy colon.
Warning: DO NOT USE the Honda's U3-X while taking Alli to lose weight. Clinical and technical research has shown that doing so increase the chances of the "brown runs" by 459%.
yep. the vid.operator is a clown) + i wonder if Honda could make it go like 10mph atleast, then i'd definately buy one.. ..would wheel around and scare the sh*t of oldschool european cats & people;D
In view of this product concept, it is time to introduce a new acronym to the blogosphere: WTP? or WTFP?! if you're really feeling frumpy. What's The (Fu*king) Point?
Yes, the technology is cool, and it's clever too. But here in the West (and soon Japan), we're getting fatter and fatter and more and more people are getting diabetes, yet we're still seeking alternatives to our legs even for relatively short journeys. Secondly, we're supposed to be reducing our carbon footprint, so if we're going to replace our legs with something that uses electricity, we're making things even worse, right?
What's wrong the the incredibly efficient tried and tested bicycle?
It needs to lean backwards .. that is, allow a center of gravity that is further behind the wheel center .. that could allow a portable chair style backrest and feet can rest a bit more forward (argh .. i'll have to draw it it's hard to describe).
I hope they make the center of gravity setting changeable on this thing ... I could design a few modifications to this thing that would allow a much more comfortable and laid back ride that is just as compact & portable.
I don't think you need a full chair back, just some lower lumbar support.
And to balance that support out, you could have a small laptop tray protruding out the front. In a large office you could literally coast to a meeting while catching up on your emails, typing away. Get to meeting, stand up, remove laptop, and go.
I'm in England, but lived in the US. But I have read reports that world-wide, Westernised concepts (change in diet in particular) are turning more and more young people obese.
When I was young, we walked to and from school - a mile or so too.
Both this Honda U3-X and the Segway, are pointless inventions and a waste of the resource of their host inventors.
The bicycle is good enough. Let's focus on solar energy, lightweight but strong materials to build vehicles etc.
Perhaps you do not read the news sir, but Europe and Asia is also having problems as well. China's average body fat rate increased dramatically in the last couple of years.
for all those that have commented this is pointless. please understand that honda has been researching this and asimo, not as ends to themselves, but as a stepping stone towards motorcycles that don't tip over. imagine not having to worry about the weight of the motorcycle when mounting onto it (especially the larger ones), or being able to park on a hill parallel to the slope (a situation much more common in japan than the US).
Cool, but not that practical. Oh, and the guitar riff at the beginning of the video: completely unnecessary and annoying. And also, why do idiots insist on recording video on their iPhones in portrait mode?!
Come on Honda... you can do better than this. How about a 50-100 horsepower electric motorcycle? Or an fully electric car that handles -30*C winter weather. The U3-X and Asimo are cute... but are no more useful to us than Westinghouse's cigarette smoking 'Electro'.
Take the wheel housing, remove the seat and instead place a post with hip-supported webbing so that you can strap an ordinarily wheelchair bound person in a standing position with full mobility, and maybe you'd have something.
You could also put a flat platform above the wheel, place a bird cage on it, and take your cockatiel for a walk.
Also... didn't I see this thing featured as a carried-in-the-door feature on one of their current concept cars? That indicates something more than simply a field test for self-standing motorcycles, doesn't it?
I just don't see a huge market for mobile camp stools that move at a slow walking pace. Mock the Segway all you like, at least it moves faster than a pedestrian.
How many 450 pound couch potatoes are drooling right now (for a new reason) thinking of how much easier it would be to walk the dog and get around the house.
I rather have the Polish one Engadget posted a while back. Even though it may not be as manouverable as this one it will probably be cheaper, it's faster and more rugged. I also see more function for a thing like this outdoors. For most of us the toilet is close enough to walk to.
for all those that have commented this is pointless. please understand that honda has been researching this and asimo, not as ends to themselves, but as a stepping stone towards motorcycles that don't tip over. imagine not having to worry about the weight of the motorcycle when mounting onto it (especially the larger ones), or being able to park on a hill parallel to the slope (a situation much more common in japan than the US).
It reminds me of the Slovenian enicycle! Only a lot flimsier. Though I have to admit the electric unicycle is not capable of moving to the left and right. I think I'll take the enicycle: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NAojeqJCzvo&hl=nl
Sure, all of you guys are insulting this thing but once you get crippled, you'll be riding this 30 years from now. And wanting it if you don't have one.
