Add to Google
EMBRIO One Wheeler EMBRIO One Wheeler
Monday, December 18, 2006 - Iddo Genuth
Home >> Picture Of The Day >> Transportation
  Peralink
EMBRIO One Wheeler
Related Pictures
Moller's M400 Skycar
SkySails – Towing Kites For Ships
After all sorts of three wheeled motorcycles (e.g., the T-Rex and the PIAGGIO MP3), how about a one-wheeler? The Bombardier EMBRIO is a concept one-wheeled hydrogen fuel cell-powered, gyroscopically balanced recreational and commuting vehicle for one or more passengers. The EMBRIO takes the Segway a step further toward its designers' vision of human transportation in the year 2025.

The design team at the Canadian company Bombardier chose very light materials for the EMBRIO, including aluminum, magnesium, and nylon, resulting in a total weight of merely 360 lbs. (163 kg). The EMBRIO will use a number of advanced automotive technologies, such as infrared night vision, a digitally encoded key, and active suspension, which can vary its damping rates based on road conditions. Balance is achieved via a network of sensors and gyroscopes. Although the designers believe in the gyroscope's ability to stabilize the vehicle, they did keep a longitudinally smaller wheel that operates similarly to an airplane's landing gear, retracting when the vehicle slows to 12 mph (20 km/h).

The Bombadier EMBRIO received the Industrial Design Society of America & Business Week Magazine's Gold Award back in 2003 and is still merely a concept, which may or may not materialize. Regardless, it stands as a testament for the creativity of its designers.

More information on the EMBRIO concept from the Bombardier website.


Other Articles 2007 In Science, Medicine and Space 2007 In Science, Medicine and Space DARPA's Urban Challenge 2007 DARPA's Urban Challenge 2007

Related News Killer Whale Personal Submarine Killer Whale Personal Submarine China to introduce a Robotic Electromagnetic Bus China to introduce a Robotic Electromagnetic Bus

Other Columns The Wave That Changed Science The Wave That Changed Science CES on a Netbook and a Bit More CES on a Netbook and a Bit More




Terms Of Use | Privacy Policy | Contact Us | Advertise With Us | Site Profile
Copyright © 2011 The Future of Things. All rights reserved.
Feedback Form