Toyota Tinkers With Baby Segways

Toyota (TM) on Friday announced that it is tinkering with a robot called the Winglet, which technically is “a personal transport assistance robot ridden in a standing position.” Translation: Toyota may be eyeballing Segway’s turf.

The automaker said in a statement that the Winglet is still being refined, but is designed to help people get around.

Toyota said the Winglet consists of a small body with an electric motor, two wheels and sensors that ensure stability. A rider can control the device by shifting body weight. There are also three models ranging from practical to sporty.

Here’s a look at the models that Toyota will be testing out in the fall at the Central Japan International Airport (Centrair) near Nagoya, and Laguna Gamagori, a seaside resort complex in Aichi Prefecture. Toyota will test the Winglet in shopping crowds in 2009.

Comments

[CaptBob:]

Obviously Toyota has it's finger on the Global shopping pulse.

Testing in a Japanese Seaside resort will get more riders than Wal-Mart's.--I'm afraid consumers will be a little thin over here in 2009.

And spending money to avoid what little exercise one derives walking around spending more money sounds like--just what the American loves,--but may have to sacrifice with a "give up".

Also note: The pics don't show the package trailer this thing will have to pull around to be a success here. Baby rack would be nice too. And cup-holder a must!! In fact we could probably bury that thing with so many fox-tail options, the battery would go flat just holding them up!.

2008 Aug 02 12:42 PM

[Ishortyou:]

I like the robotization idea, let the robots do all the job for us!

2008 Aug 03 11:34 AM