Toyota's latest 'personal mobility robot' unveiled at Tokyo Motor Show
Much like the now-common Segway, Toyota's 'personal mobility robot', Winglet, is an all-electirc, two-wheeled transport device ridden in the standing position.
Available in three different models, the concept is "designed to contribute to the realisation of a world where everyone can enjoy mobility freely and safely", Toyota says.
The Winglet is offered in Sporty, Active and Universal variants, each aimed at different demographics, though all operated identically. Much like Segway, Winglet is operated by tilting forward onto the ball of your foot while keeping your eyes focussed on the horizon. Leaning back on to your heels will stop or even reverse Winglet with steering operated by leaning the centre stand (either with your calves, thighs or hands, depending on variant) in the direction you wish to travel.
Having a brief "drive" of Winglet at Toyota's MegaWeb facility in Tokyo, motoring.com.au can report that after a moment to find one's balance on the tiny craft, Winglet is incredibly easy to manoeuvre. The forward and reverse controls are a little on the touchy side, and when combined with the fine balance required to keep from tipping off can give the legs a bit of a work out. But as we navigated our indoor track, it was pleasing to find that after a mere 30 seconds, Winglet felt quite natural, responding almost intuitively to slight responses to maintain the intended course, and regulate speed.
More rapid manoeuvres, such as swerving to avoid people who might step in your path, are also met with agility and quick response, the leaning action of the footplate complementing the turn to balance Winglet as you "swerve" around obstacles.
Operation is silent, a few simple LED lights and a small button to let Winglet know you're disembarking the only switchable inputs. Winglet can turn on its own axis and is portable, folding into itself for storage under your desk, say, once you get to work. Top speed is equivalent to that of a brisk walk at just over 6km/h, while cruising range varies between 5 and 10km, depending on model type.
Winglet takes one hour to fully charge its lithium-ion battery and is powered by a single small electric motor.
The Winglet is Toyota's second personal mobility robot, joining the i-REAL which was unveiled at the last Tokyo Motor Show in 2009.
At this stage, Winglet is a concept and is not available for sale. Though we can expect kids of all ages wanting one of these under the Christmas tree once timing and pricing are announced.
More Tokyo Motor Show news on motoring.com.au
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