Toyota's i-swing personal mobility concept

[JohnM]

http://www.gizmag.com/go/4730/
http://www.autoindex.org/images/news/1246/norm_2_orig.jpg

Toyota's i-swing personal mobility concept

October 12, 2005 Toyota has released details of the i-swing, a new personal mobility vehicle in the same vein as the personal mobility models (such as the PM , i-unit and I-foot ) Toyota has exhibited previously but one that takes the concept several steps further, with the capability of operating in a similar manner to the Segway in two wheeled mode at walking pace on a footpath so it takes up little space, or transform to a three-wheeled mode for road speeds. In addition to the joystick control, the i-swing can be controlled by body weight movements with a feeling reportedly like turning as if on snow skis. The i-swing concept proposes using Artificial Intelligence to enable it to learn the habits and preferences of users.

In addition to the joystick control, the i-swing can be controlled by body weight movements with a feeling reportedly like turning as if on snow skis. The i-swing concept proposes using Artificial Intelligence to enable it to learn the habits and preferences of users.

The single-person vehicle package boasts an individual design with a "wearable" feeling. Its low-resistance urethane body is covered in cloth to soften any impact while operating near people, and an LED illumination panel can be customized to display an image to suit your mood. When travelling in a bustling street full of people, the i-swing can operate in a two-wheeled mode that takes up little space, so that it is possible to travel while keeping pace and talking with someone on foot.

When there is a need to move quickly, the i-swing can change to a three-wheeled mode, which is fun to travel in. In addition to the stick control, a pedal control can be used to provide a fresh cornering feeling, as you shift your body weight as if you were on skis. The i-swing proposes the concept of using A.I. communication to enable it to grow, learning the habits and preferences of users by storing relevant data about them.


JohnM
Anything worth doing for 2 hours is 10 times more worthwhile if done for 20 hours.
RUSA #235

[drolsinatas]

no thanks

This thing rules.

[Neelix]

Wait, so, it balances?

Also: Teh HUGE!

-------------------------
Fear not, for even though I come from the Forbidden City, I surely do not agree with the rules.
Chris Knight

[Tappedout]

Man you would have to be a huge nerd to buy one of those silly looking things! :-)

Shane

Shane Latham, CEO/President
www.technicallywireless.com
http://www.segwaychat.com/photos/Tappedout/blingbling.jpg

[SegwayUtah]

Well, it certainly looks like market validation (especially for the Asian market) when Toyota wants to build an EPAMD :)

Chris

[bystander]

Hey, now I know what to make my HT into for Halloween this year!

[SegwayDan]

This is half-baked and stupid.

How many different models will be required to fit how many body sizes? What's the weight of such a contraption with all of its parts and gizmos? What kind of body activation will be possible if one is cradled in such a plastic coccoon? What kind of power source for what kind or range? How the hill will we "share the road" with something like this? Who besides the "Travel Gnome" would consider going faster than 10mph in it? (Am I going to die?) How could such a thing be less costly than an i180? How does the "looking silly" factor not trump this (dim bulb) "bright" idea? It's amazing the lengths a large company will go to to arrogantly squander funds to avoid patent infringement, in a feeble attempt to "outdo" the Segway.

quote:Originally posted by JohnM

http://www.gizmag.com/go/4730/
http://www.autoindex.org/images/news/1246/norm_2_orig.jpg

Toyota's i-swing personal mobility concept

October 12, 2005 Toyota has released details of the i-swing, a new personal mobility vehicle in the same vein as the personal mobility models (such as the PM , i-unit and I-foot ) Toyota has exhibited previously but one that takes the concept several steps further, with the capability of operating in a similar manner to the Segway in two wheeled mode at walking pace on a footpath so it takes up little space, or transform to a three-wheeled mode for road speeds. In addition to the joystick control, the i-swing can be controlled by body weight movements with a feeling reportedly like turning as if on snow skis. The i-swing concept proposes using Artificial Intelligence to enable it to learn the habits and preferences of users.

