Honda Unveils Experimental Walking Assist Device With Bodyweight Support System

Better hope this doesn't malfunction in that position.....

Japan, November 7, 2008–Honda Motor Co., Ltd. unveiled its second experimental walking assist device that helps support bodyweight to reduce the load on the user's* legs while walking, going up and down stairs, and in a semi-crouching position. Honda will now begin testing the device in real-world conditions to evaluate its effectiveness.

The new walking assist device with the bodyweight support system reduces the load on leg muscles and joints (in the hip, knees, and ankles) by supporting a portion of the person's bodyweight. The device has a simple structure consisting of seat, frame, and shoes, and the user can put it on by simply wearing the shoes and lifting the seat into position. Moreover, a mechanism that directs the assisting force toward the user's center of gravity and the ability to control the assist force in concert with the movement of the legs – both unique Honda innovations – make it possible for the device to provide natural assistance in various postures and motions.

Honda began research of a walking assist device in 1999 with the goal to provide more people with the joy of mobility. Honda developed the knowledge required to develop the walking assist device from its thorough study of human walking represented by the research and development of Honda's advanced humanoid robot, ASIMO. This research has been conducted by the Fundamental Technology Research Center of Honda R&D Co., Ltd. in Wako, Saitama. To evaluate the effectiveness of the experimental model of the walking assist device with bodyweight support system, Honda will test the walking assist device at its Saitama Factory (in Sayama, Saitama) starting this month.

*This device is designed for people who are still capable of walking on their own.

For the rest of the news release;

http://world.honda.com/news/2008/c081107Walking-Assist-Device/

Honda's Walk Assist

Corporate June 30, 2008

Honda to Conduct Collaborative Testing of its Walking Assist Device

Japan, June 30, 2008– Honda Motor Co., Ltd. will begin collaborative testing of its experimental walking assist device as from July 1, 2008, with Shinseikai Medical Group, Kasumigaseki-Minami Hospital (Kawagoe, Saitama prefecture). The device was created to support walking by the elderly and other people with weakened leg muscles.*

The compatibility and effectiveness of Honda’s walking assist device will be evaluated during rehabilitation training to help people relearn to walk safely and efficiently, that is conducted at Kasumigaseki-Minami Hospital. The testing also will identify and study areas of effectiveness and potential issues from different perspectives by the trainees, physical therapists, doctors and researchers.

Honda began research of a walking assist device in 1999 with the goal to provide more people with the joy of mobility. The cooperative control technology utilized for this device is a unique Honda innovation achieved through the cumulative study of human walking just as the research and development of technologies was conducted for Honda’s advanced humanoid robot, ASIMO. With this device, the user’s stride will be lengthened compared to the user’s normal stride without the device and therefore the ease of walking is achieved.

Currently, the device is in the feasibility stage and Honda has been showcasing and gathering feedback from a wide range of people who experienced the device at relevant trade shows including the International Trade Fair on Barrier Free Equipments & Rehabilitation for the Elderly & the Disabled (BARRIER FREE 2008) held in April (at Intex Osaka) and at the Welfare 2008 in June (at Nagoya International Exhibition Hall).

* people who can still walk on their own