Unio: The Electric Assisted Unicycle with Automatic Balance System

Revolutionizing Urban Transportation with Unio

Unio combines the gyro automatic balance system and electric power to create a unique and efficient mode of transportation. With its sleek and compact design, Unio offers a new way to navigate crowded city streets, providing a faster and more agile alternative to bicycles.

The main design purpose of Unio is to make unicycling skills applicable to daily life. By riding Unio, users can utilize the same skills they would use on a regular bicycle. Within a couple of hours, riders can become experts, effortlessly traveling forward, backward, and gliding to either side.

One of the standout features of Unio is its automatic balance system. This system allows riders to maintain stability and control, even in crowded or challenging environments. Additionally, Unio's compact size and maneuverability make it more pedestrian-friendly and significantly reduce the amount of parking space required compared to traditional bicycles.

Unio is made of lightweight aluminum alloy, ensuring durability and ease of use. The lithium battery is cleverly placed in the hollow portion of the frame, optimizing space efficiency. The body of Unio is assembled using two components: the tail arm and the wheel arm. The tail arm serves as a convenient parking mechanism, making it easy to store and transport Unio when not in use.

Unio incorporates regenerative braking strategies, capturing kinetic energy and converting it into usable power. When riders lean backward to slow down, the motor acts as a brake and generator, sending energy back to the battery for later use. This innovative feature enhances the overall efficiency and sustainability of the design.

With a range of approximately 10-15 km and a speed of 10-15 km/h, Unio offers a practical and eco-friendly solution for short commutes. The drum motor of Unio can be manipulated for movement and automatic attitude balance. In situations where the battery power is low, the drum motor focuses solely on maintaining balance, while the moving power relies on human pedaling.

Unio was developed by a team of talented individuals, including Pang-Chia Chen, Chao-Tang Chiu, and Shuai-Feng Lin. The project began in 2011 at Kao Yuan University in Kaohsiung and was completed in Spring 2012 for the Green Tech Contest in Taipei. It was later exhibited at the 63rd iENA in October 2012.

The design process for Unio involved extensive research and development to create a firmware that would make riding feel effortless. The team focused on understanding user motion and predicting user intent, resulting in a seamless and intuitive riding experience.

Despite its many advantages, Unio does have its limitations. Riders must be mindful of their lean angle to avoid potential falls. The design team found that most users quickly become aware of their safety margins and adapt their riding style accordingly.

Unio has received recognition for its innovative design and practicality. It was awarded the Iron A' Design Award in the Vehicle, Mobility, and Transportation Design category in 2015. This prestigious accolade is given to designs that meet professional and industrial requirements while integrating industry best practices and competent technical characteristics.

Unio is a testament to the power of design and innovation in transforming urban transportation. With its automatic balance system, compact size, and eco-friendly features, Unio offers a new way to navigate the city streets, making commuting more efficient, enjoyable, and sustainable.