Toyota i-Unit Concept Car
Full of revolutionary technology, this i-Unit concept car, designed in Japan, uses plant-based materials instead of oil-based plastics and metals. Tough kenaf plant fibres are held together by lignin, a natural polymer found in wood. - Science Museum notice.
The i-unit is an ultra-compact single-seater four-wheeled Toyota concept car. It debuted at the World Expo 2005, held in Aichi Prefecture, Japan. The vehicle is a cross between a microcar, a motorcycle, and a vehicular exoskeleton. The goal of Toyota is to provide a personal mobility, which can be used on roads but also does not hinder interaction with pedestrians. For this the i-unit has two possible set-ups. First, there is an upright low-speed set-up, where the rider has a higher position and can have conversations face-to-face with pedestrians and can move among people. This upright position can be transformed while driving to a low position, where the rider sits much lower and more reclined. This high speed set-up has a much lower centre of gravity and is for driving at higher speeds.
The i-unit weighs 180 kg. It contains a lithium-ion battery and features Intelligent Transport System technology. The rear wheels are powered by electric motors, and the device is steered with the front wheels. In the upright position it has a turning radius of 0.9m, which means it can turn on the spot. The vehicle is controlled by two joystick-like devices at the front of the armrests, and uses a Drive-by-wire technology. An Intelligent Transport System (ITS) technology aims to reduce the likelihood of accidents.
The colour of the lights can change according to the preferences or emotions of the operator. The shape was designed to symbolise a leaf, and the design incorporates environmentally-friendly materials such as kenaf.
This concept vehicle is of course used by Toyota for public relations, and they state that The "i-unit" is a form of "personal mobility" that seeks to attain a greater balance of meeting individuals' wishes to enjoy freedom of movement, harmony with society, and harmony with the Earth's natural environment. They also refer to these vehicles as wearable personal mobility vehicles. A representative at the IAA 2005 in Frankfurt stated that Toyota may plan to offer these type of vehicles for sale, but did not provide a date when the vehicle will be available. Currently the vehicle lacks features such as a storage compartment (i.e. boot or glove compartment), and the protection against bad weather is inadequate.
Twelve i-units together with two Toyota i-foots (two-legged walking seats for one passenger, maximum capacity 60 kg) performed at the Toyota Pavilion at the 2005 World Expo in Aichi. - Wikipedia
Seen in what I think is a higher, more upright position, in the Science Museum, South Kensington, London.
Toyota i-Unit Concept Car
Full of revolutionary technology, this i-Unit concept car, designed in Japan, uses plant-based materials instead of oil-based plastics and metals. Tough kenaf plant fibres are held together by lignin, a natural polymer found in wood. - Science Museum notice.
The i-unit is an ultra-compact single-seater four-wheeled Toyota concept car. It debuted at the World Expo 2005, held in Aichi Prefecture, Japan. The vehicle is a cross between a microcar, a motorcycle, and a vehicular exoskeleton. The goal of Toyota is to provide a personal mobility, which can be used on roads but also does not hinder interaction with pedestrians. For this the i-unit has two possible set-ups. First, there is an upright low-speed set-up, where the rider has a higher position and can have conversations face-to-face with pedestrians and can move among people. This upright position can be transformed while driving to a low position, where the rider sits much lower and more reclined. This high speed set-up has a much lower centre of gravity and is for driving at higher speeds.
The i-unit weighs 180 kg. It contains a lithium-ion battery and features Intelligent Transport System technology. The rear wheels are powered by electric motors, and the device is steered with the front wheels. In the upright position it has a turning radius of 0.9m, which means it can turn on the spot. The vehicle is controlled by two joystick-like devices at the front of the armrests, and uses a Drive-by-wire technology. An Intelligent Transport System (ITS) technology aims to reduce the likelihood of accidents.
The colour of the lights can change according to the preferences or emotions of the operator. The shape was designed to symbolise a leaf, and the design incorporates environmentally-friendly materials such as kenaf.
This concept vehicle is of course used by Toyota for public relations, and they state that The "i-unit" is a form of "personal mobility" that seeks to attain a greater balance of meeting individuals' wishes to enjoy freedom of movement, harmony with society, and harmony with the Earth's natural environment. They also refer to these vehicles as wearable personal mobility vehicles. A representative at the IAA 2005 in Frankfurt stated that Toyota may plan to offer these type of vehicles for sale, but did not provide a date when the vehicle will be available. Currently the vehicle lacks features such as a storage compartment (i.e. boot or glove compartment), and the protection against bad weather is inadequate.
Twelve i-units together with two Toyota i-foots (two-legged walking seats for one passenger, maximum capacity 60 kg) performed at the Toyota Pavilion at the 2005 World Expo in Aichi. - Wikipedia
Seen in what I think is a higher, more upright position, in the Science Museum, South Kensington, London.