The far-out future is here: Toyota's new concept vehicles out-do science fiction (great pics)

Yahoo News Photos ^

[Wolfstar]

Yahoo News caption: Toyota's new concept vehicle i-unit is driven in during its unveiling in Tokyo, Dec. 3, 2004. (AP Photo/Shuji Kajiyama)

The i-unit, which resembles a wheelchair, is designed to help people get around. It will be displayed at an exposition in Aichi, central Japan, next year. (AP Photo/Shuji Kajiyama)

The compact sized vehicle, which runs on lithium-ion batteries, enables the passenger to move among other people in an upright position in low speed mode, while the vehicle reclines in high speed mode to lower the centre of gravity and ensure stable handling, the company said.

[My2Cents]

we may not be wearing any clothes in another few years.

Now there's a frightening thought.

[Grut]

What is the purpose of the outfits the demonstrators are wearing?

So that we'll assume they look like idiots because of how they're dressed, not what they're riding in.

[ArGee]

I'm supposed to believe this is the far future and there isn't even a rocket propulsion unit?

It's just a Segway. Nothing to see here. Move on.

Shalom.

[gov_bean_ counter]

Monica designed the kneepads.

[housewife101]

Well, I must say it is a whole lot fancier than my wheelchair, but I have a hard enough time get around in stores ,etc with mine. Can't imagine using that monstrous thing.It is awesome looking, though.

[ArGee]

Instead of using the iFoot couldn't you...just...walk?

Next you'll be having us jogging. I will not listen.

Couch potatos of the world, DO NOTHING!

Shalom.

[My2Cents]

Nope. Only the publicity photos.

To quote a former employee of Pan Am when the airline went belly-up, after having taken a number of reservations for some future Pan Am Moon Shuttle, "The future isn't what it used to be."

[Wolfstar]

There's even some TV commercial around now for -- heck, I don't know what -- that uses the slogan, "Skin is in."

[TalonDJ]

Considering the Japanese population is getting older it makes sense that some of them are working on things like walking wheelchairs (they can go up and down any stairs). Nice to see some of them transform... they would not be real mecha without transforming...

[Mad_Tom_Rackham]

I thought transport in the future was going to look like this:

[My2Cents]

LOL

[ArGee]

It kept them from being nude. That would distract from the product.

It might sell more of them, though.

Shalom.

[Centurion2000]

And here we have the grandfather of powered armor and battlemechs.

[O.C. - Old Cracker]

I've sat through it. It's a silent movie. I'd rather read the book if available.

[Wolfstar]

I'm supposed to believe this is the far future and there isn't even a rocket propulsion unit?

But you see, this is NOW, not the far future. Rocket (or laser, or quantum) propulsion is coming...

[My2Cents]

Ah, shouldn't that be "Skin is out"-side?

[WhatHappenedtoAmerica]

LOL!!!!!!!!!!

[ArGee]

Maybe a lightsabre or two?

You can have my lightsabre when you pry it from my cold, dead hands.

Shalom.

[My2Cents]

You know, I did see part of it on TCM one night. Fascinating, considering when it was made. But it looked like the product of nihilistic post-WWI Germany.

[Oblongata]

What is it with Japanese people? Will they not rest until they have found a way to conquer the world with robots? I have never seen such incredibly useless while still incredibly complicated machines in my life.