Inspector Gadget fans can now look forward to imitating their hero with the debut of Yamaha’s BOBBY mini-scooter at the Tokyo Motor Show. On the outside, the BOBBY looks like a suitcase with wheels and even collapses into a smaller square form perfect for big city commuters. But in addition to the small form factor the BOBBY also features various Internet enabled features yet to be announced.
Perhaps the geekiest aspect of the vehicle is that it is turned on via cell phone using Sony’s FeliCa function, a contact-less IC card technology currently in use in many Japanese train ticket systems and cash cards. The BOBBY is still just a prototype with no set market release date, but this kind of marriage of software and hardware from an established motorcycle company is encouraging.
— Adario Strange
