Honda experimenting with walking assist device
Click above for more shots of the Honda Walking Assist Device
Honda has a new dual-motored machine that's powered by state-of-the-art lithium ion batteries, but it may not be what you were expecting. Essentially, the Japanese automaker has taken the technology from the lower half of its Asimo robot and has applied it to a much larger scale. The result is currently known as an experimental walking assist device, but we'd imagine they'd come up with something a bit catchier if the robotic appendages actually went into production. Strapping on the limbs looks pretty straightforward, just step into the shoes and adjust the seat for your height. Done!
Honda says that the device was created for people who can already walk but may need some sort of assistance. We imagine disabled and elderly individuals first, but Honda shows the legs being used by factory workers and is now testing the new technology at one of its plants in Japan. How long until the entire Iron Man suit is ready?
Gallery: Honda walking assist device
[Source: Honda]
PRESS RELEASE:
Honda Unveils Experimental Walking Assist Device With Bodyweight Support System
Honda Motor Co., Ltd. today unveiled its second experimental walking assist device that helps support bodyweight to reduce the load on an individual's legs while walking, going up and down stairs, and in a semi-crouching position. The 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. 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 individual can put it on by simply wearing 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 on a walking assist device in 1999 with the goal to provide more people with the joy of mobility. The first walking assist device, announced in April 2008, has a stride management system and was designed for people with weakened leg muscles, due to reasons such as aging. 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. 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.
Key Features:
* Convenient sitting-type device
o The individual simply needs to wear shoes and raise the seat into place.
o The user can benefit from the assist without belts fastening the device to their body.
o The structure to position the device between the individual's legs minimizes the required footprint, therefore making it easier for them to maneuver.
* Method to assist bodyweight support
o The device will support a portion of the person's bodyweight by lifting the seat as the frame between the shoe and seat bends and extends, just like knees, with the force from the motor. As a result, the load on leg muscles and joints (in the hip, knees, and ankles) is reduced.
o Honda developed a unique mechanism where the seat and frame follow the movement of the body and legs. The assisting force will be directed toward the individual's center of gravity, just as with human legs, which enables the device to provide assistance in various movements and postures including walking, going up and down stairs, and in a semi-crouching position.
* Natural control of the assisting force
o Natural walking 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 obtained though sensors imbedded in the shoes of the device.
o The effectiveness of the device was increased in those motions and postures which put increased load on knees, such as going up and down stairs and in a semi-crouching position. This was achieved by adjusting the assisting force in accordance with the bending and stretching motion of the knees.
Key specifications of experimental walking assist device with bodyweight support system:
Weight: 6.5kg (including shoes and batteries)
Drive system: Motor X 2
Battery pack: Lithium ion battery
Operating time per charge: 2 hours (including walking and in a semi-crouching posture, etc.)
Suitable height of the user: Within plus or minus 5cm of the set height (Example: set height for Medium size is 170cm)
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
gorr 4:12PM (11/08/2008)
I don't want to afraid peoples but on the planet before this one long time ago there has been a deadly fight between robot-corpse peoples and skin-corpse peoples. This horrendous story is still alive in the inconscious mind of nearly everybody here on earth. Robot-corpse peoples were power by a small water-powered battery like the one that genepax invented but smaller placed where man lack a rib in the belly on the right side. Some ' inventor' has trick many robot electronic control circuitry and it has provoked entire madness on this planet. Since that time a couple of peoples try to start the party again but the majority of peoples are not interrested in anything even fun time..
Reply
BoneHeadOtto 4:50PM (11/08/2008)
@gorr
OMGWTFBBQ!!!!!!
Chris M 6:19PM (11/08/2008)
Not afraid at all, I find Gorr's tall tales mildly amusing in a bizzaro sort of psychedelic dreamworld way. But Gorr, you really shouldn't be posting your fantasies as if you thought they were real, people will start thinking you are totally loony!
taser 4:20PM (11/08/2008)
What the heck does this have to do with green automobiles? Honestly, how many cross-posts from engadget is this website going to have?
Reply
jake 4:47PM (11/08/2008)
Having been here a while, I think all forms of green transportation is fair game here on ABG. We have had posts on trains, bikes, motorcycles, etc, and there wasn't any issue about it not being about green autos. A walking assist device is still vaguely in the green transportation category.
Chris M 6:22PM (11/08/2008)
The reason so many elderly have to use walkers is that they have problems maintaining balance. This device could certainly help, but I'm wondering if it isn't an expensive solution to a simple problem. Is it really that much better than existing solutions? Enough of an improvement to justify the cost?
Reply
JamesWB 6:08AM (11/09/2008)
You're right! This would be awesome for when I'm drunk.
Luke 8:21PM (11/08/2008)
Just as long as the chicks dig it......
Reply
kirbys 12:56PM (11/09/2008)
"we'd imagine they'd come up with something a bit catchier if the robotic appendages actually went into production" - maybe Honda should talk with Sony about the Walkman brand name...........
Reply
Rebecca 8:53PM (11/09/2008)
I can see this for elderly, but my uncle had polio as a child and has one leg less developed than the other so he can't put weight on it. As it's deteriorated with age there are braces and such but they don't really help him walk that much. This could be a real answer for him and I know there are many others his age with similar polio issues that would massively benefits. Very cool stuff. I hope they put it in production!
Reply
maddy 7:00AM (12/16/2008)
It's made using Honda's ASIMO technology
http://japansugoi.com/wordpress/honda-walking-assist-machine-uses-asimo-technology/
Reply