Toyota revealed plans this week for what could become a major rival to the Segway personal transporter.

The Winglet is a personal transport robot, which like the segway, is powered by a rechargable battery and ridden in a standing position. Unlike the segway, however, Toyota's design is far more compact, and will likely be available in three sizes - "L", "M" and "S", with the smallest being dubbed the 'hands-free sporty' due to its handle bar free design.

The Segway has quickly become a favorite option for city tours across the globe, and although it won't be available to purchase until 2010, the Winglet promises to offer a similar speedy, yet eco-friendly way to tour a city.

The robot itself consists of a body (with a projected area the size of an A3 sheet of paper) that houses an electric motor, two wheels and internal sensors that constantly monitor the user's position and make adjustments in power to ensure stability. Meanwhile, a unique parallel link mechanism allows the rider to go forward, backward and turn simply by shifting body weight, making the vehicle safe and useful even in tight spaces or crowded environments.

Practical tests of the vehicle are scheduled to begin in the Fall, when they'll be put to use in the Central Japan International Airport (Centrair) near Nagoya, and Laguna Gamagori, a seaside marine resort complex in Aichi Prefecture; and as well as being electric powered, Toyota are also rsearching sustainable materials and manufacture methods for the Winglets.