Honda makes a better Segway

[Admin]

Not sure how it works, but I'm guessing two omni-wheels . . . kinda noisy, but really small and fun looking.

ホンダ、ひょうたん形の乗り物「U3 X」発表

This is what google translate says

(Honda, can easily move inside to sit, gourd-shaped vehicle "U3 X" released
0924 1251)
Honda on January 24 announced a new concept vehicle that can move easily sit.
Oct. 24 announced that Honda is moving indoors for the ride "U3-X".
Have a strange shape of this gourd-like "U3-X", with a special wheel inside, taking care to balance the power, that stand.
Can move from side to side by moving the weight around, when you turn your toes uses.
Use both the built-in wheels and if you go back and forth and side to side, so they can move freely in the Honda's original technology.
President Shin Itou Takashi Honda's "ASIMO (such as ASIMO) as a new mobility technology in the培Imashita balance, and fun to move people, and I'm sure will be a step toward spreading the joy of the infinite We, "he said.
Honda is the assumption that indoor use of such airports and theme parks in the future.

[galannthegreat]

That's the exact chair that I want for my workbench! LOL

[Joker94]

it looks alot more unstable than the segway, and riders comfort does not look as good as segway.

[Admin]

It appears to be a single omni-wheel with powered wheel-lets on the rim:

Honda U3-X Personal Mobility Device Revealed in Action

I say put a lawnchair on it to make it better!

Segway Chair

[tiernan]

Looks cool,
Heres a news article about it, http://www.reghardware.co.uk/2009/09/24/honda_u3x/

[m4nti]

If only they added some form of handle bars so you can rest your hands.

[Admin]

A new video of it . . . apparently is a powered omni-wheel . . . fairly advanced one actually . . .

U3-X Personal Mobility Prototype

[SmAsH]

Because i could never walk around normally...
That omni wheel intrigues me, any documentation on it?

[dellagd]

wow, that looks really advanced. same with smash. How do they drive those smaller diameter wheels?

[SmAsH]

I think they interlock with two outer wheels and to move sideways the two big wheels spin in opposite directions?

[paulstreats]

theres a small wheel inside the big wheel. When that turns, it spins the smaller omni wheels (similarish to how orm gears work). As it shows in the video, there is only 1 main wheel that is surrounded by smaller omni wheels. There is a smaller wheel or gear wheel inside of this, when that turns the omni wheels turn. Also when the main large wheel turns at the same time it allows diagonal travel.

(I wonder how long it takes to get used to the travel and stop bumping into walls and stuff?)

[SmAsH]

(I wonder how long it takes to get used to the travel and stop bumping into walls and stuff?)

I can imagine it would feel extremely weird, imagine riding an expanded uni-cycle.
I think first time riders would loose balance often?

[JoeSkull]

(I wonder how long it takes to get used to the travel and stop bumping into walls and stuff?)

I can imagine it would feel extremely weird, imagine riding an expanded uni-cycle.
I think first time riders would loose balance often?

Well it was built to be steered by leaning so it will correct itself it you loose balance, however that might result in bashing into a wall at higher speeds.