Honda is expanding the research and trial behind its hands-free personal mobility device, the Uni-One. Starting on November 10 to the end of March 2024, it will be deployed at the Gotemba Premium Outlets where people can try them out for a fee.
As one of the mobility devices that Honda showed at the Japan Mobility Show, the Uni-One is a seated personal mobility device that allows the rider to move it by simply shifting their weight keeping the arms and hands free for other tasks.
It uses Honda’s unique wheel mechanism—the Honda Omni Traction Drive—that allows for 360-degree movement. The seat can also be raised and lowered (maximum passenger weight is at 110 kilograms) allowing the rider to maintain eye contact with people. It can match the typical brisk walking speed (6 km/h) and travel a total distance of about eight kilometers on a single charge.
Despite looking all sci-fi, the Uni-One is tough. It’s rated IPx4 which means it can be driven through puddles with zero issue. It can also take on slopes up to 6 degrees and tackle level differences of up to 20 mm in a straight direction.
The Gotemba Premium Outlets measures in at 44,600 square meters so covering its vast area is challenging for people with disabilities and even the security staff patrolling its premises. Therefore, Honda is deploying two Uni-Ones to examine how it’ll reduce fatigue.
After its trial at Gotemba, Honda says they’ll consider the possibility of offering the Uni-One to customers.
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