We know how smart Honda's ASIMO humanoid robot is, and the company has applied some of the advanced technologies to new devices that are
based on the study of human walking. Developed to support walking for the elderly or
people with weakened leg muscles, the prototype walking assist devices from Honda are now being demonstrated and tested in real-world conditions. The video below will give you a good idea of how Honda's Stride
Management Assist, and Bodyweight
Support Assist devices work, but Gizmodo and CrunchGear gave it a go as well with their tests.
The first device, Stride
Management Assist, is a lightweight, wearable device designed for
people with weakened leg muscles, but who can still walk on their own.
It obtains information about the user’s walking motions from hip angle
sensors. Based on the information, the CPU applies cooperative control
and calculates the amount and timing of the assistance to be provided.
With the device’s assistance, the user’s stride is lengthened compared
to their normal stride and the walking pace regulated, thereby making it
easier to walk.
The second device, Bodyweight
Support Assist, is also designed to help people with weakened leg
muscles, but may also be helpful during some physically demanding
activities. It supports bodyweight to reduce the load on the user’s legs
while walking, going up and down stairs, and while standing in a
semi-crouching position. The load on leg muscles and joints (in the hip,
knees, and ankles) is reduced. This device has a simple structure
consisting of seat, frame, and shoes, and the user can put it on by
simply wearing the shoes and lifting the seat into position.
