Honda UNI-CUB β — Specs & Review
Specifications
| Brand | Honda |
|---|---|
| Model | UNI-CUB β |
| Year | 2013 |
| Category | Personal Mobility |
| Autonomy | semi-autonomous |
| Environment | indoor |
| Weight | 10 kg |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth |
| Country of origin | JP |
Key features
- Omni-directional self-balancing single wheel cluster
- Lean-to-steer intuitive control
- Sideways and diagonal movement capability
- Museum and corporate campus trials
- Derived from ASIMO bipedal balance research
- Indoor environment personal mobility focus
- Programme discontinued — succeeded by walking assist exoskeleton
What is it?
The Honda UNI-CUB β is a self-balancing personal mobility device designed as a single-seat, rider-operated unicycle-type vehicle. Developed by Honda, it features an omni-directional drive system that allows it to autonomously balance on a single wheel cluster. The device responds to the rider's movements, particularly leaning, enabling intuitive control for steering in any horizontal direction, including sideways and diagonally. This capability makes it particularly suitable for indoor environments such as corporate campuses and museums, where space is often limited and maneuverability is essential.
The UNI-CUB β was trialed in real-world deployment within museum settings to assist visitor mobility and on corporate campuses as an innovative transport solution. Despite its promising applications, Honda discontinued the commercial development of the UNI-CUB in favor of investing in its walking assist exoskeleton program. Nonetheless, the development of the UNI-CUB β played a significant role in Honda's ongoing research into personal mobility and influenced subsequent advancements in related technologies.
Key specs
- Year Introduced: 2013
- Weight: 10 kg
- Autonomy Level: Semi-autonomous
- Environment: Indoor
- Connectivity: Bluetooth
- Key Features:
- Omni-directional self-balancing single wheel cluster
- Lean-to-steer intuitive control
- Capability for sideways and diagonal movement
- Designed for museum and corporate campus trials
- Technology derived from ASIMO bipedal balance research
- Purchase Type: B2B RFQ (Request for Quotation)
Limitations
- Commercial Availability: The product is no longer in commercial development, limiting current purchase options.
- Operational Environment: Specifically designed for indoor use; impractical for outdoor mobility.
- Autonomous Functionality: While semi-autonomous, it still requires user input for direction and control, which may not suit all users.
- Weight: At 10 kg, it may be challenging for some users to handle or transport.
- Support and Maintenance: Limited support is available due to the discontinuation of the program, which could affect long-term usability and service.
FAQ
How much does the Honda UNI-CUB β cost?
The price of the Honda UNI-CUB β is not listed, indicating it may not be available for retail purchase as commercial development has been discontinued.
What is the Honda UNI-CUB β used for?
The Honda UNI-CUB β is designed as a personal mobility device primarily for indoor environments such as corporate sites and museums, facilitating easier navigation in these spaces.
What are the key specifications of the Honda UNI-CUB β?
The Honda UNI-CUB β weighs 10 kg and operates semi-autonomously. It features an omni-directional drive system that allows it to move sideways and diagonally, enhancing the user experience in confined spaces.
Who is the Honda UNI-CUB β for?
The Honda UNI-CUB β is targeted towards individuals needing assistance with mobility in indoor environments, making it particularly useful for museum visitors and corporate campus employees.
How does the Honda UNI-CUB β compare to traditional wheelchairs?
Unlike traditional wheelchairs that require manual propulsion, the Honda UNI-CUB β offers a self-balancing, lean-to-steer control system and operates on a single wheel cluster, providing greater maneuverability and the ability to move in multiple directions.