Honda UNI-ONE wheelchair finds innovative use in VR worlds as extended reality mobility experience

Honda introduced the UNI-ONE personal mobility chair for people with lower limb immobilization at the end of 2022. The Segway-like version for people who want an advanced electric wheelchair contraption with flexible movement capabilities will officially debut at South by Southwest (SXSW) in Austin, Texas, next month, with a VR application twist.

The Japanese automaker will leverage the self-balancing personal mobility device (mostly intended for the disabled) for a seamless virtual reality world, which they are calling the “Honda Extended Reality (XR)” experience. The idea of fusing the real-world riding on the UNI-ONE with the virtual world environment sounds like a winning proposition, and Honda doesn’t want to let go of the opportunity.

Designer: Honda

The SXSW attendees will get the opportunity to get first-hand exposure to this unique VR experience from 10-13 March at Honda’s booth #729 at the SXSW Creative Industries Expo at the Austin Convention Center. This amalgam of two different technologies is directed towards solving the hardware limitation of a comprehensive metaverse reality that is otherwise only limited to the visual input and confined to a limited space. According to Hirokazu Hara, vice president of New Business Development, at American Honda Motor this will expand the “joy and freedom of personal mobility into entertainment applications.”

Hirokazu further added that the never-before thought of combination will elevate the multimodal immersive experience three-fold. The self-balancing tech dubbed Honda Omni Traction Drive System (HOT Drive System) and the advanced sensors on the 154 pounds UNI-ONE (permitting movement and tilt in any direction) will leverage a new VR and AR entertainment. This will shoot the extended reality technology and application development possibilities to another level, inducing the interest of early adopters more than ever before.

For instance, racing through a track on a virtual planet with lesser gravity than on Earth will be possible on a hands-free device capable of going at a top speed of 3.7 mph. The rig will combine the visual input from a VR headset and the freedom of movement to make the user feel as if racing on a real track in an alien landscape. The fact that Honda is vesting so much interest in this possibility with the UNI-ONE speaks a lot about how the future is going to pan out in the Metaverse world. According to Honda the extended reality (XR) technology will be perfect for malls, theme parks, or any other indoor or outdoor entertainment hubs with a lot of open space to move around.

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This Korean institute’s robotic wheelchair can let the user stand up and climb stairs at will

Mobility has presented challenges for the differently abled, and it has also posed difficulties for the manufacturing industry in perfecting the concept of self-controlled wheelchairs to provide users with greater freedom. While addressing the quest for enhanced mobility, the focus has predominantly centered on the practicality of being seated and moving smoothly on level terrain.

A bright idea, which could change the way we see mobility on wheelchair for good, seems to be in the works as a new robotic wheelchair. The wheelchair, conceived by the Korea Institute of Machinery and Materials (KIMM), comprise mechanism that would allow it to climb stairs and let the occupant stand upright with assistance.

Designer: KIMM

The latest breakthrough in assistive technology, this wheelchair design places a strong emphasis on user comfort and adaptability. This remarkable idea comprises a central platform equipped with two distinct modules: a stair-climbing module located at the bottom, and a standing module on top.

The stair-climbing module, which is ingeniously designed to stay retracted within the chair when not needed, keeping the chair looking classic and sleek for everyday use. When the user encounters a flight of stairs, the stair-climbing module can be lowered and while maintaining the wheelchair’s horizontal level, it allows the user to tackle the staircase one step at a time without compromising safety. For safety, the stair-climbing module features pair of rubber tracks on front and back that grips the edge of the stairs to ensure it does not slip.

Beyond this enhanced mobility, this wheelchair offers an added dimension of well-being through its standing module. This module facilitates smooth transitions between various postures, including standing, reclining, leaning backwards or forward. This adaptability helps reduce monotony and the risk of poor blood circulation that can result from prolonged periods of sitting in the same position on a wheelchair.

