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.
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 October 22nd 2009 5:14PM
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.