In addition to the joystick control, the i-swing can be controlled by body weight movements with a feeling reportedly like turning as if on snow skis. The i-swing concept proposes using Artificial Intelligence to enable it to learn the habits and preferences of users.

The single-person vehicle package boasts an individual design with a "wearable" feeling. Its low-resistance urethane body is covered in cloth to soften any impact while operating near people, and an LED illumination panel can be customized to display an image to suit your mood. When travelling in a bustling street full of people, the i-swing can operate in a two-wheeled mode that takes up little space, so that it is possible to travel while keeping pace and talking with someone on foot.

When there is a need to move quickly, the i-swing can change to a three-wheeled mode, which is fun to travel in. In addition to the stick control, a pedal control can be used to provide a fresh cornering feeling, as you shift your body weight as if you were on skis. The i-swing proposes the concept of using A.I. communication to enable it to grow, learning the habits and preferences of users by storing relevant data about them.


JohnM
Anything worth doing for 2 hours is 10 times more worthwhile if done for 20 hours.
RUSA #235


"Segway Dan" Swanson
727-403-2628
www.segwayclearwater.com

[macgeek]

http://bandster.us/getasegway.jpg

[pam]

Oh, I dunno. I think it looks interesting. But then I like wierd looking vehicles LOL. Personally, I think comparing it to the HT is like apples to oranges, but what it does say to me is that although joe sixpack may yell slurs at us as we ride, the major transportation manufacturers are taking the HT and alternative transportation models very seriously - which I consider a good thing for the environment. Now, all that said, I'm not trading in my HT for one of these (even if it will keep me dryer) ;).

Pam

[Stan671]

Very important question: Has one of these things been built or is all of this just drawings?

Stan Dobrowski

[GyroGo]

Interesting electriped.

[GadgetmanKen]

They are real and the prototypes at the Tokyo Motor Show did in fact work. I just searched for video on them and came across this link. Its almost an 8 meg mpeg video, so it takes awhile to download. I had problems trying to view it on the flyfrom the site. Probably not enough ram I guess. But once it downloaded it played fine. They do look cool and look like they would be fun to operate. Although they have no plans to produce, just like the (cough)Centaur. Oh its french, so scroll down to the pic of the I-swing and right below it says VIDE O. Click on the green play arrow or right click to save to your computer.
Here's the link.
http://www.leblogauto.com/toyota

One of the cool parts is it tilts back to enable the third front wheel (for faster speeds) to come out. It has reverse and when you want out the glowing orb lite in the front splits open down the middle and you just step out. A bit larger than the Segway, especially on all threes but still cool I.M.O.

"Wouldn't it be cool, if?...is like Folgers in my cup"

[SegwayUtah]

If you watch the video, it operates like an iBot, or the Segway RMP. You drive it--it doesn't move by shifting your body weight. And when it gets down on "all three," it looks very much like the iBot in how it moves to that position.

By the way, the interesting thing about the video is how careful the driver was when up on two wheels--and how carefree he was when down on all three. I wonder how well the "balance mode" function works on that device. My guess is that it's very prototype-ish, and that the driver has to be "real" careful, or that the speed has been slowed way down, to show it off.

Anyway, this obviously further validates the importance of self-balancing technology. Segway invented something that big companies think is important, for sure.

Chris

[bystander]

Also note in the video that it had to open up for the operator to disembark. If your HT tips over you have some kind of chance to hop off w/o going completely down. Even in the infamous photos of president Bush "falling", you can see he did not fall to the ground, rather, he was able to stay on his legs.

If the I-swing tips over, there doesn't seem any alternative but to go down with it. Maybe the "soft exterior", touted as being more pedestrian friendly, is also there for protecting the occupant in a spill.

The I-swing 2 wheel balance mode speed seem to me to be about 1/4 black key speed.

Switching from 2 wheels to 3 looked slightly out of control. (just a little). I wonder how it looks going from 3 back to 2 wheels. I'm not sure whether it was meant to switch back and forth between the modes very often.

Overall, it appears it's meant for 3 wheel mode most of the time.

