I really don’t want to replace walking, but I guess some people do. Toyota is developing a moving device just like the Segway that they are testing. Don’t know what a Segway is? It is the 2 wheeled person mover that you steer by shifting your balance. (When I think of Segway, I think of Gob in Arrested Development).
The Winglet is a little smaller and a little slower, it is touted as going the same speed as a pedestrian. So if it doesn’t move any faster than walking? Why do you need it?
The article I read said that it will help with the elderly, but I don’t see Nana riding around on one of these anytime soon. I like technology and robots but at some point we are all going to be so lazy we’ll be just like those folks in Wall-E. Moving around in lounge chairs and getting fat(ter).
One thing that a Toyota executive said:
Toyota envisions a future in which Winglet will be packed with wireless
technology so it relays shopping information at stores. Or it may move
on its own to recharge its batteries, or collect its owner when summoned.
I like the moving on its own to recharge a battery and it is pretty cool if it would come collect me, just like Knight Rider or the Batmobile. Although, I don’t know how you would carry a lot of stuff after shopping, maybe they’ll make a red wagon that will automatically follow you with all of your purchases.