Science Fiction Meets Science Fact In Today’s Robot Research

Honda’s experimental U3X unicycle uses only a single Honda Omni-Traction (HOT) drive system (Fig. 10). The compact device fits comfortably between the rider’s legs. The HOT drive lets it move forward, backward, side to side, and diagonally. It was developed through the ASIMO robotics research.

The U3X operates like the Segway, with the rider leaning the upper body to shift body weight. The U3X’s user friendly design places the rider at roughly the same eye level as other people or pedestrians. It has a set of fold-down footrests, allowing riders to easily put their foot down when at rest or to dismount.

As with other balancing robots, the U3X uses microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) sensors and high-performance processors to determine the rider’s intention based on the weight shift. The HOT drive system employs the typical omnidirectional wheel within a wheel. Essentially, the larger primary wheel has a set of smaller wheels along its perimeter. This allows the side-toside and diagonal movement.

The experimental U3X is 65 cm high and weighs less than 10 kg, including the Li-ion battery. This permits it to operate for up to one hour. The frame is a lightweight monocoque body that includes a foldable seat, footrests, and body cover. The cover also functions as the frame and is stored in the body, making the convenient system highly portable. We will likely see more robots based on this kind of platform down the road.

Mobile and humanoid robots are becoming more commonplace and more sophisticated as time goes on. The research being done to yield these advances will significantly impact a number of related fields.