This will NEVER go anywhere in America. NO WAY. For one thing, too many people would fall over backward and bust their heads.. and for another thing, it is just more stupid pointless Japanese crap that looks good if you look at it once, but lacks any practicality whatsoever.
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posted Oct 22nd 2009 5:14PM
I knew technology was getting advanced, but this is just ridiculous.
Cant wait for fat people to be riding these at walmart. They will look like they are hovering in mid air with the cycle hidden deep within their butts.
Looks like a Bar stool with wheels.
what's ridiculous is imagining someone actually riding it 4 miles in one hour. That just makes me laugh
not that anyone in their right minds would
i want one of these so i can finally become Gizmoduck for halloween
This video is missing the carnival music.
Ho-HO! Hanonah!
Either I developed selective tunnel vision, or that video is a bit... off.
It's to minimize showing the people laughing at him in the room.
IT GOES SIDEWAYS
sign me up
Seems pretty difficult to turn without using your feet to rotate yourself, can imagine that would get annoying if you wanted to get somewhere quickly. Other than that it's pretty cool
SRSLY
whenever I'm walking or running, and I'm trying to get somewhere quickly I just HATE having to use my feet to rotate. it sucks, someone please upgrade my bipedal nature.
this thing doesn't look like it can get you anywhere quickly, it's even slower than walking.
Cool, it also doubles as a scale...the fatter you are the more noise it makes.
That is the sound of the hamsters inside screaming for help.
the extra noise may come from the wheel losing air..... pffftttt..**toink**
That looks pretty cool, actually. A modified version might be useful for handicapped people that struggle to fit wheelchairs in normal places.
Except that you must be able to walk/stand to start using it and correct it, so non-handicapped handicapped.
Reminds of a cyclist I once saw who had crutches with him for when he arrived, made me raise an eyebrow.
Honda's U3-X: Squat it.
Sponsored by: Activia. A healthy squat is a healthy colon.
Warning: DO NOT USE the Honda's U3-X while taking Alli to lose weight. Clinical and technical research has shown that doing so increase the chances of the "brown runs" by 459%.
hahahhahahah
congrats Honda, youve finally developed a motorized unicycle that makes people look constipated :P
The robots are collecting research on how we travel about.
Hey its the Jetsons! Finally!
If this had a built in toilet & bidet...
Yes it's far more intriguing and just as useful as a Segway.
depending on the application...in office, yes. outdoors, you're out of your damn mind.
yep. the vid.operator is a clown) +
i wonder if Honda could make it go like 10mph atleast,
then i'd definately buy one..
..would wheel around and scare the sh*t of oldschool european cats & people;D
tulu:o
It sounds like your sitting in a dentist chair and I don't think it was meant for American people who weigh over 200 lb.
I hope it might be able to help people with disability's.
@ Teslanaut:
+ facebook, huh? shishhh...:|
How lazy is the human race becoming that we won't even walk around anymore?
On a side note - I so want one of these.
Walking's for suckers.
The world's first mobile sphincter massager.
Nah. Those have been around for years.
P.S: i hope it comes in different sizes :o
It will be in two sizes, one fits all and the other is for fat ass Americans.
In view of this product concept, it is time to introduce a new acronym to the blogosphere: WTP? or WTFP?! if you're really feeling frumpy. What's The (Fu*king) Point?
Yes, the technology is cool, and it's clever too. But here in the West (and soon Japan), we're getting fatter and fatter and more and more people are getting diabetes, yet we're still seeking alternatives to our legs even for relatively short journeys. Secondly, we're supposed to be reducing our carbon footprint, so if we're going to replace our legs with something that uses electricity, we're making things even worse, right?
What's wrong the the incredibly efficient tried and tested bicycle?
So, again, WTP?
It needs to lean backwards .. that is, allow a center of gravity that is further behind the wheel center .. that could allow a portable chair style backrest and feet can rest a bit more forward (argh .. i'll have to draw it it's hard to describe).
I hope they make the center of gravity setting changeable on this thing ... I could design a few modifications to this thing that would allow a much more comfortable and laid back ride that is just as compact & portable.
most of this video was taken with what appears to be... an iPhone 3GS
Love the individual cheek supports.
I'd use it as a computer chair. Very interesting chair, Honda.
I would use it as a Computer chair all it needs is a Good back with heat massage built in
the problem would be that when you lean back, you'd either tip over or go flying backwards. at 4 MPH.
I don't think you need a full chair back, just some lower lumbar support.
And to balance that support out, you could have a small laptop tray protruding out the front. In a large office you could literally coast to a meeting while catching up on your emails, typing away. Get to meeting, stand up, remove laptop, and go.
