Uni-One: Honda offers mobile vehicle with hands-free control
In the Uni-One, Honda combines micromobility with simple, hands-free control. However, this comes at a price.
(Image: Honda)
Since Wednesday, Honda has been selling a single-seater scooter in Japan that does not require manual steering and is controlled solely by shifting body weight. The vehicle, which resembles a wheelchair, has two omnidirectional wheels and four small retractable support wheels and travels at speeds of up to 6 kilometers per hour. The vehicle is actually intended for use on larger company premises, in leisure parks, and in officer rooms, but is also approved for road traffic in Japan.
Development of the Uni-One began several years ago. In 2009, Honda laid the foundation for it with the U3-X one-wheeled mobile stool. This was followed by other similar vehicles, such as the Uni-Cub in 2012 and the Uni Cub β in 2013, all of which had in common that they could be steered by shifting weight.
The Uni-One is not entirely new either. It was presented at the International Robot Exhibition (iREX) in 2022. Since 2023, Honda has driven development forward with the help of customers, carried out test drives, and prepared the market launch that has now taken place.
The vehicle is categorized as a “small mobility vehicle” and is 65 cm × 58 cm × 92 cm tall. The seat height is 70 cm. In Japan, it is classified as equivalent to pedestrians because it fulfills various criteria, such as a maximum size, rounded edges for pedestrian protection, electric motor as drive and a maximum speed of 6 km/h. The vehicle has therefore been approved as a small mobility vehicle. Accordingly, the vehicle has been approved for use on Japanese roads.
Controlled by shifting weight
The Uni-One essentially consists of a seat shell that is driven by two omnidirectional wheels powered by an electric motor. Honda calls the wheels the Honda Omni Traction Drive System (HOT Drive System). The wheels are surrounded by rotating belts so that the vehicle can move in all directions without having to change the direction of the wheels themselves.
In raised mode, the Uni-One balances on the two wheels; when lowered, four small wheels support the stand. It can then also be switched off and parked safely. In an emergency and in the event of faults, the vehicle should automatically move into this position, according to Honda.
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Steering is hands-free without any control stick. The Uni-One is controlled solely by shifting weight in direction and speed, similar to a hoverboard.
The Uni-One is intended for people who need to cover longer distances at airports, amusement parks, large company premises and offices, as well as large shopping malls and trade fairs, and do not want to walk. However, it can also be used in road traffic. The Uni-One is less suitable for people with walking and mobility impairments, as a certain degree of mobility is still required to control it.
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The Uni-One is initially limited to 1000 units. It will be supplied with two replaceable batteries and a charger. Honda will provide an on-site repair service for the device.
Honda does not state a purchase price in its announcement. However, Honda does offer a loan system. The price then depends on the duration of the contract and the number of units purchased. For example, with a contract term of three years and the purchase of less than ten Uni-One units, 120,000 yen (approx. 686.16 Euro) per month per unit is due. It will be cheaper if ten or more units are purchased and the contract term is longer. Honda also wants to offer a short-term rental of the Uni-One. This will cost 55,000 Yen (approx. 324.44 Euro) per day, including insurance.
(olb)