Perhaps I shouldn't read too much into the video, after all, the tweel release video with the Centaur and HT on stage didn't really show their full speed/maneuverability of the vehicles due to the confined space.

If the I-swing could do 20 or 30 mph, it seems it would have to "lean" (to the side) more than it does in the video. Or else it would have to extend the front wheel further ahead to maintain stability, making the driver more prone.

[Neelix]

So, I can't watch the video for some reason (crashes Firefox :-/)

This thing does balance, or no?

-------------------------
Fear not, for even though I come from the Forbidden City, I surely do not agree with the rules.
Chris Knight

[SegwayUtah]

Neelix: Yes, it balances. But like an iBot or RMP, not like an HT. You drive it.

bystander: That's what the seatbelt and airbags are for--when it tips over or crashes :) I hope it has them!

Chris

[Neelix]

Oh, its like an iBot?

So its a wheelchair?

Edit:

I guess I'm not really clear as to what this thing is designed to do. Is it a car for one that can go on 2 wheels for maneuverability in parking? Is it a wheelchair? Is it a Segway that can go faster sometimes? Is it a recumbant bike that can balance on two wheels for certain situations?

I'm not really understanding.
-------------------------
Fear not, for even though I come from the Forbidden City, I surely do not agree with the rules.
Chris Knight

[SegwayUtah]

I'm not sure what it is either :) I think it's supposed to be on 2 wheels for tight spaces, and 3 wheels everywhere else.

I meant that it _moves_ like an iBot or an RMP. You "drive" it. If you drive forward, it tips forward, and then moves underneath itself. You don't shift your weight--it does.

Chris

[bystander]

quote:Originally posted by Neelix

Oh, its like an iBot?

So its a wheelchair?

Edit:

I guess I'm not really clear as to what this thing is designed to do. Is it a car for one that can go on 2 wheels for maneuverability in parking? Is it a wheelchair? Is it a Segway that can go faster sometimes? Is it a recumbant bike that can balance on two wheels for certain situations?

I'm not really understanding.
-------------------------
Fear not, for even though I come from the Forbidden City, I surely do not agree with the rules.
Chris Knight
Here's the direct link:

http://www.leblogauto.com/files/iswing_demo.mpeg

If you browser crashes or hangs, try saving it to your computer first, then playing it in the appropriate media player.

What is it?

It's closer to a wheeled iron maiden than a wheelchair, ibot, or motorcycle.

It's a semi-enclosed electric tricycle that can rear up on it's rear 2 wheels and balance that way, moving at a very low rate of speed. (less than black key as seen on the video)

For Black to Yellow key speeds, it uses 3 wheels, partially retracting the rear wheels one at a time in turns (leaning in) to keep it stable. The video doesn't show it going very fast, even in 3-wheel mode, but it's on an indoor stage. I don't know if the particular I-swing shown is capable of red key or red key plus speeds.

It appears to be designed to fit into the human transporter type niche. It doesn't appear to be too practical (in my opinion). It's as if it were designed to let Toyota say "This is what we could do if we wanted to".

Also, tall and/or wide persons might not be able to fit in it.

[GadgetmanKen]

Did you notice how seeming loud it wined, or whistled, as it turned?It rears backward, and it seems like, the front wheel slides out, then the unit seems to fall onto the third wheel. While watching the video it appears that the driver has two joystick controls, one at each arm. He pushed both down to go forward, and pulled one up slightly to turn. I wonder if after awhile, one's wrists would ache or get tired. Is it ergonomic to the wrist and arms, I wonder?

I think the lighted orb in front is probably a fixed position, suspended light bulb with a colored film with the different patterns on it, also suspended but on a flimsy, springy mount to give the impression of movement. The light is projected on the separated twin half orbs material covers and slight movement makes the film between the light and fabric cover, wobble, and move giving the impression something is alive inside.

I would imagine that with its automatic opening and closing of the exit orb, amongst everything else, that it would be alot more expensive than the Segway. It, I think, would be closer to what the expected cost range of the Centaur would be. Maybe they would be classified as a wheelchair. From watching the video, I keep thinking, it seems like a wheelchair.

