Toyota i-foot, i-unit [mechanized mobility suits, mountable, walking i-foot, one passenger vehicle]

Toyota ^ | Dec 3, 2004 | unknown

[Mike Fieschko]

Tokyo—The Toyota Group* (the Group) today announced its plans for the performance to be featured in the Toyota Group Pavilion at EXPO 2005 AICHI, JAPAN.

The richly entertaining show, based on the theme “The Dream, Joy and Inspiration of Mobility in the 21st Century,” will introduce the concepts of “Mobility in Harmony with the Earth” and “Achieving the Dream and Joy of Worldwide Movement ” in its presentation of possibilities for a bright and fulfilling future.

[snip]

[Mike Fieschko]

Gizmodo writes:

Toyoto i-foot and i-unit

filed under Robots

What was I saying about the Japanese being just like us? I don't remember -- I must have been too busy staring slack-jawed at these new robots unveiled today by Toyota. I guess technically they aren't robots, but mechanized mobility suits. The one of the left is called 'i-foot,' and is designed to help the disabled to get around and to climb up stairs, while the two on the right are called 'i-unit.' If I'm not mistaken, i-unit has two modes, one that puts the rider more upright, while the other is in an inclined position that looks more suitable for high speed maneuvers. All three prototypes will be displayed at an exposition in Aichi next year.

Thank you, Toyota. I was afraid there for a while Japan had stopped being suitably weird. More pictures after the jump. (Thanks, Paul!)

Press Release [Toyota]

[AppyPappy]

To infinity...and beyond!!

[lonevoice]

Duplicate thread

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1293795/posts

[bayourod]

Not for me, too difficult to reach the food at the drive-in window at McDonalds.

[bikepacker67]

Segways on Steroids.

[Constantine XIII]

Well, if they painted it red and you can drive it without spandex, it might be sorta cool. :D

[Reactionary]

Ah. Dr. Seuss cars. Dr. Seuss people...

This frightens me.

[Steve Van Doorn]

is it me or do they look like electric wheel chairs?

[Mike Fieschko]

is it me or do they look like electric wheel chairs?

Actually, that's part of their purpose: mobility not only for the self-propelled.

[Red Badger]

Would you like them in a box? With a Fox?

[jb6]

My God, it's an anima attack!

[SuperSonic]

With friends like these, who needs anime?

[telebob]

You couldn't get any of those 'units' through your front door.

[SpaceBar]

In other news, LSD use is on the rise in Japan.

[dayton law dude]

Umm...

So how do you really feel?

PS: Formatting is cool

[FreeInWV]

[sittnick]

I do not care if some of you are elderly, at 65, as at 17 you should be made to prove you can safely pass a driving test. The most dangerous people on the road are DEFINATELY NOT speeders, in fact speeders usually follow the passing rules more closely and allow traffic to flow at the rate the road was designed for, the MOST DANGEROUS people on the road are seniors, and you'll never change my mind.

You asked for comments. First, it is very UNlibertarian to require an additional driver's test from someone just because he is old enough to qualify for Social Security.

Second, I don't need your opinion to know who is a safe driver. I am not a libertarian, but a libertarian would look at who funds the risk of driving in the marketplace. The insurance companies do. In fact, old folks pay less insurance than the honking 17-year-old because they are a better risk. They get in fewer accidents, those accidents they get into tend to be fender benders. They usually exercise better discretion (e.g. can't drive at night, etc.). They don't rush because they are running late, they don't show off, they don't have to get even with other rude drivers, etc. Oh, and most of them don't talk on the cell phone while weaving. (For the record, I am 41.)

There are bad drivers, and there are good drivers, and there are in-betweeners. Once someone establishes credentials for driving, they are his to keep. The burden is on those who would take them away. In this matter I opt for individual rights.

Once last thing, if you tail-gate me and honk your horn, I just might slow down to 15 mph. If you insist on risking rear-ending me, I want it to be at a slow speed.

[Dogrobber]

To Infinity and Beyond?

Hell, mount a Ma Duece, a diesel, armor and away we go!