What is UNI-ONE?

A hands-free personal mobility device that expands the potential and joy of various people

There are two key features of UNI-ONE.
First, is that UNI-ONE changes its height.
UNI-ONE takes the “low position” for more stability while the user is getting on, and shifts to the “high position” once moving, so that the user will have an eye level close to that of people who are standing. The other key feature is that a UNI-ONE user can move in all directions just by shifting their body weight, thus using both hands freely.

Having an eye level close to that of standing people enables natural communications while moving. Being able to use of both hands makes it possible to perform certain tasks while moving, beyond operating the device. These key features of UNI-ONE expand the potential of various people.

Technologies that made UNI-ONE possible:

Human-machine cooperative balance control technology and the original wheel mechanism

Honda introduced the UNI-CUB in 2012 and the UNI-CUB β in 2013 as a personal mobility device people can use in their everyday lives.
The UNI-ONE features "human-machine cooperative balance control technology" and the original wheel mechanism (drive system), which were inherited from the UNI-CUB β and further advanced.

Human-machine cooperative balance control technologyThe system uses posture sensors to detect the user’s natural postural movements, just like what happens when a person walks. By using data such as inclination angle and angular velocity, the intension estimation controller performs calculations to estimate the user’s intentions, such as whether the user wants to stay in place, or to move toward which direction and at what speed. Based on the results of the estimate, the stabilization controller performs calculations to control the wheels so that the UNI-ONE does not lean too far and applies feedback control to achieve natural behavior that is neither too fast nor too slow.

Furthermore, by applying feedback control at a calculation speed more than twice as fast as that of the UNI-CUB β developed in 2013, the UNI-ONE enables the user to move as intended by making slight changes in their posture. As a result, UNI-ONE became a mobility device which can move around easily while achieving a high degree of operational stability, which makes it easy to ride for all kinds of people including elderly and children. Development is also underway to accommodate people with a disability in the lower limbs who have ability to maintain their balance while sitting*.

“Honda Omni Traction Drive System,” Honda’s original wheel mechanismHonda Omni Traction Drive System (HOT Drive System), Honda's original wheel mechanism that enables highly responsive movement in all directions, has been further advanced as a mobility mechanism that realizes the sensation of human walking. The UNI-ONE is equipped with 2 units of the HOT Drive System, one on each side, enabling the user to make smooth movement in any direction.

This software and hardware (human-machine cooperative balance control technology and HOT Drive System) makes it easy for the UNI-ONE user to change directions by pushing off a wall or desk with their hand, which is difficult to do for the users of a conventional type of seated mobility device, such as wheelchairs. In addition, they also enable good line tracing when moving at medium to high speeds.

*Research and development under the supervision of Yokohama City General Rehabilitation Center.

Use cases of UNI-ONE:

Expanding the joy of people by offering new mobility options in various situations

For example, when a three-generation family visits a theme park, UNI-ONE may reduce the burden on elderly family members who are not confident in walking for a long period of time, enabling them to have a great time while joining the rest of the family throughout the day. For people with an impaired lower limb, riding UNI-ONE will make it easier for them to do their work or perform tasks using both hands freely while moving. For people who need a wheelchair for mobility, UNI-ONE will enable them to move around as if they are walking and talking to people around them, rather than having a caregiver push them in a wheelchair.　Furthermore, UNI-ONE can reduce the burden of people who have to walk around in a large area for their work.

We want to add new mobility options for people in various situations. In doing so, we want to enable people to have more fun and joy in their daily lives. That is the grand concept of our UNI-ONE.