A non-backdrivable passive balancing system for a single-axle dynamically balanced robotic device includes a body that includes a distal end and a proximal end, a controller module, and an actuator communicatively coupled to the controller module of the single-axle dynamically balanced robotic device. The actuator receives an engagement signal from the controller module, the engagement signal corresponding to an indication that the dynamically balanced robotic device is stationary, and the actuator causes the linkage to move the body from a disengaged position to an engaged position such that the distal end of the body contacts a ground surface and supports the dynamically balanced robotic device in a substantially upright position.

A portable two-wheeled self-balancing personal transport vehicle comprises a single support platform having first and second foot placement sections, one or more inertial sensors operable to provide pitch data for the platform. The first foot placement section and the second foot placement section are associated with a first wheel and a second wheel respectively controlled by a first and a second drive motor. At least one load sensor provides first load data for the first foot placement section and at least one load sensor provides second load data for the second foot placement section. Control circuitry is connected to the first and second drive motors, and operable to transmit to the first and second drive motors balancing signals for self-balancing the support platform housing in response to the pitch data, as well as one or more steering torque signals in response to the first and second load data.

Example implementations described herein are directed to a system for lean angle estimation without requiring specialized calibration. In example implementations, the mobile device sensor data can be utilized without any additional specialized data or configuration to estimate the lean angle of a motorcycle. The lean angle is determined based on a determination of a base attitude of a mobile device and a measured attitude of the mobile device.

A control system for a tiltable vehicle may include a motor controller configured to respond to backward or reverse operation of the vehicle by hindering a responsiveness of the control system (e.g., proportionally) and/or eventually disengaging a drive motor of the vehicle. Accordingly, a user may intuitively and safely dismount the vehicle by selectively commanding reverse operation. In some examples, the backward direction may be user-defined.

An object of the instant application is to provide a vehicle that can minimize parking space and a parking facility that can efficiently park a large number of vehicles in a predetermined parking space. The vehicle 1 includes a bottom flap 7 arranged on a bottom surface of a vehicle body and vertically rotatable around a lower rear end of the vehicle body, a rear flap 8, and geared motors 9, 11 for respectively rotating the bottom flap 7 and the rear flap 8. The parking facility 20 for a vehicle 1 is configured to include an erecting mechanism (a rotating member 22, an electric motor 23, and a link mechanism 24) for erecting the vehicle 1 upright with a rear surface facing down, and a transfer mechanism (belt conveyor) 25 for transferring the vehicle 1 erected by the erecting mechanism to a predetermined position.

A self-propelled, one-wheeled vehicle may include a suspension system configured to provide arcuate, generally vertical motion of a board relative to an axle of a central wheel assembly when the vehicle encounters obstacles and bumps on a riding surface. Illustrative suspension systems may include a shock absorber and a swingarm that couple the wheel assembly to the board.

A self-propelled, one-wheeled vehicle may include a suspension system configured to provide arcuate, generally vertical motion of a board relative to an axle of a central wheel assembly when the vehicle encounters obstacles and bumps on a riding surface. Illustrative suspension systems may include a shock absorber and a swingarm that couple the wheel assembly to the board.

An apparatus controller for prompting a rider to be positioned on a vehicle in such a manner as to reduce lateral instability due to lateral acceleration of the vehicle. The apparatus has an input for receiving specification from the rider of a desired direction of travel, and indicating means for reflecting to the rider a propitious instantaneous body orientation to enhance stability in the face of lateral acceleration. The indicating may include a handlebar that is pivotable with respect to the vehicle and that is driven in response to vehicle turning.

A method, system and apparatus for carrying a user including a board for supporting the user, a plurality of ground-contacting members coupled with the board, a motorized drive assembly coupled with the ground-contacting members and one or more sensors coupled with the drive assembly. In operation, the drive assembly adjusts the velocity of the ground-contacting member based on one or more distances of the board from a surface below the board as detected by the sensors.

A system includes a storage apparatus that includes a charging port, a handling device, and a processor programmed to output a signal to the handling device to select the storage apparatus for a transportation device, place the transportation device in the storage apparatus, and then activate the charging port to charge the transportation device.