canguRo transforms from robot assistant to self-driving vehicle

canguRo is a new robotic three-wheel personal mobility vehicle developed by shunji yamanaka and takayuki futura. the robot has been created with the idea of fulfilling two jobs: autonomous assistant and part self-driving mobility vehicle. referencing a kangaroo — and taking its name from the australian animal — canguRo doesn’t jump but can run along its owner at a maximum speed of 10km/h.

screenshots © fuRomovie

‘as a partner robot, it never leaves the side of its master. it transforms into a vehicle that augments its master’s physical functions — motional and sensory — and travels with the master as one. it is a machine lifeform produced from the latest robotics and AI technologies fused by product design,’ says japan trends.

when using canguRo as a vehicle, the user can either drive the robot or have it guide itself. the robot has a built-in body-sonic system that can output heartbeat-like pulses modulated by travel speed. this way, the rider can gain a sense of the current speed. complete with smart functions, the robot can stop itself when it detects hazard. for those curious to see canguRo, it will be on display in los angeles’ japan house exhibition venue.