TOKYO - Toyota on Friday unveiled the Winglet, a personal transport assistance robot ridden in a standing position that appears to take direct aim at the Segway.

The Japanese automaker showed off three versions of the Winglet: the 'L,' 'M' and 'S' models. Toyota said handling features range from 'practical' to 'hands-free sporty.'

Real-world testing is about to kick off shortly. Toyota said it would begin testing the new robot in the fall at a Japanese airport and a marine resort complex. 'Testing of its usefulness in crowded and other conditions, and how non-users react to the device, is to be carried out in 2009' in Yokohama City, the automaker said.

The Winglet has an electric motor, two wheels and sensors that monitor the user's position and make stability adjustments. The rider can go forward, backward and turn by shifting body weight. The 'S' model has a cruising range of 5 km (3.1 miles), while the 'M' and the 'L' models have a cruising range of 10 km (6.2 miles). It takes one hour to charge the device.

Toyota hinted that the Winglet and other 'partner robots' may be headed for production in 'the early 2010s.' No word yet on pricing.