Toyota i-Real personal mobility car to patrol Japans airports

[democritus]

Starting next week Japan's Chubu international airport will have officers patrolling in a shiny new Toyota i-Real personal mobility car. Made from lightweight carbon fiber reinforced plastic it has controls on the arm rests in lieu of a steering wheel. The three wheeled vehicle shortens its wheelbase in low speed mode to maneuver among pedestrians and in high speed mode the wheelbase lengthens to provide a lower centre of gravity and offer a top speed of 18.6 mph. With the introduction of the i-Real airport authorities can provide better service and also give a futuristic look to the airport.

Source NewLaunches

Toyota Japan official announcement in Japanese

[edmcel]

These remind me of a cross between a Segway and a mini Gundam! It would be cool to ride in one of these!

[0V3CHKiN]

Top Gear did a review of this in a season 12 episode. It's quite brilliant.

[vash1522]

That is seriously cool. I wonder if Clarkson could have fit into one those lol.

And the Steven Hawkins facebook bit, I do love Top Gear.

[natcaasi]

I wonder how does it do stairs or escalators...
If it could traverse such then here's an interesting headline." Handicap security guard 'runs down' able-bodied pickpocket by going 3 times faster"

[DEPTHSING]

gr8. an invention that finally allows for handicaps to be hired as security guards. coolz

[Haro!]

I think the idea is great and all but do the benefits outweigh the possibly high cost? Then again I am of the opinion that with technology you have to start somewhere, and the costs go down over time.

[Blue_Moon]

it doesnt look very comfy at all, could put in a leather seat with lots of padding. These people who work in airports have very long shifts.