Japan's Honda Motor has developed a unicycle-like personal mobility device that allows a rider to control direction by shifting weight in a sitting position.
UNI-CLUB, the 75-centimeter tall hands-free device runs on electricity. It incorporates Honda robotics technology also used in the company's humanoid robot 'Asimo,' Japan's NHK broadcaster reported on Tuesday.
The device has built-in balance control and can rotate full-circle. It moves at speeds of up to about six kilometers an hour, a little faster than normal walking speed. It can also be maneuvered with devices like smart phones.
The automaker will start safety trials from next month and hopes that the device can be used at airports and other commercial facilities. Chief researcher Kenichi Sueda says the new device's technology has the potential for application in various other fields.
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