The Honda Chronicles
09-27-2009, 11:49 AM
#11
Registered User
Thread Starter
09/23/2009 - TOKYO, Japan -
Pursuing the concept of "harmony with people" Honda has developed a new personal mobility technology and unveiled U3-X, a compact experimental device that fits comfortably between the rider's legs, to provide free movement in all directions just as in human walking - forward, backward, side-to-side, and diagonally. Honda will continue research and development of the device including experiments in a real-world environment to verify the practicality of the device.
This new personal mobility device makes it possible to adjust speed and move, turn and stop in all directions when the rider leans the upper body to shift body weight. This was achieved through application of advanced technologies including Honda's balance control technology, which was developed through the robotics research of ASIMO, Honda's bipedal humanoid robot, and the world's first* omni-directional driving wheel system (Honda Omni Traction Drive System, or HOT Drive System), which enables movement in all directions, including not only forward and backward, but also directly to the right and left and diagonally. In addition, this compact size and one-wheel-drive personal mobility device was designed to be friendly to the user and people around it by making it easier for the rider to reach the ground from the footrest and placing the rider on roughly the same eye level as other people or pedestrians.
Honda is planning to showcase the U3-X at the 41st Tokyo Motor Show 2009 (sponsored by JAMA) which will begin on October 24, 2009 at Makuhari Messe in Chiba, Japan.
Striving to propose the next-generation mobility which expands the joy and fun of mobility, Honda has been conducting robotics research since 1986, including ASIMO, walking assist devices and U3-X, at the Honda R&D Co., Ltd. Fundamental Technology Research Center in Wako, Saitama, Japan.
* Based on Honda's internal research
Key features of U3-X
{Free movement just as in human walking}
Device control featuring application of balance control technology cultivated through ASIMO research:
The incline sensor detects the incline of the device based on the weight shift of the rider and determines the rider's intention in terms of the direction and speed. Based on the data, precise control is applied to return the device to an upright position, which achieves smooth and agile movements and simple operation by weight shift only.
HOT Drive System (Omni-directional driving wheel system):
Honda developed the world's first wheel structure which enables movement in all directions including forward, backward, side-to-side and diagonally. Multiple small-diameter motor-controlled wheels were connected in-line to form one large-diameter wheel. By moving the large-diameter wheel, the device moves forward and backward, and by moving small-diameter wheels, the device moves side-to-side. By combining these movements the device moves diagonally.
{Compact size which fit between the user's legs}
Compact and innovative package:
The combination of the balance control technology and the HOT Drive System enabled the one-wheel style compact and innovative package of the device. In addition, the device adopts a light-weight monocoque body in which the foldable seat, footrests and body cover that also function as the frame are stored in the body of the device, achieving highly portable convenience.
Video link~http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zCSQPnGkt78
Pursuing the concept of "harmony with people" Honda has developed a new personal mobility technology and unveiled U3-X, a compact experimental device that fits comfortably between the rider's legs, to provide free movement in all directions just as in human walking - forward, backward, side-to-side, and diagonally. Honda will continue research and development of the device including experiments in a real-world environment to verify the practicality of the device.
This new personal mobility device makes it possible to adjust speed and move, turn and stop in all directions when the rider leans the upper body to shift body weight. This was achieved through application of advanced technologies including Honda's balance control technology, which was developed through the robotics research of ASIMO, Honda's bipedal humanoid robot, and the world's first* omni-directional driving wheel system (Honda Omni Traction Drive System, or HOT Drive System), which enables movement in all directions, including not only forward and backward, but also directly to the right and left and diagonally. In addition, this compact size and one-wheel-drive personal mobility device was designed to be friendly to the user and people around it by making it easier for the rider to reach the ground from the footrest and placing the rider on roughly the same eye level as other people or pedestrians.
Honda is planning to showcase the U3-X at the 41st Tokyo Motor Show 2009 (sponsored by JAMA) which will begin on October 24, 2009 at Makuhari Messe in Chiba, Japan.
Striving to propose the next-generation mobility which expands the joy and fun of mobility, Honda has been conducting robotics research since 1986, including ASIMO, walking assist devices and U3-X, at the Honda R&D Co., Ltd. Fundamental Technology Research Center in Wako, Saitama, Japan.
