Details of the Honda UNI-CUB were recently released and the device is the latest in the company’s range of battery powered ‘personal mobility’ gadgets. I don’t know about you guys but all I can think about is Wall-E after seeing the pictures.
The technology in Honda UNI-CUB is borrowed and improved from the Honda U3-X which was first released in 2009 as a personal mobility unicycle. Through extensive testing, the UNI-CUB features a number of improvements over the U3-X starting with a more comfortable seating arrangement.
As you can see in the picture above, the UNI-CUB features a comfortable looking seat while the U3-X on the right has split seat. Another noticeable difference is the wheel in the back which aids in stable steering. This personal transport device is able to ferry a person around at speeds of 6km/h and can travel up to six kilometers on one charge.
Full-scale testing will begin next month and Honda appears to be pitching this device for use in large indoor environments rather than an outdoor people mover. Although the device has no real practical use besides moving lazy people around the office, the technologies being developed could be used in other Honda products – just like the proprietary balance control system featured on this device which was borrowed from the Honda ASIMO.
More details can be found at Honda.
