Automobiles: Self-Balancing, Transforming Vehicle - Uno

My interests are mainly into electronics and gadget news, but I do enjoy the shows in Discovery and other channels that focus on the Chopper designs. Some of the designs and concepts that they use in the Chopper design is revolutionary. In the recent CES show in Las Vegas, one such revolutionary design was showcased by BPG Motors in their product Uno and all I can say is Wow.

To summarize the design, you need to think of Segway for its balance and mobility, to that add motors and to make things more complex, just let it transform. The transformation is on the move and is not like the fold-able bike designs, rather it is triggered on the move.

Uno is a three wheeler, which in normal mode is self-balancing like the Segway and when required can transform into a traditional two (three) wheeler. The rear wheels come closer to give a wider base and act as a single rear wheel. It does sound confusing, when you read the text but try the link to watch the video demonstrating this vehicle.

From the media images from the site, it looks like it has also featured in the Tron movie that released recently

Check around 0:39 to see the actual product in use

At this time the vehicle is hand manufactured and not mass produced, but the company is targeting mass production soon. Hope it has a better fate than Segway, but the design and implementation is truly amazing.

Update: looking for more information on this vehicle and the company, I came across the below video from the Company's site. It is interesting to note that this Company approached the program "Dragon's Den" ("Shark Tank"), in which you approach few venture capitalists in a reality show and pitch your idea. This Company was accepted and funded by some of the people in that group. It also shows the determination in taking a design from concept phase, prototype, funding and producing it.

Author: Vinod
Source: Engadget
Source Link