Remember the Honda U3-X? Unveiled in 2009, the U3-X was Honda‘s personal mobility device concept, essentially a self-balancing electronic unicycle that can move in any direction by simply leaning. Honda has created an updated version it calls the UNI-CUB.

The UNI-CUB uses the same “Honda Omni Traction Drive System” (or “HOT Drive System”) introduced on the U3-X, using a large ring as its main wheel with several much smaller wheels along its rim. The UNI-CUB adds a second, smaller wheel, mounted perpendicular to the main wheel. This second wheel adds stability while also aiding with turning, either around corners or even on the spot.

Honda also added a new saddle which looks much more comfortable than the fold-away seat found on the U3-X. The saddle is height-adjustable from 29.3 inches to 32.5 inches, placing the rider’s eyes at the same level as other pedestrians while making it easy for the rider’s legs to comfortably reach the ground when needed. Continue Reading »

Using technology derived from the ASIMO bi-pedal humanoid robot, Honda has developed a new personal mobility concept called the U3-X. If this proves successful, owners may never have to walk again. Check out a video of the U3-X in action below the jump.

According to Honda, the U3-X is designed to provide the rider with freedom of movement in any direction forward, backward, sideways and diagonally by simply leaning slightly in the desired direction. Weighing about 22 pounds, the compact one-wheeled device also features a foldable seat and retractable footrests. A lithium-ion battery pack is purported to provide up to one-hour of use and can be recharged by plugging in to a conventional household or office 120-volt power outlet.

Central to the U3-X is an advanced Honda proprietary balance-control system. To realize full freedom of movement in all directions, the U3-X also employs the world’s first omni-directional driving wheel system (Honda Omni Traction Drive System) which utilizes a series of concentrically mounted wheels – a larger, forward and backward moving inner wheel and a series of smaller sideways moving outer wheels. Diagonal motion is achieved when both forward and sideways moving wheels operate in tandem. Continue Reading »