As if these features aren’t impressive enough, the design team is reportedly working on transforming wheels to replace the climber module. These wheels exhibit the ability to remain perfectly round while moving on flat surfaces and tend to conform to the contours of stairs as they roll over them. With the combination of a retractable stair-climbing module and a standing module, this robotic wheelchair has the potential of transforming the lives of individuals with mobility challenges for good.

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This sleek kick scooter turns into a mini bike for flexible commuting needs

The need for flexible urban mobility is becoming ever so important given the pace at which traffic congestion is escalating despite all the best efforts. Public modes of transport are at their saturation and mindful personal commuter like bicycles are also proving to be space churners.

Compact scooters aim to fill the gap left by other means of transportation with practicality. Beam smart mobility solution is a perfect example as it combines the fun element of a scooter and the reassurance of a bicycle by customizing it to the requirements.

Designer: Bhavya Upadhyay and Devam Jangra

This convertible electric scooter morphs into a mini bicycle in the blink of an eye which is its USP. This foldable single-person commuter is primarily designed for urban scenarios given its compact nature. Beam is loaded with all the necessary tech to make one go around the city limits or even down the dirt trails without any safety issues that can come up due to diminished visibility to other motorists. For the latter, the scooter cum bike has a bright headlight array and equally well-lit brake lights. For the design enthusiasts, the front of the bike sports a very Dyson-fan inspired aesthetic!

The ride is fitted with the highest-grade brakes and a robust handlebar for durability. The e-ink screen in the middle displays navigation details, while two small e-ink displays display real-time data including current speed, battery levels, drive mode and headlight status. User-centric features include a Bluetooth wireless camp speaker under the saddle, a built-in camera that doubles as a Gear Guard security camera, a detachable fog light on the front that doubles as a flashlight for camping trips, and a concealed toolkit.

Beam kick scooter with its multitude of use-case scenarios is high on practical urbanity and the looks follow suite. Perhaps the ideal ride for stylist Gen-Z who don’t compromise on anything.

 

 

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Dragonfly Hyperscooters offer a new way to travel with power and style

Personal mobility devices have become more popular and sought-after over the past few years. Whether it’s to escape traffic congestion or as a means to reduce the reliance on fuel-chugging cars, vehicles like electric scooters and electric bikes have become en vogue among certain classes of people and commuters. But just like foot-powered bicycles, the applications of such personal transporters are limited to the terrain, their motors, and most especially, their batteries. Given how these devices balance you on two wheels while standing, it’s probably for the best that they aren’t able to go all out in speed and range. Of course, that doesn’t mean it’s not possible to push the envelope, and that’s exactly the kind of upgraded experience that D-Fly’s hyperscooters are offering both in terms of performance and aesthetics.

Designer: Jez Williman

Click Here to Buy Now: $1,879 $2,830 (30% off). Hurry, only 1/5 left! Raised over $285,000.

As the name suggests, hyperscooters are to e-scooters what hypercars are to regular cars. The name screams performance, at least within their particular category of transportation. One look at these Dragonfly electric scooters will be enough to send the message that this isn’t your run-of-the-mill battery-powered transporter. It is one that’s clearly made to go beyond the limits of e-scooters, with a futuristic motif to match is forward-looking capabilities.

Patented 3-Dimensional Full-Tilt Steering System – Intuitive way to steer by engaging all 4 wheels at once.

The first thing you’ll notice about the Dragonfly is that it has four wheels instead of just two. Like a cross between a scooter and a car, these four wheels, each with 10-inch pneumatic tires, offer better stability and reliability, especially when running on difficult terrain. D-Fly’s patented three-dimensional Full-Tilt Steering System makes controlling those four wheels easy and intuitive. In addition to the typical turning of the handlebar, this novel technology syncs the hyperscooter with the rider’s movements, allowing simple tilts to control the ride with more precision.

