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Honda's self-parallel parking tech
22 October 2009
Honda could use the multi-directional wheel technology from its U3-X single wheeler in an electric car to create a vehicle that could parallel park at right angles to itself.
Shin-ichiro Kobashi, one of the U3-X's developers, said that the device's omni-directional wheel has "other possibilites" aside from its use in the personal mobility device.
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"There is no specific concept yet'" he said, but confirmed that Honda is looking at other uses for the technology including in its car and motorbike divisions.
The omni-traction drive system uses a series of small wheels arranged around the outside of a larger single wheel. The small wheels can spin at right angles to the large central wheel, enabling the U3-X to move in any direction.
The rider controls the device by leaning in the desired direction, which alters their centre of gravity and the U3-X responds.
Honda is developing the U3-X as a personal mobility device, but in an automotive application the omni wheel could be incorporated into in-wheel motors, giving an electric car the ability to slide into a parking space at right angles.
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