Developing technology to support people with disabilities is a noble goal that appears to be making progress to make the world more accessible for everyone. However, Honda believes its UNI-ONE Segway-like device isn't just for people with limited mobility, as the company released a video showing someone in a device equipped with a VR headset , having a lot of fun.
An interesting example of repurposing functional technology for entertainment purposes is the UNI-ONE, Honda's self-balancing mobility solution first demonstrated in 2023was described as a “brand new multimodal experience that takes extended reality technologies to the next level” with the addition of VR (via Gizmodo). The company will demonstrate the device at SXSW and invite participants to drive the UNI-ONE while wearing a VR headset and shifting their body weight to steer.
According to the Press releaseExperiences include “the peaceful feeling of floating in the air” or “the exhilarating feeling of gliding down a halfpipe track.”
The company envisions people being able to enjoy the experience in indoor and outdoor “obstacle-free spaces” — which seems to be more of a necessity than an option — including theme parks, entertainment venues and malls.
Honda is also looking to work with AR and VR developers to create VR experiences that take advantage of UNI-ONE's free-flowing motion, and in the accompanying video, our intrepid test participant certainly seems to be having fun wearing a headset with the to use device, stretched out his arms and grinned.
You can almost hear the “wheeeee” as they glide through the (noticeably obstacle-free and spacious) test room.
Well, who can deny that it looks fun? However, the UNI-ONE has a serious purpose beyond its entertainment capabilities, and it utilizes some impressive technology to that end.
Once a user is buckled into the seat, the device rises from the ground onto two self-balancing motorized wheels, which Honda calls the “Honda Omni Traction Drive System,” and then allows for smooth and multi-directional movement.
The device also features an adjustable, motorized seat that can be raised to a higher position to give the user closer to the eye level of a standing person and can be rotated as body weight is shifted. There is also a joystick for additional movement control, which can reach a maximum speed of 6.0 km/h.
While functional use as a mobility device is still the primary goal, conversion into an entertainment device is certainly an interesting, if perhaps impractical, use case for the technology, although judging by our test subject's grinning reaction it seems that it could at least provide a novel entertainment experience as well . Let's just hope the booth attendants at SXSW are on the lookout for passing pedestrians or those pesky obstacles.
