Honda Unveils New UNI-CUB Mobility Device

Honda has unveiled a new personal mobility device called the UNI-CUB. The device is a unicycle that has its own motor and reminds me more the little of Wall-E's girlfriend with a smashed head. The new version is the latest evolution of the U3-X personal mobility device that Honda unveiled 2009. The new version has Honda's proprietary balance control technology.

The new UNI-CUB also has the world's first omni-directional driving wheel system called Honda Omni Traction Drive System. The drive system allows the rider to control speed and move in any direction as well as turn and stop. There are no controls, all the driver has to do is shift their weight in the seat to control direction. Honda will start demonstrating the mobility device in June with the Japanese National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation.

Testing with the museum will allow Honda to test the feasibility of using the mobility device indoors. The UNI-CUB measures 520 x 345 x 745 mm and has a seat height of 745 to 825 mm. Power for the motor comes from a lithium-ion battery and the devices has a top speed of 6 km/h. The range of a full charge is 6 km.