With two more wheels than normal, you’d expect the Dragonfly to offer more power, and it definitely doesn’t disappoint. Powered by two 550W motors, these powerful e-scooters boast top speeds of 25 mph (40 km/h) and a range of 49.7 miles (80 km) on a full charge.

Despite that speed, the hyperscooters are still designed with safety and comfort in mind, thanks to a dual wishbone suspension and adjustable hydraulic damped spring suspensions for each wheel. Whether you’re zipping through highway traffic or riding through a challenging adventure, the Dragonfly Hydroscooter will get you from A to B quickly and safely.

4-wheel Dual-braking Mechanism – Go from 25 mph to a full stop in under 6 feet.

Dragonfly DF

Dragonfly DFX

The Dragonfly Hydroscooter comes in two variants to match your need for speed and style. The standard Dragonfly or DF model is best for urban roads and parks with a more streamlined design that more closely resembles conventional e-scooters, except for the fact that it has four wheels. The Dragonfly X or DFX, on the other hand, is made for speedsters and adventurers with its wider fender and hand guards. Whichever model you choose, you will get an eye-catching electronic scooter whose handsome looks testify to its power.

As mobility becomes more complicated and congested, the need for personal mobility devices will continue to rise. So, too, does will the need for more advanced transportation options that will fit the needs of people, both in terms of power and looks. Starting at around $1879 for the DF model and $2242 for the DFX variant, the Dragonfly Hyperscooters push the envelope of electric scooters, ushering in a new era of e-mobility.

Click Here to Buy Now: $1,879 $2,830 (30% off). Hurry, only 1/5 left! Raised over $285,000.

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The expandable seat of this smart mobility device can be controlled from your smartphone 

GoSolo is a universal, smart, personal mobility device designed for people to move seamlessly through indoor spaces and controlled outdoor environments.

There’s nothing worse than running late for a flight and having to sprint through the airport with at least two bags in each hand and one hanging from your shoulders. Before you even make it to your terminal, you’re out of breath and your arms are losing circulation. The trek intensifies for those who might require some mobility assistance, like wheelchairs or scooters.

Designers: Alabaster Research and Technologies Private Limited x Prem Shah, Kirti Khadia, Kishan Amin, Chintan Shinde

 

While motorized assistive devices are typically reserved for those with limited mobility, one company believes there’s a larger market for them. GoSolo, a personal mobility device, designed by Alabaster Research and Technologies Private Limited is a smart, universal mobility solution designed for people to move through indoor spaces and controlled outdoor environments with ease.

Expandable by design, GoSolo’s defining feature is its seat that can rise to a height of 71-centimeters. In this mode, users can still drive GoSolo from an elevated height. The semi-standing position was built for users to have access to a sit-to-stand assistive mechanism that, “gives them access to higher desks, counters or shelves on the premises. For people with mobility constraints, the adjustable-height feature…[allows] easy and intuitive sideways transfer to and from the scooter.”

Located just in front of the adjustable seat rest, users will find a footrest that hosts ample room for storing items that users bring with them on the go. The device’s wheels and footrest coverings are both made from the same Elesa+Ganter vulcanized rubber castors to ensure a smooth ride, even on uneven surfaces. Operable from a smartphone or from the device’s intuitive control panel, GoSolo meets users where they are to provide seamless transportation in controlled environments.

Putting it best in their own words, the team behind GoSolo explains the inspiration behind the smart universal mobility concept, “We have to rethink how we design products for a larger range of people including those with limited mobility or strength.”

“Beyond the usual mobility constraints, there are also circumstantial constraints like having too many bags, carrying infants, recovering from surgeries, pregnancy, menstrual cramps, or even fatigue. At some point in time, any of us can have mobility constraints. GoSolo addresses this need.”

GoSolo can glide across all types of flooring, from smooth marble to uneven wood.

The expandable seat rest allows users to adjust their height to meet acquaintances and tall surfaces like check-in desks at hotels.

The team behind GoSolo gave the device a minimalist look to maintain a universal appeal.

