Honda’s new mobility scooter concept is controlled by your mind
- Honda gave us a sneak peek into the future of mobility
- This scooter is steered using bodyweight rather than hands
- It uses feedback control to make the behaviour as natural for the user as possible.
Published on Oct 31, 2023 at 6:36 PM (UTC+4)
by Amelia Jean Hershman-Jones
Last updated on Nov 03, 2023 at 3:21 PM (UTC+4)
Edited by
Alessandro Renesis
Honda gave us a sneak peek into the future of mobility at the Japan Mobility Show (JMS) with a unique mobility scooter.
And the tech looks as fun as it is functional: introducing the UNI -ONE.
YOU CAN SEE THE MIND-CONTROLLED UNI-ONE IN ACTION IN THE VIDEO BELOW:
READ MORE! Six wacky gadgets from the Japan Mobility Show 2023
This hands-free device is designed for those with mobility disabilities, the elderly and even those who aren’t physically impaired.
Instead of the user steering with their hands, however, this mobility scooter is steered using bodyweight.
That means users who are able can use their hands while they’re on the move.
The innovative system in the UNI-ONE mobility scooter uses posture sensors to detect the person sitting in its postural movements.
Data on inclination angle and angular velocity is then used to predict the user’s intetions.
Whether you want to stay in place or move in a certain direction at a certain speed – it can make it happen for you.
Then, based on the results of the estimate, it uses feedback control to make the behaviour as natural for the user as possible.
Smart.
The two-wheel drive boasts advanced control technology to avoid the device from tipping over and causing injury to the person using it.
It should be noted that it’s not the same as a wheelchair, as not everyone with mobility issues could safely lean to steer it.
However, aside from bodyweight, their is also a joystick-control mode when it’s in the lowered position.
It’s extremely sensitive and responsive to movement in all directions making it a super smooth ride.
One other surprising feature seen at JMS is its ability to adjust its height.
A lowered position allows the user to safely get on board.
Fast forward to them being comfortably seated and it effortlessly shifts into a higher position.
This is a social communication function to ensure users are nearer to eye level of others who are standing.
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London-based Amelia cut her journalistic teeth covering all things lifestyle, wellness and luxury in the UK capital. Fast-forward a decade and the experienced content creator and editor has put pen to paper for glossy magazines, busy newsrooms and coveted brands. When her OOO is on you can find her spending quality time with her young family, in the gym or exploring the city she loves.