* Based on Honda's internal research
Key features of U3-X
{Free movement just as in human walking}
Device control featuring application of balance control technology cultivated through ASIMO research:
The incline sensor detects the incline of the device based on the weight shift of the rider and determines the rider's intention in terms of the direction and speed. Based on the data, precise control is applied to return the device to an upright position, which achieves smooth and agile movements and simple operation by weight shift only.
HOT Drive System (Omni-directional driving wheel system):
Honda developed the world's first wheel structure which enables movement in all directions including forward, backward, side-to-side and diagonally. Multiple small-diameter motor-controlled wheels were connected in-line to form one large-diameter wheel. By moving the large-diameter wheel, the device moves forward and backward, and by moving small-diameter wheels, the device moves side-to-side. By combining these movements the device moves diagonally.
{Compact size which fit between the user's legs}
Compact and innovative package:
The combination of the balance control technology and the HOT Drive System enabled the one-wheel style compact and innovative package of the device. In addition, the device adopts a light-weight monocoque body in which the foldable seat, footrests and body cover that also function as the frame are stored in the body of the device, achieving highly portable convenience.
Video link~http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zCSQPnGkt78
09-27-2009, 12:09 PM
#12
Registered User
Thread Starter
2009 Honda Supplier Award Recipients
BIRMINGHAM, ALA -
Triple Award Recipient for Quality, Delivery & Productivity
Elesys North America Inc., Suwanee, Ga. – Occupant Detection System
Double Award Recipients for Quality and Delivery
Ambrake Corporation, Elizabethtown, Ky. -- Brake Calipers & Pads
F.T. Precision Inc., Fredericktown, Ohio – Rocker Arms
Mikuni American Corporation, Reynosa, Mexico – Oil Pump
Oiles America Corp., Concord, N.C. – Gaskets
Shindengen, Charleston, S.C. – CDI Units, Regulator Rectifier
TK Holdings, Inc. - SWS, Monterrey, Mexico – Seat Weight Sensor
TS Tech Tri-Con Industries LTD, Lincoln, Neb. – Motorcycle & ATV Seats
Double Award Recipients for Delivery and Productivity
Bucyrus Precision Tech., Inc., Bucyrus, Ohio – Automatic Transmission Shafts
International Automotive Components, Old Fort, N.C. -- Carpet
Jayna, Inc., Troy, Ohio – Knuckle Machining
Quality Performance
Allied Ring Corporation, St. Johns, Mich. – Piston Rings
Borg Warner-Morse Tec, Ithaca, N.Y. -- Chains
Cardington Yutaka Technologies Inc., Cardington, Ohio – Torque Converters & Exhaust Systems
Creative Foam Corporation, Dowagiac, Mich. – Door Hole Seals
Design Plastics, Inc., Omaha, Neb. – Seat Belt Protectors
Dynax America Corporation, Roanoke, Vir. – Differential Assembly Clutches
Hella North America, Inc., Flora, Ill. – Vacuum Pump
Jefferson Southern Corp., Rockmart, Ga. – Large Complex Upper Body Stampings
McCord Leakless Sealing Corp., Athens, Ala. – Gaskets
Mitsubishi Electric Automotive, Northville, Mich. – RES Display, USB
New Mather Metals, Inc., Franklin, Ky. – Stabilizer Bars and Springs
Orlick Industries LTD, Hamilton, Ontario – HPDC Water Passages, Oil Pans, Brackets
Rikenkaki America Corporation, Marysville, Ohio – Door Hinges & Checkers
TRW Fuji Valve Inc. Sevierville, Tenn. – Cotter Valves
Delivery Performance
Borg Warner Automotive, Seneca, S.C. – Four-Wheel-Drive Differential Assembly
F & P America Mfg., Inc., Troy, Ohio -- Subframe & Suspension Components
F & P Mfg., Inc., Tottenham, Ontario – Subframe & Suspension Components
Furukawa Electric North America APD, Mexicali, Mexico – Relay Box & Cable Reel
Fuserashi Intl Technology Inc., Valley City, Ohio – Fasteners
