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Toyota i-Real Personal Transport Now In Use
Toyota's I-Real will go into use at the Central Japan International Airport this weekend. The I-Real is a rather unique personal transportation vehicle.
The device has two wheels in front and one in the back. When moving slowly, the rear and front wheels are brought close together, raising the rider's head to the level of that of pedestrians. At speed, the rear wheel is placed further back, providing a lower center of gravity and better driving performance. It uses perimeter monitoring sensors to detect when a collision with a person or object is imminent and alerts the driver by emitting a noise and vibrating; at the same time, alerts people around it of its movements through the use of light and sound.
Unfortunately, it appears to have a top speed of only 19 miles per hour. I'm sure we can do better.
(I-Real video [2007])
This device reminds me of sfnal cars that squat down or lengthen in use, but come up straighter when stopped. I'm stumped for a specific reference, though.
Via Robot Watch.
Scroll down for more stories in the same category. (Story submitted 6/25/2009)
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