10-11-2005, 11:48 PM | #1 |
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Toyota's i-swing personal mobility concept
http://www.gizmag.com/go/4730/
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 |
10-12-2005, 12:21 AM | #2 |
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no thanks
This thing rules. |
10-12-2005, 01:02 AM | #3 |
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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 |
10-12-2005, 01:28 AM | #4 |
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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 [image]http://www.segwaychat.com/photos/Tappedout/blingbling.jpg[/image] |
10-12-2005, 02:51 AM | #5 |
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Well, it certainly looks like market validation (especially for the Asian market) when Toyota wants to build an EPAMD
Chris |
10-12-2005, 05:19 AM | #6 |
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Hey, now I know what to make my HT into for Halloween this year!
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10-12-2005, 09:08 AM | #7 | |
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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:
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10-12-2005, 09:19 AM | #8 |
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10-12-2005, 12:23 PM | #9 |
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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 |
10-13-2005, 01:10 AM | #10 |
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Very important question: Has one of these things been built or is all of this just drawings?
Stan Dobrowski |
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