Honda’s robotics division has unveiled the prototype of a strange new helper: a “walking assistant.” Honda says the robotic legs could restore mobility to the elderly or infirm, and could help prevent factory workers from straining their muscles–if they don’t mind being joined to the strange looking device. The user would employ the device by stepping into a pair of shoes attached to jointed legs. The legs support a mildly-scary looking U-shaped saddle, which cups the wearer’s groin and buttocks firmly to deliver solid uplift…. Honda say that the machine reduces load on the hip joints, and helps not just with walking but also standing – and especially with maintaining a crouched position [The Register].
The device, which weighs about 14 pounds and is powered by a motor and Lithium ion battery, is the result of Honda’s nine-year-old initiative to develop mobility-assisting technologies. The creation of the device borrowed heavily from the walking research that went into Honda’s advanced humanoid robot, ASIMO [Daily Tech]. Honda hasn’t yet announced plans to begin selling the walking assistants, but tests of the prototype will begin this month.
Honda plans to test out the device on workers in its Saitama car factory, and says the devices could be a great boon to workers who crouch down along the assembly line. And while the robotic legs aren’t suitable for paraplegics or people with serious muscle control issues, they could give a necessary boost to people with weak leg muscles, or patients recovering from accidents or surgery.
The need for such mechanical help is expected to grow in Japan, which has one of the most rapidly aging societies in the world. Other companies are also eyeing the potentially lucrative market of helping the weak and old get around. Earlier this year, Japanese rival Toyota Motor Corp. showed a Segway-like ride it said was meant for old people. Japanese robot company Cyberdyne has begun renting out in Japan a belted device called HAL, for “hybrid assistive limb,” that reads brain signals to help people move about with mechanical leg braces that strap to the legs [AP].
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Image: Honda
November 10th, 2008 at 1:35 pm
The pusher robot is here to protect us from the TERRIBLE SECRET OF SPACE!
http://www.albinoblacksheep.com/flash/terriblesecret
November 12th, 2008 at 6:12 pm
I find it amusing that “Cyberdyne” (the name of the Japanese company making the “walking assisant” featured in this article) was the name of the company in the TERMINATOR movies that created the robots that waged war against mankind.
Apparently, the rules of engagement are different now. Instead of killing people with guns, the robots (terminators?) will assist people to waste away from lack of use of their own muscles. Slower, but just as effective.
December 16th, 2008 at 7:01 am
It’s made using Honda’s ASIMO technology
http://japansugoi.com/wordpress/honda-walking-assist-machine-uses-asimo-technology/
December 22nd, 2008 at 6:44 am
This looks fantastic would you have any idea the cost of this product.
December 22nd, 2008 at 12:32 pm
Sorry, I haven’t heard any info on what it might cost — Honda is still testing the device, and hasn’t discussed when it might appear on the market.
December 22nd, 2008 at 1:24 pm
Ken: That’s the idea. Robots might as well be patient anyway, if they understand the human mind, they’ll understand that we’ll end up blowing ourselves up anyway.
January 18th, 2009 at 10:00 am
we are very greatful to know about this “walking assistant device”.
I am looking forward to know more information about it. it looks very useful and helpful for my son ( 16 years old ).
He is able to walk around in the water but has no strength to walk on the ground he tends to bend his knees so he use a wheelchair to help him mobile.
We train him to walk by using braces and walker.
Hope you will concern about my son and help him by making his life easier.
we are agree if you would like to use my son for experimenting your new design.
Thank you so much and do look forward to your responses.
Sincerely yours,
mrs.sunarjadi setiawan.
January 25th, 2009 at 5:08 pm
Dear people of Honda,
I was paralyzed from a chest cold at age 13, Guillian-Barre’Syndrome, that was in 1973. The doctor told me that I would never walk again and not live
to be 20. By God’s grace, a wonderful family and a great deal of hard work on my part, I can
walk with short AFO’s and a cain. Presently I’m 48, my right foot turns out
when I walk so my right knee will have to be repaired. I think that “walking
assistant device” would help me? THANK YOU All for your contribution to all
mankind! May God bless you!
Sincerely yours,
Will Smith
August 3rd, 2009 at 5:16 am
hi there please tell me where i can get this robot walking assistance
because my niece is disabled and cant walk or move
or talk , this could be a chance for her to get her muscles
back in shape , thank you