HONDA The Power of Dreams

―What was the concept that inspired the creation of the UNI-ONE as a mobility device?

Kanamori
The UNI-ONE was born from the vision of a single engineer contemplating new forms of mobility. Since then, Honda has been working for many years on the development of a single-user personal mobility device by applying Honda Robotics technology cultivated through the development of the bipedal robot ASIMO, unveiled in 2000. In 2009, the U3-X personal mobility device, designed to achieve harmony with people, was introduced, followed by the UNI-CUB in 2012. The following year saw the introduction of the UNI-CUB β, designed to improve the sense of affinity with users. However, while we were able to bring those ideas to life, they never led to commercialization. In 2022, therefore, we unveiled the UNI-ONE, envisioned as a companion that feels close to the user and helps create a more inclusive society. With business personnel joining the team, it evolved through demonstration testing toward mass production, culminating in the launch of this business.

Mochizuki
Despite these challenging site conditions, Harmonyland decided to introduce the UNI-ONE based on the expectation that it would enable smoother movement throughout the theme park, increasing the satisfaction of guests—from children to seniors, and even those with mobility concerns.

―What was the concept behind the development of the UNI-ONE?

Kanamori
The UNI-CUB β, the UNI-ONE's predecessor, was experienced by over 100,000 people over seven years at Miraikan, the National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation in Tokyo. However, its usability was limited. For example, small children could not ride it.

―Compared to the compact UNI-CUB β, the UNI-ONE feels more stable and gives the impression of a more relaxed ride. Could you tell us about the design aspects you focused on?

Kanamori
The UNI-CUB β design strongly reflected a motorcycle concept, while the UNI-ONE is based on automobile stability. However, the increased lateral movement necessitated safety considerations. This type of device tends to be square in shape, which inevitably evokes the image of a wheelchair. Therefore, we pursued a soft form that instills a sense of security in both users and those around them.

Mochizuki
By raising the seat by 15 centimeters while moving, the user can see approximately 70% of the other person's face, enabling conversation at nearly the same eye level as a standing person. With wheelchairs, differences in eye level can create psychological barriers, but the UNI-ONE solves this issue, allowing natural communication with family, friends, and others nearby.

―When riding the UNI-ONE, it gently moves under you like a balance ball, so your posture stays aligned and your eye level remains the same as when walking, making it feel less unsettling. The controls are also intuitive.

Mochizuki
The UNI-ONE uses robotics technology to constantly read human movement and maintain balance. It can overcome obstacles of about two centimeters high such as tactile warning blocks and cables, and can also maneuver slopes. Safety is a key design focus. For example, the seat automatically lowers when danger is detected.

―Did you work on any other approaches to create a new mobility device while capturing the essence of robotics?

Kanamori
We met the designer of ASIMO to discuss Honda Robotics. The iconic image of ASIMO as a humanoid robot with a white body and black face has spread widely across generations. When creating the design for the UNI-ONE, we took this context of robotics into account and considered what kind of value we could provide, while focusing on remaining human-centric.

Mochizuki
People influenced by Japanese anime culture tend to associate robots with angular, aggressive shapes, but we are aiming for the opposite—a robot that is representative of Honda and blends seamlessly into people's everyday lives.

―You also conducted demonstration testing during development. What challenges did you encounter?

Kanamori
When development began, we envisioned the UNI-ONE being used on flat surfaces. However, upon closer observation of actual terrain, we realized that there are often slopes and steps, and the device wouldn't be able to climb steeper inclines as anticipated.

―Tell us about the unique features and characteristics of the new model that will go on sale on September 24.

Kanamori
The new model retains the essence of its predecessor, but with a refined design that is more compact and user-friendly, naturally enhancing the user's posture. While prioritizing functionality often leads to a square-like shape for space efficiency, creating a bulky and heavy impression, this model achieves a sense of lightness through its rounded contours and the floating-like sensation it creates.

Mochizuki
Since painted surfaces can peel, we use polypropylene to withstand scratches while also incorporating durability and ease of maintenance. In addition, the flat, white-based color scheme blends seamlessly into its surroundings when left as is, but can also stand out if wrapped, functioning as a versatile canvas for communication. This approach enables flexible adaptation for commercial use by B2B customers.

Mochizuki
Previous models featured control buttons on the main unit, but we moved the control functions to a smartphone which can be attached externally, enabling ongoing updates. This design preserves flexibility to adapt to various usage environments in the future.

Mochizuki
While this is meant purely as a compliment, I always thought Honda was a bit of a quirky company (laughs). That is part of what drew me in. Even when one has no idea what the outcome will be, there is this drive to keep pursuing the dream. In a world where many ideas never make it past the prototype stage, I really loved how this team maintained a purity, moving forward with a shared belief that "We should get this done." This project was developed by many engineers and designers passing the baton before we got involved. In fact, when we received an inquiry about introducing it to a theme park for three- to five-year-olds, we made the bold decision of creating a mobility device that everyone—from kids to seniors—can use. The result is a design where, even without an instruction manual, anyone can ride the UNI-ONE after a simple explanation as long as they can understand basic guidance.

―How do you think the world would change if the UNI-ONE became commonplace?

Mochizuki
In the past, we have utilized the UNI-ONE to provide extended reality (XR) mobility experiences at events, such as underwater exploration with augmented reality (AR), and at SXSW (South by Southwest) 2024, a large conference and festival held in Austin, Texas in the United States. Even within such entertainment contexts, I believe new relationships between people and mobility are emerging.

Kanamori
By providing the UNI-ONE to those with mobility concerns, and achieving equal and free mobility, I believe we can transform the world where everyone can thrive and be active. This summer, the first public road demonstration testing was conducted on Osaka's Midosuji Avenue, aiming to create human-centered road spaces. If the UNI-ONE is adopted in society, the social environment itself might change. I feel it holds the potential to go beyond a mere personal mobility device and transform the very nature of society.