Yeah, that should solve America's obesity problem. Anyone seen WALL-E?
This obviously has no practical application and I want one very, very badly.
Toy for the kids, but they are afraid to suggest it due to obesity issues.
@ Oflife:
Dear Sir,
Maybe there in U.S you guys r gettin' fatter & fatter, but here in Europe nor Russian they're not, & especially not Asia, wake up, man:O
I'm in England, but lived in the US. But I have read reports that world-wide, Westernised concepts (change in diet in particular) are turning more and more young people obese.
When I was young, we walked to and from school - a mile or so too.
Both this Honda U3-X and the Segway, are pointless inventions and a waste of the resource of their host inventors.
The bicycle is good enough. Let's focus on solar energy, lightweight but strong materials to build vehicles etc.
Perhaps you do not read the news sir, but Europe and Asia is also having problems as well. China's average body fat rate increased dramatically in the last couple of years.
Why does this remind me of the WALL-e ? Can we become any lazier people?
Yall dont get it, pair 2 of these and you have foundation of one kick ass motorcycle.
Ever seen Akira?
Cant wait for this to come out so I can set up a fighting tournament with these things! UniWARS!!!!!
omg. engadget just erased my comment. i believe democracy is dead after all. goodbye america oooh...
Engadget --> DEMOCRACY??!?
fricken, please.
The world depicted by Wall-E comes closer by the day.
why dont our office chairs have motors and move us around for our lazy asses?
for all those that have commented this is pointless. please understand that honda has been researching this and asimo, not as ends to themselves, but as a stepping stone towards motorcycles that don't tip over. imagine not having to worry about the weight of the motorcycle when mounting onto it (especially the larger ones), or being able to park on a hill parallel to the slope (a situation much more common in japan than the US).
THIS IS AWESOME
it just looks to awkward to ride, especially since im a pretty tall guy at 6'5.
He looks rather constipated
Cool, but not that practical. Oh, and the guitar riff at the beginning of the video: completely unnecessary and annoying. And also, why do idiots insist on recording video on their iPhones in portrait mode?!
Have to agree with all your points.
Come on Honda... you can do better than this.
How about a 50-100 horsepower electric motorcycle? Or an fully electric car that handles -30*C winter weather. The U3-X and Asimo are cute... but are no more useful to us than Westinghouse's cigarette smoking 'Electro'.
Take the wheel housing, remove the seat and instead place a post with hip-supported webbing so that you can strap an ordinarily wheelchair bound person in a standing position with full mobility, and maybe you'd have something.
You could also put a flat platform above the wheel, place a bird cage on it, and take your cockatiel for a walk.
Also... didn't I see this thing featured as a carried-in-the-door feature on one of their current concept cars? That indicates something more than simply a field test for self-standing motorcycles, doesn't it?
I just don't see a huge market for mobile camp stools that move at a slow walking pace. Mock the Segway all you like, at least it moves faster than a pedestrian.
My Nana needs one of these
How many 450 pound couch potatoes are drooling right now (for a new reason) thinking of how much easier it would be to walk the dog and get around the house.
I rather have the Polish one Engadget posted a while back. Even though it may not be as manouverable as this one it will probably be cheaper, it's faster and more rugged. I also see more function for a thing like this outdoors. For most of us the toilet is close enough to walk to.
haha crazy. pretty cool,
this is like that thing on southpark , the entity, the "IT"
for all those that have commented this is pointless. please understand that honda has been researching this and asimo, not as ends to themselves, but as a stepping stone towards motorcycles that don't tip over. imagine not having to worry about the weight of the motorcycle when mounting onto it (especially the larger ones), or being able to park on a hill parallel to the slope (a situation much more common in japan than the US).
It reminds me of the Slovenian enicycle! Only a lot flimsier. Though I have to admit the electric unicycle is not capable of moving to the left and right.
I think I'll take the enicycle: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NAojeqJCzvo&hl=nl
Sure, all of you guys are insulting this thing but once you get crippled, you'll be riding this 30 years from now. And wanting it if you don't have one.
And here I am, using my legs like a chump!
If they could apply this technology to this:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K4YmVP6i4qw
I'd buy one yesterday.
This will NEVER go anywhere in America. NO WAY. For one thing, too many people would fall over backward and bust their heads.. and for another thing, it is just more stupid pointless Japanese crap that looks good if you look at it once, but lacks any practicality whatsoever.