Toyota i-unit

Toyota i-unit

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 setups. First, there is an upright "low speed" setup, 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" setup has a much lower center of gravity and is for driving at higher speeds.

The i-unit weighs 180 kilograms. 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 convert|0.9|m|in|1, 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 color of the lights can change according to the preferences or emotions of the operator. The shape was designed to symbolize 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. Trunk or glove compartment), and the protection against bad weather is inadequate.

Twelve i-units together with two Toyota i-foot (two legged walking seats for one passenger, maximum capacity 60 kg) performed at the Toyota Pavilion at the 2005 World Expo in Aichi.

ee also

*Microcar

External links

* [http://www.toyota.co.jp/en/news/04/1203_1e.html Toyota Press Release]
* [http://www.safetytoyota.com/ Toyota's innovative technology - I-unit ]
* [http://www.metacafe.com/watch/651280/toyota_one_person_unit/ I-unit clip]


Wikimedia Foundation. 2010.

Игры ⚽ Нужно сделать НИР?

Look at other dictionaries:

  • Toyota i-unit — i Unit В низкой позиции на международном автомобильном шоу 2005г. во Франкфурте …   Википедия

  • Toyota I-unit — 4 колесный концепт i Unit был впервые показан на автосалоне в Нью Йорке. Этот автомобиль позиционируется как индивидуальное средство передвижения. Водитель размещается в кресле, похожем по форме на гамак. I unit передвигается на электротяге и… …   Энциклопедия ньюсмейкеров

  • Toyota — Motor Corporation Rechtsform Kabushiki gaisha (Aktiengesellschaft) ISIN JP3633400001 Gründung …   Deutsch Wikipedia

  • Toyota Gruppe — Toyota Motor Corporation Unternehmensform Kabushiki gaisha (Aktiengesellschaft) ISIN …   Deutsch Wikipedia

  • Toyota Jidōsha — Toyota Motor Corporation Unternehmensform Kabushiki gaisha (Aktiengesellschaft) ISIN …   Deutsch Wikipedia

  • Toyota Motor — Corporation Unternehmensform Kabushiki gaisha (Aktiengesellschaft) ISIN …   Deutsch Wikipedia

  • Toyota Motor Corporation — Unternehmensform Kabushiki gaisha (Aktiengesellschaft) ISIN …   Deutsch Wikipedia

  • Toyota Matrix — Infobox Automobile name = Toyota Matrix manufacturer = Toyota Motor Corporation aka = Pontiac Vibe Toyota Voltz production = 2003–present class = Compact assembly = Cambridge, Ontario layout = Front engine, front wheel drive / all wheel drive… …   Wikipedia

  • Toyota PM — Infobox automobile name = Toyota PM manufacturer = Toyota production = 2010 assembly = Tokyo, Japan class = conceptPM is a concept vehicle by Toyota Motor Corporation.ee also* Toyota i unit * ToyotaExternal links* [http://www.toyota.com/concept… …   Wikipedia

  • Toyota Camry — Manufacturer Toyota Production 1982–present Predecessor Toyota Celica Camry …   Wikipedia

Share the article and excerpts

Direct link
Do a right-click on the link above
and select “Copy Link”