Honda reckons its Segway-like wheelchair can deliver 'the peaceful feeling of floating in the sky' when paired with VR and isn't just for people with mobility issues

HardwareVR HardwareHonda reckons its Segway-like wheelchair can deliver ‘the peaceful feeling of floating in the sky’ when paired with VR and isn’t just for people with mobility issuesWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.

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(Image credit: Honda)

A screenshot from a YouTube video of the UNI-ONE device, with a user holding their arms out to the sides while it moves and grinning

Creating technology for the purpose of helping people with disabilities is a noble goal and one where stridesseem to be being madeto make the world a more accessible place for all. However, Honda reckons its UNI-ONE Segway-like device isn’t just for people with mobility issues, as the company has released a video showing someone having a whale of a time in one equipped with a VR headset.

In an interesting example of repurposing functional technology for entertainment purposes, the UNI-ONE, Honda’s self-balancing mobility solutionfirst demonstrated in 2023, has been pitched as a “brand new multimodal experience that takes extended reality technologies to the next level” with the addition of VR (viaGizmodo). The company will be showing off the device at SXSW, inviting attendees to ride the UNI-ONE while wearing a VR headset and shifting their body weight to steer.

According to thepress release, experiences will include “the peaceful feeling of floating in the sky” or “the exhilarating feeling of gliding along a half-pipe path”.

The company envisions people enjoying the experience in indoor and outdoor “obstacle-free spaces”—which strikes as a necessity rather than an option—including theme parks, entertainment facilities, and shopping malls.

Honda also wants to collaborate with AR and VR developers to create VR experiences that make use of UNI-ONE’s free-flowing movement, and in the accompanying video, our intrepid test-ee certainly seems to be having a good time using a headset with the device, stretching out their arms and grinning.

You can almost hear the “wheeeee” as they glide around the (noticeably obstacle-free and spacious) test room.

Well, who’s to deny that it does look fun? However, the UNI-ONE does have a serious intended purpose beyond its entertainment possibilities and makes use of some impressive technology to achieve it.

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Once a user has strapped themselves into the seat, the device lifts itself off of the ground onto two self-balancing motorised wheels that Honda calls its “Honda Omni Traction Drive System”, which then allows smooth and multi-directional movement.

Virtual reality(Image credit: Valve)Best VR headset: which kit should you choose?Best graphics card: you need serious GPU power for VRBest gaming laptop: don’t get tied to your desktop in VR

Virtual reality

(Image credit: Valve)Best VR headset: which kit should you choose?Best graphics card: you need serious GPU power for VRBest gaming laptop: don’t get tied to your desktop in VR

(Image credit: Valve)

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The device also features an adjustable motorised seat that can be raised to a higher position to allow users to be closer to the eye level of someone standing and can be turned with the shifting of body weight. A joystick is also provided for additional movement control, and it can achieve a maximum speed of 3.7 miles per hour.

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