Move over Segway, here comes the U3-X, easily one of the scene stealers in the recent Tokyo Motor Show which began last Oct. 24.

Honda’s latest personal mobility solution is shaped like a number “8” and stands no taller than 65 centimeters.

The experimental device fits comfortably between the rider's legs, rolls like a unicycle, and runs on power from a Lithion Ion battery (similar to those used in cellular phones).

The extraordinary gadget provides the rider with a free range of movement in all directions, just as a person would walk — forward, backward, side-to-side, and even diagonally. This is made possible by the U3-X’s wheel within a wheel design.

This omni-directional driving wheel system (Honda Omni Traction Drive System, or HOT Drive System) is actually several wheels that make up a larger one.

Multiple small-diameter motor-controlled wheels were connected in-line to form one large-diameter wheel.

By moving the large-diameter wheel, the device moves forward and backward, and by moving the small-diameter wheels, the device moves side-to-side. Combined with the rotation of the larger wheel, they grant the U3-X the ability to move diagonally.

The device is controlled by simply shifting your body weight. An incline sensor inside the vehicle detects the incline of the device based on the weight shifted by the rider and determines the rider's intention in terms of the direction and speed.

Based on the data, precise control is applied to return the device to an upright position, which achieves smooth and agile movements and simple operation just by shifting your weight. Stopping is done by leaning backward while the device is moving.

Turning is done by leaning to one side. Sideways movement is achieved by leaning to one side from a standstill.

And diagonal movement is achieved by leaning in an oblique direction.

This intuitive control system was achieved through the application of advanced technologies including Honda's balance control technology, which was developed through the robotics research of ASIMO, Honda's bipedal humanoid robot.

The U3-X’s short stature was also carefully considered. The height and ground clearance makes it easier for the rider to reach the ground from the footrest. The height also places the rider on roughly the same eye level as other people or pedestrians.

That’s not all the U3-X can do. When not in use, the seat and footrests fold down into the device. A retractable carrying handle pops up and the rider can simply carry it or stow it in its stand.

In fact, the device was designed to be stored and recharged in another concept vehicle, the EV-N. You may be keen to pull out your check books already, but for now, the U3-X is still an experimental model.

Honda will continue research and development of the device including experiments in a real-world environment to verify the practicality of the device. One thing’s for sure though, with devices like the U3-X, the future looks like a lot of fun.