The Honda UX-3: The Future of Personal Mobility

Remember the chills that went down your spine the first time you laid eyes on a Segway rolling through your local mall or down the street of your neighborhood? What was this scooter-like, self-propelled device so gracefully gliding across the surface of the earth like an angelic vehicle? Then the sudden surge of jealousy: If I was cool like that man or woman, I would have a Segway too. If you're like me, the prospects of new, barrier-breaking technology not only fascinate you, but cause you to stop and ponder the future implications of such technology.

Interestingly enough, it may not be long before the newness of the ever so amazing Segway mobility device wears off. The Honda Technology Research Institute Company, Ltd. and Honda Motors Co. have officially announced the development of a radical new personal mobility vehicle known as the UX-3. Lightweight, portable and resembling more a futuristic unicycle, the UX-3 is outfitted with Honda's state-of-the-art and experimental omni-directional driving wheel system (often referred to by Honda execs as the HOT Wheel System), according to reports from several technology news outlets. The entire vehicle weighs in at 10kgs (22 lbs.).

By implementing the latest in balancing technology, much of which was gleaned from Honda's ASIMO robot, the device is capable of detecting even the slightest changes in weight shift from the rider and adjusting its directional path accordingly. Operating under this system, the UX-3 is able to travel forward, backward, side-to-side and even diagonally. A specialized sensor allows for the detection of such shifts in user weight, granting the rider more control over the uprightness of the vehicle. The rider's feet are placed on small foot rests resembling bicycle pedals, which protrude from the sides of the omni-wheel.

According to a brief report posted on Diseno-Art.com, there are additional benefits of the UX-3 that will gradually push the Segway device out of the minds of technology lovers. For starters, Segway drivers are often forced to remain taller than the people around them while on the device. If you have ever encountered a Segway driver, you've no doubt experienced this strange and often intimidating phenomenon.

The Honda UX-3 has, however, been designed to allow a rider to sit down and still retain the average height of a typical human being. Thus in highly interactive scenarios, a UX-3 rider would be able to converse with a standing individual face-to-face, rather than being forced to look down at him/her.

In terms of portability and personal comfort, the Honda UX-3 has been manufactured to meet both of these important factors. Fashioned in the monocoque body style, the device possesses a "foldable seat, footrests and body cover housed within the body of the device, making it highly compact, portable and convenient," according to Diseno-Art.

Not familiar with monocoque? Don't worry. Neither are countless Americans. As an experimental technique, it is still relatively unheard of. The word is essentially derived from the French root word meaning "single shell." Thus a monocoque vehicular frame construction typically utilizes a thick, durable external layer of metallic skin to support the overall weight and design of the entire vehicle. It has been employed in the construction of many car window and door frames and other vehicle areas where strength and durability are needed, particularly in accidents. The enhancement of the metal and implementation of carbon fiber has also been tested and used on several higher end North American cars.

So what powers the mobility of the UX-3? If you're thinking solar energy, you would be greatly mistaken. The device requires a full charge of its lithium ion battery and is subsequently ready for only one hour of activity before a second charge is needed.

When the Honda UX-3 will be released into mainstream society has yet to be determined. For now, the vehicle is still in the developmental stages as an aging Japan continues to seek out new ways to help the elderly get around more easily. You can view photos of the UX-3 and read a detailed description of the vehicle at: http://www.diseno-art.com/encyclopedia/strange_vehicles/honda_ux-3.html