ASIMO Robotics Helps Build Unicycle

Honda launches electric unicycle

Honda has unveiled details of "new personal mobility technology" in the form of its U3-X .

According to the manufacturer, the device fits between a user's legs to provide free movement in all directions.

Research undertaken by the company along with ASIMO robotics has helped to develop balance control technology, enabling people to use their weight to determine the direction and speed at which they want to travel.

Leaning the upper body and shifting weight means a user can change speed, move, turn and stop.

The manufacturer has included the Honda Omni Traction Drive System, which is the world's first omni-directional driving wheel system in the device.

Users can travel forwards and backwards as well as directly to the left, right and diagonally through small motor-controlled wheels, which are connected in-line to form one large diameter wheel.

Honda has gone out of its way to ensure user comfort by ensuring the rider sits at eye level with pedestrians while the reach from the footrest to the floor is also small.

The manufacturer is looking to unveil the U3-X at Tokyo Motor Show 2009 at Makuhari Messe in Chiba in October.