Gentex Corporation, Zeeland, Mich. -- Mirrors
International Crankshaft Inc., Georgetown, Ky. – Crankshaft Forgings
Johnan America, Inc., Bardstown, Ky. -- Regulators
Johnson Control Inc., Holland, Mich. -- Seat Device
Johnson Controls Inc., Holland, Ohio -- Batteries
Kamco Industries, Inc., West Unity, Ohio -- Plastic Injection Molded Components
KTH Leesburg Products, LLC, Leesburg, Ala. -- Under Body Stampings
Meritor Suspension Systems Co., Hopkinsville, Ky. -- Stabilizer Bars and Springs
NSK Steering Systems America, Inc., Bennington, Vt. – Steering Column
Ohashi Technica U.S.A. Inc., Sunbury, Ohio – Fasteners
Polycon Industries, Guelph, Ontario – Bumper Absorber
Rollstamp Mfg., A Div. of Decoma/Magna Int’l, Concord, Ontario – Sash Moldings
Ryobi Die Casting (USA), Inc., Shelbyville, Ind. – Engine Brackets
Team Industries, Cambridge, Minn. – Axle & Prop Shaft
T. Rad North America, Inc., Hopkinsville, Ky. – Radiators
U.S. Engine Valve Company, Westminster, S.C. – Engine Valves
YH America, Inc., Versailles, Ky. – Power Steering Hoses
Productivity Improvement
Clarion Corp. of America, Dublin, Ohio – Tuner
Cosma International, Clinton, Tenn. – Large Complex Stampings
East Penn Manufacturing Co., Inc., Lyon Station, Pa. – Batteries
Fujikura America, Inc., Farmington Hills, Mich. – OPDS Sensors
Hutchinson FTS, Inc., Livingston, Tenn. – Air Conditioning Tubes & Hoses
Mattoon Precision Manufacturing Inc., Mattoon, Ill. -- Lower Control Arms Machining
Nichirin Inc., Lewisburg, Tenn. – Rubber Hoses & Tubes
Nichirin-Flex U.S.A., Inc., Juarez, Mexico – Air Conditioning Pipe & Hoses
Nissen Chemitec America, London, Ohio – Plastic Injection Molded Components
Parker Hannifin Corp., Montemorelos, Mexico – Air Conditioning Pipe & Hoses
Sumitomo Electric Wiring Systems, Inc., Juarez, Mexico – Wire Harness
Unipres U.S.A. Inc., Portland, Tenn. – Large Complex Stampings & Welded Assemblies
Corporate Citizenship Award
Honda also honored Bridgestone Americas Tire Operations, LLC of Wilson, N.C. with the Corporate Citizenship Award. Honda presents this award to the supplier that demonstrates excellence in six areas: health and safety, equal opportunity, government relations, community involvement, ethics and compliance, and the environment.
BIRMINGHAM, ALA -
Triple Award Recipient for Quality, Delivery & Productivity
Elesys North America Inc., Suwanee, Ga. – Occupant Detection System
Double Award Recipients for Quality and Delivery
Ambrake Corporation, Elizabethtown, Ky. -- Brake Calipers & Pads
F.T. Precision Inc., Fredericktown, Ohio – Rocker Arms
Mikuni American Corporation, Reynosa, Mexico – Oil Pump
Oiles America Corp., Concord, N.C. – Gaskets
Shindengen, Charleston, S.C. – CDI Units, Regulator Rectifier
TK Holdings, Inc. - SWS, Monterrey, Mexico – Seat Weight Sensor
TS Tech Tri-Con Industries LTD, Lincoln, Neb. – Motorcycle & ATV Seats
Double Award Recipients for Delivery and Productivity
Bucyrus Precision Tech., Inc., Bucyrus, Ohio – Automatic Transmission Shafts
International Automotive Components, Old Fort, N.C. -- Carpet
Jayna, Inc., Troy, Ohio – Knuckle Machining
Quality Performance
Allied Ring Corporation, St. Johns, Mich. – Piston Rings
Borg Warner-Morse Tec, Ithaca, N.Y. -- Chains
Cardington Yutaka Technologies Inc., Cardington, Ohio – Torque Converters & Exhaust Systems
Creative Foam Corporation, Dowagiac, Mich. – Door Hole Seals
Design Plastics, Inc., Omaha, Neb. – Seat Belt Protectors
Dynax America Corporation, Roanoke, Vir. – Differential Assembly Clutches
Hella North America, Inc., Flora, Ill. – Vacuum Pump
Jefferson Southern Corp., Rockmart, Ga. – Large Complex Upper Body Stampings
McCord Leakless Sealing Corp., Athens, Ala. – Gaskets
Mitsubishi Electric Automotive, Northville, Mich. – RES Display, USB
New Mather Metals, Inc., Franklin, Ky. – Stabilizer Bars and Springs
