Honda's Experimental Walking Assist Device

Editor's Choice Mechanical System to Reduce Joint Stress and Assist the Disabled

Nov 10, 2008 Susan Kristoff

Honda's innovative walking assist device literally "takes the load off" to make repetitive tasks easier and makes walking easier for the physically disabled.

In November 2008, Honda, the creator of the innovative Asimo robot, has unveiled its latest technological breakthrough: the walking assist device. This device is designed to assist the wearer with the mechanism of walking, stairs, and semi-crouching positions.

The Walking Assist Device Design

The walking assist device resembles a high-tech bicycle seat connected via linkages to a pair of shoes. To use the device, the wearer slips on the shoes and lifts the seat into place. The device provides resistance in some degrees and assistance in other degrees.

The device is contained between the wearer's legs and behind the thighs. Since there are no components on the sides or front of the wearer's legs, there is no difficulty in maneuvering while wearing the device and no worry of parts catching on passing objects.

The shoes of the device contain sensors that help the device provide the proper assistance to the wearer, depending on what the wearer is trying to do. Two motors, one for each leg of the device, provide the assisting force through the device.

Benefits of the Walking Assist Device

Honda stresses that this device is meant for people who are currently able to walk on their own, because the device simply enhances the motions of the wearer. This device can benefit two types of people: people who have some difficulty walking, and workers who are on their feet and perform repetitive leg motions, such as walking up stairs and crouching. Some examples include:

  • The Disabled - Disabled people can use the walking assist device as part of a rehabilitation program to support the walking motion while muscles are being strengthened. Permanently disabled people can use the device to assist with everyday activities such as walking and climbing stairs.
  • The Elderly - Elderly people who have trouble walking and climbing the stairs due to weakened muscles can use the device to assist with everyday activities.
  • Assembly Line Workers - Workers who spend the majority of their shift standing or perform repetitive motions such as crouching can use the device to reduce joint stress during their shift.
  • Walking Workers - Workers who spend a significant time walking or climbing stairs, such as postal delivery personnel, can use the device to reduce joint stress during their shift.

The Future of the Walking Assist Device

Honda will be evaluating the performance of the walking assist device by deploying the devices within their Saitama Factory automobile assembly facility in Japan. Evaluating the device on healthy individuals will help Honda refine the design and increase the safety of the device so disabled and elderly people can use the device with confidence.

The walking assist device is a breakthrough technology from Honda, the developer of the Asimo walking robot. The device has the potential to help millions of people with everyday tasks as well as repetitive tasks and reduce joint stress.

Sources

Honda website , "Honda Unveils Experimental Walking Assist Device with Bodyweight Support System", November 7, 2008

CNN website, "Honda Unveils Wearable Robotic Walker", November 7, 2008

The copyright of the article Honda's Experimental Walking Assist Device in Engineering is owned by Susan Kristoff. Permission to republish Honda's Experimental Walking Assist Device in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
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