For a company most famous for its
wheeled products, Honda certainly seems quite focused on things to help people get about on their own two feet, introducing another new prototype machine with just that in mind. Unlike the earlier
Walking Assist Device, which is intended just to help patients re-learn how to walk, the new (and cunningly named) Walking Assist Device
with Bodyweight Support System is for anyone who needs a lift -- even those who are perfectly healthy. To use it you basically straddle a bicycle seat with robotic legs, tie it to your shoes, and then (gingerly) go about your business, uncomfortably demonstrated in a video after the break. The legs support your body when you crouch and give little tugs on your feet when you walk, making bipedal mobility less of a strain. A Honda engineer said "It reduces stress, and you should feel less tired." Less tired, yes, and less exercised too. We envision a future where spindly robotic legs shudder under the weight of our grossly obese frames -- but maybe we've seen Wall-E too many times.
[Via
Associated Press]
posted November 7th 2008 7:44AM
what ?
This is something that the military is probably quite interested in as well I bet.
Honda's new ASSIMO robot.
I would opt for regular walking to avoid the risk of doing some real permanent damage...
While it looks silly, I think this is a great invention.
I have some hip problems, and I'm only 17. I was born with a hip socket which is a bit flatter than the average one, and it makes it really painful to walk, yet I can't get surgery for a while as money is tight and I have no health insurance.
Something like this would make life so much easier. I already resemble a penguin when I waddle my way to places with my lovely brace now that makes a loud clicking noise with every step, and the frustration of taking it off in order to sit, and putting it back on to walk out of somewhere, I'd much rather wear this, and not waddle so much, than wear what I have now, and live with penguins.
One step closer to armored football players. Then we'll really get a good show.
Run! Forest, Run!
Wrong Trousers anyone?
Japanese is so much ahead on daily robotic.
I thought the same thing right away and then i checked to see if anyone else said the same thing first.
Those shoes-- so futuristic they're Spockports!
lol, i bet thorugh the course of my lifetime we are eventually all going to be bionically integrated. super humans, with machines built into us. With current Data and inforamtion increasing exponentially, the "terminator" movie series may not be as far fetched as it once may have seemed.
It's made using Honda's ASIMO technology
http://japansugoi.com/wordpress/honda-walking-assist-machine-uses-asimo-technology/