Honda’s groundbreaking UNI-ONE personal mobility chair, designed for individuals with lower limb immobilization, made its debut in late 2022, offering advanced electric wheelchair capabilities akin to a Segway. Now, Honda is set to unveil a Segway-like version at South by Southwest (SXSW) in Austin, Texas, next month, with a unique twist: a virtual reality (VR) application.
This innovative move sees Honda integrating the UNI-ONE, primarily intended for individuals with disabilities, into a seamless virtual reality experience dubbed “Honda Extended Reality (XR).” The concept of merging real-world mobility with virtual environments presents an exciting opportunity that Honda is eager to explore.
According to Hirokazu, Honda’s representative, this unprecedented combination promises to enhance the immersive experience manifold. Leveraging the self-balancing technology known as the Honda Omni Traction Drive System (HOT Drive System) and advanced sensors on the 154-pound UNI-ONE, users can navigate virtual worlds with unprecedented freedom and precision, opening up new avenues for VR and augmented reality (AR) entertainment.
Imagine hurtling through a track on a virtual planet with reduced gravity, all while being seated on a hands-free device capable of reaching speeds of up to 3.7 mph. By synchronizing visual input from a VR headset with the UNI-ONE’s versatile movement capabilities, users can feel as though they’re racing through exotic landscapes, blurring the lines between reality and fiction. Honda’s commitment to this endeavor underscores the potential of extended reality (XR) technology in various entertainment settings, including malls, theme parks, and indoor or outdoor venues with ample space for exploration.