"Wouldn't it be cool, if?...is like Folgers in my cup"

[Sal]

After viewing the video, I have to admit that it does move gracefully for what it is, a glorified electric tricycle. Poor lateral and rear visibility, partial cover from the elements (if you're going to be partially covered, why not go all the way and not be covered at all [segway], captive driver, no definite position as far as where this thing could be used (it's larger than a person, and heavier than a true "personal" transporter -- Why the 2-wheel function at all?)

It's definitely a work in progress. I think maybe if they stick to the three wheeled fuction, it could be decently urbal roadworthy, but it's definitely NOT a pedestrian friendly device.

And what's with the lava lamp ish capsule on the front? LOL

-Sal

___________
I considered atheism, but there were too few holidays

Segway Chat Member since July 2003
Segway Owner since August 2003

[Neelix]

Okay. I think I get it.

I was expecting something.... practical. I dunno...

-------------------------
Fear not, for even though I come from the Forbidden City, I surely do not agree with the rules.
Chris Knight

[GyroGo]

I kinda hate to say this, but there may be some inspiration to be found in the Toyota enclosure design that Segway can learn from.

[Sal]

I hear what you're saying GyroGo, but my opinion is that one of the best "safety" features of the Segway is it's in fact it's open design. Though it doesn't protect from the elements, it's that feature which creates an escape route for crashes, accidents.

-Sal

___________
I considered atheism, but there were too few holidays

Segway Chat Member since July 2003
Segway Owner since August 2003

[GyroGo]

Segway OPTIONAL enclosure?

[Sal]

:-)

I guess that's what I was getting at, apologies... If the optional enclosure was somehow designed to detach, and not hold the rider captive in a unfortunate accident, that would be a good safety mechanism.

But one thing that makes the Segway different is that both our arms are available (sometimes) to work, gesture, etc. And our legs can bend, and allow our bodies to sway in turns. Without the enclosure, the Segway does become an extension of our bodies, something one wears.

Though I havet to say that whatever enclosure INC designs would be HOT and SLICK!

-Sal

___________
I considered atheism, but there were too few holidays

Segway Chat Member since July 2003
Segway Owner since August 2003

[GyroGo]

quote:Originally posted by salkulkarni



Without the enclosure, the Segway does become an extension of our bodies, something one wears.


But whatever you're wearing, sometimes it's nice to have that extra buffer from nature's elements: an umbrella, a windshield, climate control, sound control..... Nice to have options on cold windy rainy days.

[Sal]

Very true! :-)

I remember once, for the heck of it, trying to use an umbrella while gliding...

It made for a great sail! he he he!

-Sal

___________
I considered atheism, but there were too few holidays

Segway Chat Member since July 2003
Segway Owner since August 2003

[GadgetmanKen]

It doesn't look like it would be to hard to fully enclose the I-swing, as is. Did you notice when he backed up that he assumed their was no one behind him? He didn't look, albeit, he was just passing thru that area. There were no rear view mirrors that I could tell. It might be good to have mirrors, if your rear vision is somewhat obscured.

Also, I think that if you were to hit a hole or bump, that small front wheel might not take it so good. It seems that the small front wheel doesn't turn, but the turning is actually done thru a tilt of one side or the other, from the rear wheel, which cants the whole body over to one side and tilting the front wheel as well. At least in the third wheel mode. I imagine in the two wheel mode its done by slowing or braking one wheel. Don't know for sure. I wonder if they are using the same gyro mechanisms as the HT has for balance in the two wheel mode?

I think I know how the HT can be enclosed and still be able to escape "the cocoon", if need be. The getting out quickly from the rear isn't the problem tho, its the being flung forward, thats the tricky part. I believe the solution would be the same for both. I will work on a design, but, some one will need to test it. Seeing how I don't have an HT, "YET". Any locals want to help?

"Wouldn't it be cool, if?...is like Folgers in my cup"