by Suzuki has recently unveiled a groundbreaking transportation device that combines a motorcycle with robotic technology. The Suzuki MOQBA, also known as the quadruped horsiecycle, features a unique chassis with four small electric wheels, each attached to a robotic leg with three degrees of freedom. This innovative design allows the vehicle to climb stairs, traverse rough terrains, and reach places that traditional motorcycles cannot.
The MOQBA’s chassis, called the MOdular Quad Based Architecture, is versatile enough to accommodate various attachments. Users can choose from a range of options, including a sit/stand motorcycle seat, a wheelchair, a stretcher, a garbage bin, a robotic arm, or a carry basket. This flexibility makes the MOQBA a self-balancing transport device suitable for a wide array of applications.
While the MOQBA’s primary purpose is not geared towards recreational motorcycle riding, it offers unique opportunities for individuals with limited mobility. Elderly and disabled users can benefit from this device as it provides easy access to environments with limited wheelchair accessibility, such as subways or rough terrains. The potential for disaster recovery teams is significant, as the MOQBA could facilitate the transportation of injured individuals from challenging locations in a stable and comfortable manner.
Although The Ecofinance reports a top speed of 20 mph (32 km/h) and a range of up to 50 miles (80 km) for the MOQBA, this falls short compared to traditional motorcycles like the GSX-R. However, Suzuki’s focus with the MOQBA extends beyond recreational purposes, as they aim to address the mobility needs of aging populations and improve accessibility for individuals with disabilities.
The design of the MOQBA is reminiscent of Hyundai’s Ultimate Utility Vehicles, highlighting its more robotics-focused nature rather than traditional suspension systems seen on quad bikes. The vehicle appears to climb stairs using one leg at a time, which may result in a slower ascent. However, the chassis’s rotation around the seat ensures that riders stay level even when the wheels are on different steps.
Suzuki’s effort to develop this next-generation mobility solution showcases their commitment to addressing the challenges faced by an aging society. With the MOQBA, they aim to provide a convenient and accessible means of transportation that can navigate various terrains and overcome barriers to mobility. As Japan’s population pyramid continues to shift, Suzuki’s dedication to solving mobility issues is timely and critical.
While the MOQBA is currently a proposal for next-generation mobility, if it goes into production, it has the potential to replace traditional mobility scooters and wheelchairs. Furthermore, the versatile nature of its chassis opens doors for other applications, such as autonomous or remote-controlled robots. The MOQBA could revolutionize transportation for individuals with limited mobility, enhancing their independence and overall quality of life.
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1. Source: Coherent Market Insights, Public sources, Desk research
2. We have leveraged AI tools to mine information and compile it
