Honda on Wednesday unveiled the U3-X, a stool with a unique directional wheel system that allows it to travel diagonally, as well as right, left, forward, and backward.
It’s basically a robotic unicycle.
The device is able to readjust itself so that instead of riders having to constantly balance themselves, the robotic unicycle does the compensating.
It’s just like those lazy ass Japanese to create something that supports their sedentary lifestyle. At least in America, our personal vehicles require you stand and do some work. When will the rest of the world realize the error of their ways and live healthier more active lifestyles like Americans???
Glenn E.,
You might want to try Songbird. http://www.songbirdhearing.com. Please note, I work for the company, but I think this could be something for you to know about.
Ben
Thanks. I’ll tell my mum about it. She’s the one who needs them. I’m not quite there yet. The “permanent” Ultra model is more what she’d be interested in. The disposable’s mere 400 hours of use, wouldn’t be very long for someone who forgets to turn the thing off. Even at only 10 hours a day, this would mean only 40 days. Not six months. Most replacement batteries last a week. At a dollar a battery, it far cheaper to replace six of those. Than get a new $80 hearing aid.
I don’t see why manufacturers can’t make a rechargeable hearing aid, the way MP3 players and wireless phones are. And those don’t cost $280 or more. Why must the battery industry’s profits be forever preserved?
The U3-X seems pretty useless, if all you can do with one’s hands is hold on so you don’t fall off. I doubt there will be a basket option, like on the Segway. The battery charge can’t be very long either. Probably under an hour’s use.
Showing it work in a totally featureless white room, probably hides the fact that it doesn’t move sideways (or not very well). They just panned the camera sideways. It didn’t do more than go straight, in the office hallway. And almost anyone could walk faster than that. Plus that thing’s little roller bearing can’t climb stairs or any other level disruptions.
I think this product is more of a ploy to impress their less technical stockholders.