Orlick Industries LTD, Hamilton, Ontario – HPDC Water Passages, Oil Pans, Brackets
Rikenkaki America Corporation, Marysville, Ohio – Door Hinges & Checkers
TRW Fuji Valve Inc. Sevierville, Tenn. – Cotter Valves
Delivery Performance
Borg Warner Automotive, Seneca, S.C. – Four-Wheel-Drive Differential Assembly
F & P America Mfg., Inc., Troy, Ohio -- Subframe & Suspension Components
F & P Mfg., Inc., Tottenham, Ontario – Subframe & Suspension Components
Furukawa Electric North America APD, Mexicali, Mexico – Relay Box & Cable Reel
Fuserashi Intl Technology Inc., Valley City, Ohio – Fasteners
Gentex Corporation, Zeeland, Mich. -- Mirrors
International Crankshaft Inc., Georgetown, Ky. – Crankshaft Forgings
Johnan America, Inc., Bardstown, Ky. -- Regulators
Johnson Control Inc., Holland, Mich. -- Seat Device
Johnson Controls Inc., Holland, Ohio -- Batteries
Kamco Industries, Inc., West Unity, Ohio -- Plastic Injection Molded Components
KTH Leesburg Products, LLC, Leesburg, Ala. -- Under Body Stampings
Meritor Suspension Systems Co., Hopkinsville, Ky. -- Stabilizer Bars and Springs
NSK Steering Systems America, Inc., Bennington, Vt. – Steering Column
Ohashi Technica U.S.A. Inc., Sunbury, Ohio – Fasteners
Polycon Industries, Guelph, Ontario – Bumper Absorber
Rollstamp Mfg., A Div. of Decoma/Magna Int’l, Concord, Ontario – Sash Moldings
Ryobi Die Casting (USA), Inc., Shelbyville, Ind. – Engine Brackets
Team Industries, Cambridge, Minn. – Axle & Prop Shaft
T. Rad North America, Inc., Hopkinsville, Ky. – Radiators
U.S. Engine Valve Company, Westminster, S.C. – Engine Valves
YH America, Inc., Versailles, Ky. – Power Steering Hoses
Productivity Improvement
Clarion Corp. of America, Dublin, Ohio – Tuner
Cosma International, Clinton, Tenn. – Large Complex Stampings
East Penn Manufacturing Co., Inc., Lyon Station, Pa. – Batteries
Fujikura America, Inc., Farmington Hills, Mich. – OPDS Sensors
Hutchinson FTS, Inc., Livingston, Tenn. – Air Conditioning Tubes & Hoses
Mattoon Precision Manufacturing Inc., Mattoon, Ill. -- Lower Control Arms Machining
Nichirin Inc., Lewisburg, Tenn. – Rubber Hoses & Tubes
Nichirin-Flex U.S.A., Inc., Juarez, Mexico – Air Conditioning Pipe & Hoses
Nissen Chemitec America, London, Ohio – Plastic Injection Molded Components
Parker Hannifin Corp., Montemorelos, Mexico – Air Conditioning Pipe & Hoses
Sumitomo Electric Wiring Systems, Inc., Juarez, Mexico – Wire Harness
Unipres U.S.A. Inc., Portland, Tenn. – Large Complex Stampings & Welded Assemblies
Corporate Citizenship Award
Honda also honored Bridgestone Americas Tire Operations, LLC of Wilson, N.C. with the Corporate Citizenship Award. Honda presents this award to the supplier that demonstrates excellence in six areas: health and safety, equal opportunity, government relations, community involvement, ethics and compliance, and the environment.
It's electric and bigger than your average golf cart
10-04-2009, 06:45 AM
#17
maybe.. but if that were the case, i'd wish the top came off or something if I was leaving it up at put-in-bay
on a side note.. how much did it suck to see a suzuka race and classic f1 footage of the great battles with honda and ferrari.. and williams.. and honda..and honda vs honda and..oh wait...
no more honda..
on a side note.. how much did it suck to see a suzuka race and classic f1 footage of the great battles with honda and ferrari.. and williams.. and honda..and honda vs honda and..oh wait...
no more honda..
10-24-2009, 05:16 AM
#19
http://automobiles.honda.com/cr-z/
So, it appears they are going to build this thing. I wonder how much will translate over into production.
So, it appears they are going to build this thing. I wonder how much will translate over into production.
10-24-2009, 05:32 AM
#20
Originally Posted by Popeye,Oct 4 2009, 06:00 AM
Ev-N to be shown at the Tokyo Motor show
