Honda U3-X personal mobility device tips up

Posted in transportation by Shane McGlaun on September 24th, 2009

hondau3xThere are several high tech personal mobility devices floating around. The Segway may be the most notable of the geeky mobility choices out there. Honda has announced one of the strangest personal mobility devices I have seen called the U3-X.

The small device is very compact and portable, but has only one wheel. It looks like something a space age clown should be riding. The device fits between a riders legs, and looks much like a unicycle. The device can move in all directions, including side-to-side and diagonally.

Botropolis: This week in robots

Posted in Robots by Conner Flynn on July 24th, 2009

Botropolis: This week in robotsRobots will likely inherit the Earth. Why do you think we have the space program? We like to pretend that it’s all about exploration, but really it’s because we know that it’s either leave willingly or be evicted. So onward to Mars, where we will create more metal killers and have to run all over again. Silly humans. Here’s some of what we covered this week over at Botropolis.

WWII: With Terminator.

Cyborgs: Cornell Enslaves Tobacco Hornworms.

DIY: Pocket Drunken Robots.

Honda builds giant LED display out of Insights

Posted in Automotive by Conner Flynn on March 29th, 2009

Honda builds giant LED display out of InsightsForget Samsung’s viral marketing ad with LEDs strapped to a bunch of sheep. Honda has gone all out, showing off its new Insight by turning their LED headlights into a gigantic animated Lite-Brite for an upcoming commercial. The commercial is called “Let it Shine,” and you can watch it below.

The Insight can cruise on electric power alone but not accelerate, so it isn’t technically a hybrid. The Insight’s main selling point is the price, starting under $20,000.

Honda Speedometer changes color to change your driving

Posted in Automotive by Conner Flynn on November 26th, 2008

Honda Speedometer changes color to change your drivingThe Honda Ecological Drive System (HDAS) will be included with the 2009 Honda Insight. It will alert drivers to their driving habits through a color coded speedometer. For instance if you’re going along at a grandmotherly yet fuel efficient speed, the speedometer goes green, indicating that you are a responsible and possibly elderly driver.

When you find yourself trying to outrun the fuzz at 90mph, the speedometer turns blue, indicating that you are most likely on COPS and should really slow down. Seems like red, yellow and green would have been better colors to use. It’s a great idea that should save many gallons of gas as well as keep you safe from yourself.

Honda develops walking assist device for the elderly

Posted in Health by Conner Flynn on April 23rd, 2008

Honda develops walking assist device for the elderly
Honda is known for it’s cars and motorcycles, but the company’s sights reach into other areas as well. Now that they have their robot, Asimo walking on his own, Honda is using robotics technology for some other things. Like an experimental walking assist device for disabled or elderly individuals.

Honda will be showcasing the device at the International Trade Fair on Barrier Free Equipments & Rehabilitation for the Elderly & the Disabled. The device is available in three sizes and uses brushless DC motors powered by lithium ion batteries that will provide up to two hours of walking assistance per charge. The assimilation of our elderly will soon be underway. Soon after they will be flying around in giant Borg cubes and harassing the Enterprise.





Other blogs from the Topic Soup Network that you might like:

PopTherapy.com - A therapeutic guide to popular culture

WeathyReader.com - Where reading pays off.

HealthyReader.com web site

Botropolis.com web site