Honda's Walking Assist Device beginning medical testing

Honda's been busy showing off its Walking Assist Device at trade shows and whatnot for some time now, but it looks like it's now finally getting down to some actual trials of the contraption, with it set to begin some collaborative testing with the Shinseikai Medical Group at Kasumigaseki-Minami Hospital tomorrow. They will reportedly be using the device in rehabilitation training to help people learn to walk again, during which time the "compatibility and effectiveness" will be evaluated. In case you missed it, the Walking Assist Device uses some of the same technology that Honda originally developed for its ASIMO robot, including an array of sensors and motors that promise to keep the wearer upright and, eventually, give them a fighting chance against the machines.

[Kakabonae @ Jun 30th 2008 2:35PM]

This looks a lot more...discreet than any of those hydraulic robo-legs we've seen in the past few months...HAL comes to mind. Walking around with giant hunks of metal around your legs would be awkward, but this looks like you could pull it off casually.

[initialxy @ Jun 30th 2008 2:36PM]

a great invention for the extreme lazy ass community as well

[themarbleplace @ Jun 30th 2008 4:33PM]

R U kidding?

Have you ever thought about people with all sorts of disabilities? It is not intended to lazy ass people, but people who really needs it!

[initialxy @ Jun 30th 2008 4:51PM]

first of all, i was half kidding. you didn't have to question that.
and second, that's exactly why i said "... as well".

[terrylam @ Jun 30th 2008 5:19PM]

Man once you ride around Vegas on a scooter and get treated like a VIP, there's not turning back... so the broken leg is healed now, but ah lets all embrace laziness for better customer service.

[Adam @ Jun 30th 2008 2:37PM]

Lets hope they get the kinks worked out.

http://www.engadget.com/2006/12/11/honda-asimo-takes-a-nasty-fall/

[Jose Alvarez @ Jun 30th 2008 5:29PM]

I was about to mention that. Youtube will see no more videos of ASIMO falling but will see a massive increase in videos of robotic grannys taking a spill...how horribly entertaining

[tyler @ Jun 30th 2008 2:43PM]

That looks pretty hip!

[ShadowKain @ Jun 30th 2008 2:45PM]

@tyler

Come on tyler seriously? You can do better man lol. If this was boogie nights and the 80's I would give you a high five, but this is 2008, and dry jokes are in way to many a number these days. Good jab though lol

[tyler @ Jun 30th 2008 2:47PM]

haha.. i'm sorry but it's been a slow day at work.. i had to

[Blaine Oliver @ Jun 30th 2008 2:47PM]

What if instead of aiding walking it suddently restricts it? Lawsuit anyone?

[FotoGenetix @ Jun 30th 2008 2:51PM]

i want mine with vtec for sprinting

[FotoGenetix @ Jun 30th 2008 2:51PM]

i want mine with vtec for sprinting

[Boyo @ Jun 30th 2008 2:52PM]

Tommy, go to the trash can and cut back. Grandma, Go long!

BREAK!

[Raytaka1222 @ Jun 30th 2008 3:52PM]

+1 for that roflmao

[Kaiser-Machead @ Jun 30th 2008 2:55PM]

Without a chest-mounted arc reactor to power this, I fail to see the appeal.

[andres @ Jul 2nd 2008 4:03AM]

but they built it in a cave

[rob @ Jun 30th 2008 3:03PM]

Walking Assist Device? "WAD"?

So, if you try to run downhill with it, can you, in fact, blow your WAD?

I'm sorry. I wish I could say I was 12, but... no.

[robhill45 @ Jun 30th 2008 3:06PM]

Walking Assist Device? "WAD"?

So, if you try to run downhill with it, can you, in fact, blow your
WAD?

I'm sorry. I wish I could say I was 12, but... no.

[blegh @ Jun 30th 2008 3:27PM]

If it's based on the ASIMO, then that means the wearer is screwed if they want to navigate stairs. Right? Am I right? Dry joke here, cmon people, laugh for me.

[blegh @ Jun 30th 2008 3:29PM]

@Adam

Thought I was going to be original today. Me thinks not

[tundraboy @ Jun 30th 2008 3:35PM]

The military must be thinking about a souped up version running on compact fuel cells to extend the range, speed and stamina of special ops teams when they go on all night forced marches into enemy lines.

[Wwhat @ Jun 30th 2008 5:17PM]

Why don't they just hop on a chopper?

[tundraboy @ Jun 30th 2008 7:22PM]

Walking quiet. Chopper loud.

[NHAnimator @ Jun 30th 2008 3:53PM]

(I hate it when the kids are out of school for the summer.)

[Speney G @ Jun 30th 2008 3:53PM]

"uses some of the same technology that Honda originally developed for its ASIMO robot"....so essentially they're saying don't walk down the stairs.

[hi @ Jun 30th 2008 4:17PM]

Well since Honda usually makes cars for those who suck at driving, maybe they want to help those who were the victims of those peoples horrible driving!

just a thought...

[Shunnabunich @ Jun 30th 2008 5:11PM]

Never mind a fighting chance against the machines, what about against that chin? That thing's frightening.

[Craig @ Jun 30th 2008 5:31PM]

She's participating in the trial of Honda's Chewing Assist Device.

[kal326 @ Jun 30th 2008 5:26PM]

Who wants leg assistance when you can have a jet powered wheelchair?

http://www.engadget.com/2004/08/30/the-jet-powered-wheelchair/

[adelossa @ Jun 30th 2008 6:47PM]

The lady walking her isn't practicing good ambulatory skills.

[Mike @ Jun 30th 2008 7:05PM]

Not trying to be a downer, but my cousin was injured in a car accident and can't walk without someone holding her up - it would be terrific if something like this could help her.

[Simon @ Jun 30th 2008 7:27PM]

VTAK JUST KICKED IN YO!! *Grandma starts sprinting away*

[ITRanger @ Jul 1st 2008 5:35AM]

Great! The link seems to be temporarily down.

What does this thing run on? A couple of AA batteries or is it entirely mechanical ;-)!

Is the heavy tank like batteries conveniently out of the photoshot?

[Juan Lopez @ Jul 1st 2008 6:32PM]

Most of you guys are so immature, This is great I can't wait until i get one for my grandfather. Grow Up!

[andres @ Jul 2nd 2008 4:04AM]

in case you havent noticed, you are on a blog...on the internet...

[Gerald Reynolds @ Jan 14th 2009 2:13PM]

That's all fine and dandy for those who still have limbs, but is there anything in the works for us who are amputees who have only "dumb" prosthetics to choose from? I've often wondered if there were a way to make robotic limbs for those who lose legs and arms, or even feet and hands. I remember reading about exoskeletons in the magazine popular science way back in the 60s, you mean to tell me we still do not have such a thing? Even in the movie Aliens Sigorney Weaver even operates an exoskeleton of professional construction grade to assist in the stowing of freight. Ok so it's a movie, the point is it's an idea who's time should have come ages ago and here we are still sitting on our hands while millions are unable to walk and work because of the loss of a limb.
So, is there an answer out there or did I just joggle someone's mind just now to get on a cad-cam and build one for me?