# Autonomous Sidewalk Vehicles This Compact Vechicle by Hitachi is a Great Alternative to Walking By Ian Andrew Panganiban | Published 2013-03-29 | Autos Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/alternative-to-walking References: [bitrebels](http://www.bitrebels.com/technology/self-driving-robot-vehicles/) & [youtube](http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=DBZFW1BYKKY) There are times when you just don't feel like walking from one place to another, and this miniature sidewalk vehicle is a creative alternative to walking or taking the bus home. The good people at Hitachi have developed a [self-driving, one-man vehicle](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/rideable-aipowered-personal-assistant) to aid people on their [daily treks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/fastport-equad). The 'Robot for Personal Intelligent Transport System,' or ROPITS, is a [self-automated wheel chair](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/wheeled-robotic-aid) that was designed specifically for people who have a difficult time walking. This one-man vehicle only travels on sidewalks and has a maximum speed of 3.7 mph. Passengers can input their travel destinations on a map display onboard or via the owner's mobile device. If you're tired at the end of the day and you don't want to feel cramped on a bus or a subway, then this robotic wheelchair is the perfect way for you to get home. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 2.4/10 - Popularity: 34% | Activity: 29% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen X - Top markets: North America, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Autos](https://www.trendhunter.com/autos) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Autonomous Sidewalk Vehicles:** Hitachi's self-driving sidewalk vehicle offers a disruptive innovation opportunity for personal transport systems. - **Self-automated Wheelchairs:** The development of self-automated wheelchairs presents a disruptive innovation opportunity for improving mobility and independence for people with difficulties walking. - **Map-based Navigation:** The integration of map display and mobile device input in personal transport systems opens up a disruptive innovation opportunity for convenient and efficient navigation. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Transportation:** The transportation industry can benefit from integrating autonomous sidewalk vehicles into their service offerings. - **Medical and Rehabilitation:** The medical and rehabilitation industry can explore the use of self-automated wheelchairs to enhance mobility and independence for individuals with walking difficulties. - **Technology and Software:** The technology and software industry can develop innovative map-based navigation solutions for personal transport systems, enhancing user experience and convenience. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Urban Mobility Chairs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/uni-one.md) - [Wheel-Free Assisted Mobility Chairs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/toyota-walk-me.md) - [Compact Electric City Cars](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kg-motors.md) - [Wheelchair-Friendly Vans](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/miniature-van.md) - [Two-in-One Senior Mobility Solutions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/selfdriving-wheelchair.md) - [Accessible Airport Aids](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/autonomous-airport-vehicle.md) - [Smart Mobility Vehicles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/strutt-ev1.md) - [Robotic Movement-Interpreting Wheelchairs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/honda-unione.md) - [VR Electric Mobility Wheelchairs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mobility-wheelchair.md)