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Honda begins leasing of Walking Assist Device in Japan

9 Comments

Honda Motor Co has begun leasing up to a total of 100 units of the Walking Assist Device to hospitals in Japan that provide rehabilitation training / physical therapy in the area of walking, to monitor its use and verify the practicality of the device.

As with ASIMO, Honda's humanoid robot, the Walking Assist Device adopts cooperative control technology that was developed based on Honda's cumulative study of human walking. The control computer activates motors based on information obtained from hip angle sensors while walking to improve the symmetry of the timing of each leg lifting from the ground and extending forward, and to promote a longer stride for an easier walk.

The compact design of the device and overall weight of less than 2.6 kg were achieved through the adoption of thin motors and a control system that were developed independently by Honda, as well as a simple design that enables the device to be worn with belts. As a result, the device is less of a burden on the user and suitable for various body sizes.

From the early stages of the research and development of the Walking Assist Device, Honda has been working together with medical corporations, businesses and research institutions. Through this process, Honda has received positive feedback from recipients of walking training / therapy, physical therapists, medical doctors and researchers who acknowledge certain effectiveness and compatibility of the device in the rehabilitation.

To date, Honda has conducted collaborative research on rehabilitation training / physical therapy using the Walking Assist Device in seven hospitals. Honda is now inviting a broader range of hospitals to participate in this monitoring process by leasing a total of 100 units of the Walking Assist Device to gain more opinion and feedback from real-world users to further improve the functions and usability of the device.

© Japan Today

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9 Comments
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Thanks to Honda's help, the Walking Assist Device adopts have come into wide use recently. Maybe I'll use it?

4 ( +5 / -1 )

ohh Thats nice :) technology supposed to help humanity not eradicated, Hopefully in the future humans we can be in peace and help each other :)

4 ( +4 / -0 )

The road to exo-skeleton's and then Mecha is becoming true!

1 ( +2 / -1 )

Guess it's a small step. It may be more useful if it help people go up and down stairs.

1 ( +2 / -1 )

Awesome, good work Honda. I hope it will help many people.

3 ( +3 / -0 )

@ka_chan Every journey starts with one step! :)

2 ( +2 / -0 )

should not be used by elderly people. too dangerous.

-6 ( +0 / -6 )

Looks more and more like the one in the anime Robotic Notes.

2 ( +2 / -0 )

i wonder if this device is useful in severe joint pains.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

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