All images courtesy of Whill
Japan has an ageing population and also has no fuel of its own this has lead it to be a world leader in robotics and mobility vehicles that are small and energy efficient. Another thing they seem extra good at is producing technology that is cute, fun something with a personality.
You can see all these attributes in Whill the personal mobility vehicle that just won the The Japan Good Design grand award. They where also recommended for the use of innovative technology that can be produced on a mass scale and a vehicle that understands its users needs.
‘We realized that many people desired this kind of innovation in the mobility industry,’
explains Satoshi Sugie, Whill co-founder, and CEO.
‘Our mission is to make technology that is minimalistic, functional and stylish. We intend to fundamentally change the attitudes of personal mobility users, as well as the general perceptions of personal mobility.’
Whill has been produced for short distances of approximately 100 meters. These short distances are where people with disabilities feel more uneasy and risk higher odds of injury. The design of Whill centers on a modern ride, that combines both intuitive controls and comfortable use. Tilting the joystick manages the directions, and side buttons offer the flexibility to adjust the seat forward for easy access. The ability to go anywhere is in the details of wheels – the front tires are comprised of 24 smaller ones that rotate on the spot around the rear wheel. Furthermore, all four wheels are powered to overcome steps as high as 7.5 centimeters. The drivetrain system can handle narrow alleyways, gravel, and grass without a problem.
The front wheels feature 24 smaller tires for tough terrain
