Segway made a huge headline in 2001 as a personal transporter, but now in 2008, Toyota unveiled a similar device called the "Winglet", a personal transport assistance robot ridden in a standing position.
It comes with 3 models, the S, M and L model. Each having different size and the size S is hands-free model - you can manouvre with just shifting your weight.
The Winglets is capable of cruising up to 6km/hr with ability of cruising up to 6km (for S model) and up to 10km (for M and L model), all with only 1 hour full charge. Comparing to Segway (capable of cruising up to 20km/hr) it is a bit slower, but what you get is compact and easily transportable.
It is also very light, with less than 10kg and can be easily transported and fold in the boot of a car.
Toyota mentioned that there will still be more testing before its released to the public.
The first trial use will be held later this year at Central Japan International Airport (Centrair) near Nagoya, and Laguna Gamagori, a seaside marine resort complex in Aichi Prefecture.
The first trial use will be held later this year at Central Japan International Airport (Centrair) near Nagoya, and Laguna Gamagori, a seaside marine resort complex in Aichi Prefecture.
Another testing will also be held in 2009 at the Tressa Yokohama shopping complex in Yokohama City.
Toyota will assess its popularity and its usefullness in crowded environment before making a decision whether or not to mass produce the products. [Toyota]
Toyota will assess its popularity and its usefullness in crowded environment before making a decision whether or not to mass produce the products. [Toyota]
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