The Penguin-looking Honda UNI-CUB β might be the future of personal mobility

141113hon

The new Honda UNI-CUB β is the shorter one on the left. Honda’s UNI-CUB β is the evolution of the 2012 UNI-CUB mixed with research and refinement. The UNI-CUB β is a personal mobility machine that works by the user/rider shifting his/her weight to the desired direction they wish to go. Honda will test the market waters in Japan by offering a lease program for the UNI-CUB β.

“Honda first introduced the UNI-CUB, a new personal mobility device featuring balance control technology and an omni-directional driving wheel system (Honda Omni Traction Drive System) in May 2012. This originated from Honda’s research into humanoid robots, represented by the research and development of ASIMO. These technologies allow the rider to move UNI-CUB forward, backward, side-to-side and diagonally simply by shifting their body weight and leaning towards the intended direction.

Since June 2012, Honda has been testing and verifying the potential utility of the UNI-CUB through a demonstration testing program in Japan conducted jointly with the National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation (Miraikan).

The new UNI-CUB β is an evolution of the UNI-CUB, developed after analysis of the data and user feedback from this testing program. With this model, Honda will make another step forward and verify the business feasibility of the device by offering the UNI-CUB β to other businesses and organisations in Japan through a fee-based leasing program.” – – Honda Media

Speaking of Honda products, check out this fairly awesome Honda Accord Sport video!

Easily amused by anything with four wheels, Nathan Adlen reviews vehicles from the cheapest to the most prestigious. Wrecking yards, dealer lots, garages, racetracks, professional automotive testing and automotive journalism - Nathan has experienced a wide range of the automotive spectrum.  His words, good humor and videos are enjoyed worldwide.
Easily amused by anything with four wheels, Nathan Adlen reviews vehicles from the cheapest to the most prestigious. Wrecking yards, dealer lots, garages, racetracks, professional automotive testing and automotive journalism – Nathan has experienced a wide range of the automotive spectrum. His words, good humor and videos are enjoyed worldwide.

Here’s additional information on the Honda UNI-CUB β:

Key features of UNI-CUB β
– Smaller and lighter
– Lower seating position
– Enhanced design and materials
– Improved usability

Key specifications of UNI-CUB β
Size (L x W x H): 510 x 315 x 620 mm
Seat height: 620 mm
Weight: 25 kg
Battery type: Lithium-ion battery
Maximum speed: 3 mph
Traveling range: 3 miles
(approximately 1.5 hours at the speed of 2 mph)
Application environment: Barrier-free indoor environments