Honda combines VR headset with its hands-free Uni-One mobility chair

Honda is debuting its Uni-One personal mobility device with virtual reality (VR) gaming. As part of an interactive experience for participants at the annual South By Southwest (SXSW) festival in Texas, they can choose their own VR adventure aboard something it calls “XR” – extended reality.

It’s the product of Honda Robotics, and while it looks like a uni-cycle, it operates on two-wheels. It also has four additional ‘stabilising’ wheels and can be height-adjusted, so those sitting in it can be at the same height as those standing, if desired. Operated hands-free, it is guided by shifting the user’s body weight.

Honda has coupled the use of it with a VR headset so once you’re strapped in with your headset on, you can chase experience points (XP) in various simulated environments.

Honda says the chair – an iteration of the Honda Uni-Cub beta first launched in 2013 – moves in all directions and has self-balancing sensor tech built into the electronic mechanism to stabilise it. The Uni-One has a maximum speed of 3.7mph and an electric range of five miles.

The plan is to commercialise the whole package in ‘obstacle-free spaces’ like theme parks and shopping malls, where players can compete in racing games.

Honda's Hirokazu Hara, vice president of new business development, said: “With the Honda XR Mobility Experience, we are expanding the joy and freedom of personal mobility into entertainment applications. By combining the unique, physical experience of riding the Honda Uni-One with a highly immersive digital entertainment, Honda is creating a brand new multimodal experience that takes extended reality technologies to the next level.”