Things you need to know:
AVIOT, operated by Japan's Preseed Group, which manufactures and sells consumer electronics, has announced the launch of a new mobility product development project called the “AVIOT Bicycle Project” in collaboration with Shoji Kawamori, animation director, mechanical designer, and visionary creator. For this project, Shoji Kawamori is responsible for the visual design and AVIOT is responsible for the development. Development is currently underway with the aim of launching the first product, the KB-S350 electric skateboard, in 2025. The product is being developed to comply with the safety standards for designated small-motor bicycles and specially designated small-motor bicycles. It has a streamlined shape without any unnecessary elements, and incorporates mechanical design into each part. The design encapsulates the innovation, functionality, and appeal of Japanese mechanical design, bringing new user value not found in existing electric mobility products. The project's main visual was drawn by Risa Ebata, who worked with Shoji Kawamori as a character designer on the popular anime Macross F. This beautiful illustration captures the complexity of the product while evoking a sense of speed.
KB-S350 Design and Product Specifications
The steering wheel area is designed to give a sleek, modern look that represents the vehicle, while ensuring visibility of the instrument panel.
The front cover is integrated with the grip, designed for easy grip and incorporates distinctive iconic design elements such as the slot and three holes.
Furthermore, the KB-S350 features AVIOT’s unique “3-way adjustable stand,” which offers versatility with three modes: as a travel stand that lets you attach small bags, a vertical stand for upright storage, and a security stand to prevent theft when parked. This mechanism provides a stylish yet sturdy look.
Talk Show celebrating the project launch
AVIOT will exhibit a prototype of the KB-S350 at Anime Expo®2024, taking place in Los Angeles, USA, from July 4 to July 7. A talk show featuring Shoji Kawamori himself will be held to celebrate the project's launch.
“AVIOT × Shoji Kawamori” Ridepie Project Launch Anniversary Talk
Date and Time: 10:30am-11:30am, July 5, 2024
Location: Los Angeles Convention Center (California, USA)
Entertainment Room E-140, AVIOT Booth
Shoji Kawamori Profile
Visionary Creator, Animation Director
Best known as one of the original creators of SUPER DIMENSION FORTRESS MACROSS, Shoji Kawamori has been involved with the franchise since the original 1982 television series. In 1984, he made his directorial debut with SUPER DIMENSION FORTRESS MACROSS: DO YOU REMEMBER LOVE? at the age of 23. MACROSS would go on to have a profound and lasting impact, with its influence felt around the world.
In addition to MACROSS, Shoji Kawamori has also created various original anime, including GENESIS OF AQUARION, SPRING AND CHAOS, EARTH GIRL ARJUNA, etc. His extensive output also includes creative contributions to DIACLONE'S Battle Convoy (TRANSFORMERS'Optimus Prime), THE VISION OF ESCAFLOWNE, GUNDAM 0083: STARDUST MEMORY, GHOST IN THE SHELL, ARMORED CORE, THUNDERBIRDS ARE GO, and CALL OF DUTY®: MOBILE, to name just a few.
Most recently, in 2020, he was appointed as thematic project producer for EXPO 2025, OSAKA, KANSAI, JAPAN.
About AVIOT
AVIOT, launched in 2018 as an original brand of the Japanese Preseed Group, aims to provide products that convey high Japanese craftsmanship in sound, exquisite and beautiful design, and easy-to-use electronic products. In 2023, the brand relaunched with the addition of “Technological Visionary Innovation” to its name, aiming to become an electronics brand that goes beyond audio-visual products. The vision is to bring innovation through the power of technology and bring “something that changes your life” to customers.
Company name: Preseed Japan Corporation
Representative: CEO Founder Hirokazu Tsuchiyama
Address: 4-16-7 Sendagaya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 151-0051, DT Building 3F
Business activities:
1) Manufacturing, importing and selling wireless audio equipment and IoT related products
2) Import and sale of mobile accessories
3) E-commerce website management
AVIOT official website: aviot.jp
AVIOT Official X (formerly Twitter): twitter.com/AVIOT_JP
AVIOT official Instagram: instagram.com/aviotjapan
AVIOT official Tiktok: tiktok.com/discover/AVIOT
Source: Official press release