Users can even feel free to traverse incline ramps using GoSolo.

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This skateboard’s modular form is designed to address the problem of our aging population





A kick-scooter like personal commuter designed for future cities in 2040 where flexible modes of mobility will be cherished by the users. Stria fulfills that gap with intuitive design ideation keeping in mind the elderly population too.

Urban mobility is one thing all the sharp minds are trying to streamline and make easier for the end-user as well as bystanders. Hence comes into the picture this mindfully designed e-mobility solution by Hong Kong-based product and industrial designer, Cathy Wong. It is more than just another personal mobility solution aimed at crowded cities. Sometimes such designs make me wonder how different the future will be in a decade or two.

The concept design dubbed Stria is an electric mobility (EMD) vehicle that looks much like a skateboard. The design itself is a two-part system for shared mobility, bringing the personal commuter right to your doorstep, and when you’re done it can be returned back. The first is the actual mobility device which is modular in a way to address different mobility needs. There are four modes to choose from – Sport, Commute, Support, and Companion.

The Sport mode is for active individuals who want to leverage maximum speed and control while riding on the streets courtesy of the lean-to-control configuration. The second is the commute mode targeted for casual riders who want to get to the supermarket in the least time possible without much fuzz, thanks to a grab bar for increased riding stability. The Support mode is for elderly people as it has thigh-leaning support so that the elderly rider or disabled person doesn’t experience body fatigue. In fact, this mode is the reason for the idea to have propped up as Cathy wanted to design a personal mobility solution for the aging population of Hong Kong. The Companion mode acts as a prop while walking and stowing for safe storage indoors.

The designer envisions Stria to be powered by a double brushless motor – the first motor activates while riding and the second one sets into action for smaller movements. The second part of the concept is the movable shuttle-like charging station (smaller than your hatchback car) where all the EDM’s are stored and disinfected for the next commute. The shuttle drives around the block and suffices the need of customers as and when demanded via the compatible app. Cathy thinks of a future where designated wireless charging lanes would be built around the city to keep the personal commuter juiced up for long rides.

Designer: Cathy Wong

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These futuristic personal mobility rides merge sleek design aesthetics with practical solutions!

Technology has made personal commuters an extension of our body – giving more reasons to have a unified experience with modern vehicles. Nebula by Oneobject draws inspiration from this very notion to provide the user with freedom, speed, and agility to ride with no strings attached – literally. The Hong Kong-based design studio aims to revolutionize the urban transport scene, becoming too cluttered for the current roads. Having over a decade of experience in transportation, smart IoT, and electronics – Oneobject has created Alpha and Beta rides – one an electric motorbike for mid or long distances. The other is an electric kickboard scooter for last-mile travel or short commutes.

Sustainability is at the forefront of the design since Oneobject has used hard and soft materials like polypropylene for the outer shell of both vehicles. This provides hard-shell protection to all the internal machinery. The 3D-knitted fabric for the interiors is waterproof and dirt-proof – while also being durable and having an attractive surface matching the overall modern appeal of the rides. Both the rides offer keyless access via fingerprint authentication – ideally in tune with convenience and modern features. Both are in the concept phase and are expected to become a reality soon.

Designer: Oneobject

Nebula Alpha

The electric motorbike comes equipped with a HUD beaming all the real-time indications and road environment for an enriched driving experience. Alpha has radar sensors on the front and back to raise safety to another level. Energy-efficient head and tail lights encapsulated in the recycled PP only appear when needed.

Nebula Beta

Beta kickboard e-scooter is more about slim, lightweight, and compact design language with its fair share of technology. It can be easily folded up for carrying or safe storage – ideal for your home, in-car, or office. The portable ride comes with a HUD displaying all the vital real-time details to give the rider a safe and convenient way to commute.

This electric wheelchair is a smart ride sharing service designed for inclusive micro-mobility!





