The future is about mobility, and Toyota came to support this idea by announcing the development of Winglet, a personal transport assistance robot which can be ridden in a standing position, offering a compact transport solution, easy to use and safe at the same time.

The device, which is “still being refined,” as Toyota Motor Corp. said, consists of a body with a projected area size of an A3 sheet of paper, which houses an electrical motor, two wheels and interntal sensors that monitor the user's position and make adjustments to ensure stability, the car maker explained.

In addition to that, Winglet is easy to use thanks to its unique parallel link mechanism, which allows people to go forward, backward or turn by simply using their body weight, which can prove especially useful in crowded environments of tight spaces.

Toyota has developed three models, which can reach cruise speeds of 6 km/h, and apply to the customer's desires, whether they want a more practical model, or a hands-free one, for a more sporty feel.

Before making its official entrance on the market, Winglet will undergo a period of tests for consumer feedback. The tests are scheduled to begin in the Autumn of 2008 at Central Japan International Airport (Centrair) near Nagoya, and Laguna Gamagori, a marine resort complex in Aichi Prefecture, the company revealed.

Further testing to test Winglet in crowded environments or tight space will be carried out next year at the Tressa Yokohama shopping complex in Yokohama City.

The company also revealed that it is “pursuing sustainability in research and development, manufacturing and social contribution as part of its concept to realize 'sustainability in three areas' and to help contribute to the health and comfort of future society.”