Only a year after taking control of Sony’s robotics business, Toyota has revealed a new transportation device it describes as a ‘mobility robot’. It is a vertical, mechanized two-wheeled scooter. This self-balancing electric vehicle is similar to the famous ‘Segway’ which was first revealed to the world in 2001. However, this personal scooter is probably not up to par to the Segway in speed or ruggedness. The Winglet can only go up to 3.7mph versus Segway’s top speed of 12.5 mph. Toyota hopes to put the Winglet into production in 2010.
Three versions will be offered: small, medium and large, differing in height, weight and handling characteristics. The ‘S’ model weighs 9.9kg and ‘M’ and ‘L’ models 12.3kg, and all can travel at up to 6kph (roughly a brisk walking pace). The ‘S’ has a range of five kilometers between recharges, and the other models 10km; they can be fully charged in an hour.
The Winglet is ridden in a standing position. The rider stands on a platform the size of an A3 sheet of paper, and the two-wheeled device is propelled by an electric motor. Sensors monitor the user’s position to ensure stability, and the user only has to shift his or her body weight to steer, turn and move forward and backwards.
Something to take to Sepang for this year’s MME soon?
