WALKING ASSIST DEVICE BY HONDA

A mobility assistance device that was fourteen years in the making

If there were only a few inventions of the past decade to remember, Honda’s walking assist device surely would be one of those as it aims to drastically enrich the lives of those with walking difficulties. Indeed, the lightweight exoskeleton is meant for use as a rehabilitation tool for patients who can walk on their own but benefit from assistance. 14 years of work have been necessary for Honda to produce an optimal version of the exoskeleton which is now being used in Japanese hospitals for final adjustments before a permanent and risk-free use outside of its walls. This new announcement to an already rather “occupied” market consists of a development that allows Honda’s Walking Assist Device to be controlled by computer and takes into account various sensors (not solely the variety of environments) in order to, as Honda puts it, “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.”Running, jumping and exercising is not feasible yet but have patience – R&D teams are working hard around the globe to achieve this!