Honda develops new personal mobility device U3-X

Honda has developed a new personal mobility technology, U3-X. It is a compact experimental device that fits comfortably between the riders legs, to provide free movement in all directions just as in human walking forward, backward, side-to-side, and diagonally. Honda will continue research and development of the device including experiments in a real-world environment to verify the practicality of the device.

This new personal mobility device makes it possible to adjust speed and move, turn and stop in all directions when the rider leans the upper body to shift body weight. This was achieved through application of advanced technologies including Hondas balance control technology, which was developed through the robotics research of ASIMO, Hondas bipedal humanoid robot, and the worlds first* omni-directional driving wheel system (Honda Omni Traction Drive System, or HOT Drive System), which enables movement in all directions, including not only forward and backward, but also directly to the right and left and diagonally. In addition, this compact size and one-wheel-drive personal mobility device was designed to be friendly to the user and people around it by making it easier for the rider to reach the ground from the footrest and placing the rider on roughly the same eye level as other people or pedestrians.

Key features of U3-X:

Free movement just as in human walking
1.Device control featuring application of balance control technology cultivated through ASIMO research:
The incline sensor detects the incline of the device based on the weight shift of the rider and determines the riders intention in terms of the direction and speed. Based on the data, precise control is applied to return the device to an upright position, which achieves smooth and agile movements and simple operation by weight shift only.

2.HOT Drive System (Omni-directional driving wheel system):
Honda developed the worlds first wheel structure which enables movement in all directions including forward, backward, side-to-side and diagonally. Multiple small-diameter motor-controlled wheels were connected in-line to form one large-diameter wheel. By moving the large-diameter wheel, the device moves forward and backward, and by moving small-diameter wheels, the device moves side-to-side. By combining these movements the device moves diagonally.

Compact size which fit between the users legs
3.Compact and innovative package:
The combination of the balance control technology and the HOT Drive System enabled the one-wheel style compact and innovative package of the device. In addition, the device adopts a light-weight monocoque body in which the foldable seat, footrests and body cover that also function as the frame are stored in the body of the device, achieving highly portable convenience.

Key specifications of the experimental model:
- Length×Width×Height(mm) = 315×160×650
- Weight = less than 10kg
- Battery Type = Lithium ion battery
- Operation time (with fully charged battery) = 1 hour

* Based on Hondas internal research

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BRAND LOYALTY - TOP 5

I've been mulling over this for a few days now and just started thinking about what makes a brand have such a strong following. I'm not talking about brief stints of loyalty, fads and all that other good stuff. I'm talking about brands that you've used your whole life (or at least the majority of it). Why does that brand sit so high on your shelf? Innovation? Quality? Persistence? Here's my TOP 5 in no particular order. I would do top 10, but I just can't think of 5 more. Feel free to give us your top 5.

1. HONDA

My girlfriend has this really nice 2004 Audi A4 (you know, the models where they totally changed the body to that real sexy look to it). Beautiful car - jet black, nice curves, quattro handling, etc. The thing is, she's been in and out of the dealership for the past year because the "check engine" light keeps on popping up. I've had my car for almost 15 years. It's got about 202,000miles on it and its still going strong. In this timeframe, I've never once had any engine repairs to it. Of course, I would have my routine fixes like tires, brakes, batteries, spark plugs and so on. But I've NEVER had a problem with the engine. I've talked to other Honda owners and they ALL say the same thing.

2. BLACKBERRY

I can't live without mine. As much as I want to get my hands on the ultra cool iPhone with its elegant design, graceful OS system and selection of fun-filled applications, I am forever loyal to Blackberry. I'll give you this. Their stab at the iPhone rip was a total flop. I played with it for 5 minutes and was disgusted by it. But every other phone they have in their repertoire has been what I exactly needed. Phone. Email. Internet. Address book. Calendar. Calculator. Notes. Google Maps. Sheeeit. Blackberry is the reason why I've cut down on two normal household items. A Phone and an alarm clock. Thanks Blackberry. You're the reason why I have more space for my toys. Oh yeah. And you rock for making sure that you have a cut and paste function on your phones.

3. APPLE

They just get it. A powerful tool in a beautiful package. This goes for ALL of their product. Even though I've only been using their product for a mere 4 years, I can tell that these guys are on the right track. Apple is THE MOST INNOVATIVE BRAND of our generation.

4. IKEA

No matter where I live or where I go, there is at least one IKEA ______ (place name of furniture item or accessory here) that I notice. What more can you ask for? Decent furniture at a cheap price. Granted, its not "designer" furniture. But when you're a lower/middle class American trying to furnish that newly bought/rented fortress, there's nothing better than that one-stop shop known to all as IKEA.

5. LEVI'S

I've owned at least one pair of Levi's throughout my life since elementary school. No breaks. If I outgrew or decided that my pair of Levi's had to go, I would go and get another pair. THey are true artisans of denim. Do you understand what I just did? I don't even refer to them as jeans...IT'S LEVI'S BITCH!!!

Northern NJ Region Porsche Club of America

Took a trip out to the Meadowlands Race track over the weekend to see my father-in law race his 2001 Porsche Carrera in his club - The Northern NJ Region Porsche Club of America
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The folks at Princeton Porsche set up the Princeton Challenge fundraiser there where you had the opportunity to race a Porsche Cayman.



Only $50 a try and you get to drive a new Porsche on equal playing filled with some of NNJR's finest. Along with supporting a worthy charity like Employment Horizons. The charity was a chance to win 2 tickets to the PorschePlatz for the Lime Rock Park ALMS races for July 11th and 12th. If you are a huge Porsche fan, don't forget this year's Porsche Paradewhich will be down in Charlotte, NC on June 28 - July 3rd.

For this club, it was not just Porsches but other cars such as Subarus, Hondas, Toyotas, BMW's, and Lexus.