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Miss Cellania
Walking Assist Device
by Miss Cellania - November 10, 2008 - 6:56 AM
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Japan is the world leader in robotics, and has a huge and growing elderly population, so it’s no wonder the Japanese are constantly trying out high tech 200walking.jpgdevices to help the old and infirm. The Walking Assist Device from Honda aims to provide power support to the body while walking, squatting, standing up, or climbing stairs. Specifically, it will reduce strain on the hips, knees, and ankles.
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The device will support users within two inches of its preset 5-foot, 7-inch user height. The entire system, including its lithium ion battery and shoes, weighs 14.3lbs, and uses two electric motors to assist users’ leg movement for up to two hours before a re-charge is required.
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This device is designed to be easy to step into; no straps or clamps necessary. Sensors in the shoes adjust the power according to the user’s weight and activities. Supposedly, the device can tell what the user is doing and provide just the right amount of power support. Besides a boost for those who find it hard to walk unassisted, Honda believes this gadget will be useful for workers who do a lot of knee-bending, lifting, or walking on the job. The guys in the robotics factory may like it, but this will never fly in the US because it just looks so horribly dorky.

I know, you can’t help but think about what is going on in the crotch. I don’t know. The Walking Assist Device is just now beginning to be tested in real life situations. It certainly seems more useful than Honda’s first walking assist gadget from last spring. And much funnier to watch.

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Comments (7)

  1. Wait a tic, I’ve seen this idea before… a decade ago. An American man had this idea first, he was an Army Ranger who broke his back parachuting. Google “human exoskeleton”.

    posted by Lelah on 11-10-2008 at 8:09 am

  2. Israel also has an exoskeleton walking aid called “ReWalk”. The first recipient was also the victim of a paratrooping injury.

    Story at: The story was covered by Reuters (Google: reuters israel exoskelaton) and there is a video on youtube.

    -micha

    posted by micha on 11-10-2008 at 9:58 am

  3. The company my husband works for in Maryland is working on these type of devices! Check out http://www.hanger.com for more info.

    posted by anom on 11-10-2008 at 11:35 am

  4. All that comes to mind when I look at this is “giant diaper”. It’s a really interesting idea though for people who need some help but not enough to need a wheelchair.

    posted by Tricia on 11-10-2008 at 3:10 pm

  5. Why? I can see numerous medical reasons like to assist people out of wheel chairs but really- who else would ever need one of these?

    posted by Scott-O on 11-10-2008 at 9:13 pm

  6. Am I the only one wanting to modify one of these to fit across the back, strapped to the arms with a giant pair of wings? How cool would that be; the personal ornithopter!

    As it is, gadgets like this have huge potential, not just for people with disabilities but also construction workers, factory workers, hospital staff, etc…

    posted by Dave on 11-11-2008 at 12:17 am

  7. I take exception, Scott-O, and agree with Dave, there are lots of work related applications for this.

    And one more – my youngest child was born without balance organs or any organs of hearing at all. Something like this would be ideal in helping her walk. She can walk indoors, where she gets feedback from the floor, but outdoors is a crapshoot, and forget about any kind of terrain.

    posted by Marion on 11-11-2008 at 1:33 am

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