Mobility is a privilege we take for granted. Keeping in mind that there is a good portion of the demographic who can’t move about as freely as they wish, Italdesign created WheeM-i (Wheelchair Mobility Integration) – a proposal for the first-ever shared micro-mobility service for wheelchair users. It is a 100% electric, semi-autonomous carrier that brings the latest driving assistance technology and electric propulsion together for people with mobility restrictions who can now move around freely and easily because it makes otherwise unfriendly parts of the city more accessible!

WheeM-i is a collaboration between Italdesign and Etisalat and was displayed at the GITEX Technology Week in Dubai as the equivalent of a bike-sharing system for wheelchairs. Users will be able to book their WheeM-i ride through a smartphone app, reach the closest hub and then get on board the vehicle. Just like other Bird, Lime, and other bike-sharing services, the user will return the vehicle to the closest hub around their destination. It features an integrated system that helps users avoid collisions with any fixed or mobile obstacles. The vehicle is also engineered in a way that it easily overcomes architectural barriers. The app enables users to interact with the device, other wheelchair users, other means of transport as well as other transport applications so that they can map the best possible route to get from A to B.

“As a company providing development services to the worldwide mobility industry, we strongly believe that future mobility must have a positive impact on everyone’s life. WheeM-i is part of this vision which we really hope to bring to reality,” said Italdesign CEO Jörg Astalosch. Micro-mobility designs and services like WheeM-i are giving the people on wheelchairs a whole new layer of independence in their lives.

Designer: Italdesign

Solar-powered autonomous personal mobility scooter doubles as treadmill to help you stay fit!

Segway has come a long way in changing the perception of personal mobility and how technology propels it forward for ultimate user satisfaction. The two-wheeled personal mobility vehicle has inspired many other designs that shape the future of mobility on the outskirts of urban spaces. This 100 percent electric-powered personal mobility scooter takes a step further – it is autonomous and is fueled by a sustainable energy source – the Sun. The brainchild of designer Alejandro Otálora, Creative Director, OneBot Design Studio – the Rolo is envisioned to be a future public transport vehicle that can be called on-demand via an app.

The four-wheeled transporter makes use of advanced RP LIDAR navigation cameras to steer its way through the streets. The top panel of the stable ride is covered with solar panel cells that power the unit. The solar panel is lifted up to face the Sun and provide support for the commuter en route to the destination. What’s interesting is that the base on which the user stands is actually a treadmill which when walked on charges the Lithium Titanate batteries. So, you can choose to walk briskly on it to stay fit as Rolo propels you to the destination without any time delays.

On the front, there is the battery level indicator along with the advanced cameras and lights for night time commute. The personal transporter is specifically designed keeping in mind short commutes to the primary transportation systems of the city like metros or train stations. Even the ride cost is going to be dynamic in nature – when the user orders a Rolo ride to a set destination, the app will give a heads-up up of the cost ride. So, what do you think of this eco-friendly self-driving personal scooter which actually helps keep you fit in your busy schedule?

Designer: OneBot Design Studio

 

The WalkCar Personal Mobility Device Is Not Much Bigger Than A Laptop

walkcar-1

For a while the only personal mobility device you could get was a Segway. Or at least, the only high-tech, electric such vehicle. But now the marketplace is flooding with new electric scooters, and skateboards, and the WalkCar is an interesting addition. Its claim to fame is how small it is. Barely bigger than a laptop, the WalkCar is able to propel a person weighing up to 120 kg (265 lb) at up to 10 km/h (6.2 mph), on a distance of about 12 km (7.5 miles). It will then take 3 hours to charge via USB before it’s ready to take you on another strip. Steering is achieved by leaning forward, and since it doesn’t go very fast, stopping involves simply stepping off.

There’s a Kickstarter planned for October, with a reported asking price of $800. That may seem like a lot, but for those of you unwilling to walk a few miles, it’s a valuable convenience.

[ Product Page ] VIA [ Gizmag ]