Tokyo (Japan) – Honda today unveiled what some may consider, at least at first sight, as the ultimate anti-workout tool – a walking assist device with a dedicated bodyweight support system. Walking up stairs too exhausting? No problem, this device can help. And no, it is not a product that aims to support handicapped people. But Honda claims that there are occasions in which we all can benefit from a device that puts extra muscles around your legs.
At first look, Honda’s walking assistant may qualify to become one of the most absurd innovations of the decade a device that goes against all health recommendations of your physician, sort of an anti-work out product or, if you prefer that comparison, an anti-Wii Fit.
The product has a relatively simple structure consisting of a seat, frame, and shoes. The user can put it on by simply wearing shoes and lifting the seat into position. Honda claims that device is designed for people who are capable of walking and maneuvering on their own, but who can benefit from additional leg and body support while performing tasks. The walking assistant will support the bodyweight to reduce the load on an individual’s legs while walking, going up and down stairs, and in a semi-crouching position.
The company claims that the walking assistant offers a natural walking experience, which is achieved by changing the amount of assisting force applied to the right and left legs through the control of two motors based on the information collected through sensors in the shoes of the device.
Testing of the device in real-world conditions has already begun.
Ok, so it is not really a device you would wear around your home, but there may be many commercial and industrial uses. Imagine production line workers in different knee-bent positions, movers, storage workers, etc. It is somewhat obvious that this device, if it does work, may be very useful in preventing permanent physical damage to people in jobs that require muscular work.
Honda said that it began research on a walking assist device in 1999 with the goal to provide “more people with the joy of mobility”. The research and development of Honda’s advanced humanoid robot, ASIMO, including the study of human walking, provided Honda with the knowledge necessary to develop the walking assist device, the company said.
There was no information when the device could become commercially available and what it may cost.
At first look, Honda’s walking assistant may qualify to become one of the most absurd innovations of the decade a device that goes against all health recommendations of your physician, sort of an anti-work out product or, if you prefer that comparison, an anti-Wii Fit.
The product has a relatively simple structure consisting of a seat, frame, and shoes. The user can put it on by simply wearing shoes and lifting the seat into position. Honda claims that device is designed for people who are capable of walking and maneuvering on their own, but who can benefit from additional leg and body support while performing tasks. The walking assistant will support the bodyweight to reduce the load on an individual’s legs while walking, going up and down stairs, and in a semi-crouching position.
The company claims that the walking assistant offers a natural walking experience, which is achieved by changing the amount of assisting force applied to the right and left legs through the control of two motors based on the information collected through sensors in the shoes of the device.
Testing of the device in real-world conditions has already begun.
Ok, so it is not really a device you would wear around your home, but there may be many commercial and industrial uses. Imagine production line workers in different knee-bent positions, movers, storage workers, etc. It is somewhat obvious that this device, if it does work, may be very useful in preventing permanent physical damage to people in jobs that require muscular work.
Honda said that it began research on a walking assist device in 1999 with the goal to provide “more people with the joy of mobility”. The research and development of Honda’s advanced humanoid robot, ASIMO, including the study of human walking, provided Honda with the knowledge necessary to develop the walking assist device, the company said.
There was no information when the device could become commercially available and what it may cost.