Honda UNI-CUB Participating in Hackathon at Shape: An AT&T Tech Expo
UNI-CUB joining two-day Hackathon as developers compete to create the best movable functionality for omni-directional, self-balancing Honda personal mobility device
07/11/2016
Source: Honda North America
The UNI-CUB (world.honda.com/UNI-CUB), Honda’s unique self-balancing personal mobility device, will be featured at the upcoming Shape: An AT&T Tech Expo in San Francisco. Highlighting the UNI-CUB’s appearance will be its participation in the Honda Developer Studio (https://developer.hondasvl.com/) Hackathon July 15-16 at AT&T Park.
During the Hackathon, software developers from across the globe will compete to develop unique software enabling UNI-CUB to be operated remotely beyond its current scope of operation. Developers will have 24 hours to conceive their new ideas for UNI-CUB, with the top 20 teams pitching their ideas live before a panel of judges. The Hackathon begins at 6:00pm Pacific on July 15.
“UNI-CUB is a unique personal mobility device that features Honda’s original balance control technology and an omni-directional driving wheel system. We will bring a programmable version of this rideable IoT to the Hackathon where we expect to see new and extraordinary ideas that will show original ways to use this device,” said Shinichiro Kobashi, the development leader of the UNI-CUB device. “By collaborating with the global tech community, not only are Honda engineers able to pursue their dreams, but they can also share knowledge and realize new advances in the application of unique Honda technologies.”
Modified with a Robot Operating System compatible API, this special version of the UNI-CUB will be available during the AT&T Tech Expo for programmers to create software that controls the device from a smartphone and other devices. This will expand upon the original UNI-CUB’s system, which currently allows the rider, sitting on a seat, to control speed, move in any direction, and turn and stop, all by simply shifting his or her weight. Since the rider can freely move forward, backward, side-to-side and diagonally, he or she can quickly and easily maneuver among people. Remote operation of UNI-CUB has the potential to expand its value and functionality for people.
About UNI-CUB
The UNI-CUB is a personal mobility device designed for harmony with people that features the world’s first omni-directional driving wheel system (Honda Omni Traction Drive System) and provides freedom of movement going forward, backward, side-to-side and diagonally by shifting body weight. The UNI-CUB features a compact size, a comfortable saddle, Honda’s proprietary balance control technology and the omni-directional driving wheel system that makes possible the same freedom of movement that people enjoy when walking. The balance control technology of UNI-CUB is part of the Honda Robotics family of technologies, which originates with Honda’s research into humanoid robots, including ASIMO. UNI-CUB also gained recognition from its featured appearance in a video by alternative rock band OK Go for the song “I Won’t Let You Down” in 2014: http://iwontletyoudown.com/#
About Honda
Honda established operations in America in 1959 and now employs more than 40,000 associates in its North American sales, R&D and manufacturing operations with total capital investment in North America exceeding $22 billion. Based on its longstanding commitment to “build products close to the customer,” Honda operates 14 R&D centers and 19 major manufacturing facilities in North America producing a wide range of Honda and Acura automobiles, automobile engines and transmissions, Honda all-terrain vehicles, power equipment products, such as lawn mowers, mini-tillers and general purpose engines, and the Honda Jet advanced light jet, all produced using domestic and globally sourced parts.