Temple of VTEC Rumors and News - Honda Unveils Experimental Walking Assist Device With Bodyweight Support System

Japan, November 7, 2008�Honda Motor Co., Ltd. unveiled its second experimental walking assist device that helps support bodyweight to reduce the load on the user's* legs while walking, going up and down stairs, and in a semi-crouching position. Honda will now begin testing the device in real-world conditions to evaluate its effectiveness.

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Walking assist device with bodyweight support system	�	Going up stairs while wearing the device

The new walking assist device with the bodyweight support system reduces the load on leg muscles and joints (in the hip, knees, and ankles) by supporting a portion of the person's bodyweight. The 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. Moreover, a mechanism that directs the assisting force toward the user's center of gravity and the ability to control the assist force in concert with the movement of the legs � both unique Honda innovations � make it possible for the device to provide natural assistance in various postures and motions.

Honda began research of a walking assist device in 1999 with the goal to provide more people with the joy of mobility. Honda developed the knowledge required to develop the walking assist device from its thorough study of human walking represented by the research and development of Honda's advanced humanoid robot, ASIMO. This research has been conducted by the Fundamental Technology Research Center of Honda R&D Co., Ltd. in Wako, Saitama. To evaluate the effectiveness of the experimental model of the walking assist device with bodyweight support system, Honda will test the walking assist device at its Saitama Factory (in Sayama, Saitama) starting this month.

*	This device is designed for people who are still capable of walking on their own.

■ Key Features

Convenient sitting-type device

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�	The user simply needs to wear the shoes and raise the seat into place.
�	The user can benefit from the assist without need of a belt to fasten the device to their body.
�	The structure to position the device between the user's legs minimizes the required footprint, therefore making it easier for them to maneuver.

Method to assist bodyweight support

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�	The device will support a portion of the person's bodyweight by lifting the seat as the frame between the shoe and seat bends and extends, just like knees, with the force from the motor. As a result, the load on leg muscles and joints (in the hip, knees, and ankles) is reduced.
�	Honda developed a unique mechanism where the seat and frame follow the movement of the body and legs. The assisting force will be directed toward the user's center of gravity, just as with human legs, which enables the device to provide assistance in various movements and postures including walking, going up and down stairs, and in a semi-crouching position.

Natural control of the assisting force

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�	Natural walking is achieved by changing the amount of assisting force applied to the right and left legs through the control of two motors based on the information obtained though sensors imbedded in the shoes of the device.
�	The effectiveness of the device was increased in those motions and postures which put increased load on knees, such as going up and down stairs and in a semi-crouching position. This was achieved by adjusting the assisting force in accordance with the bending and stretching motion of the knees. �

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Key specifications of experimental walking assist device with bodyweight support system

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Weight	6.5kg (including shoes and batteries)
Drive system	Motor X 2
Battery pack	Lithium ion battery
Operating time per charge	2 hours (including walking and in a semi-crouching posture, etc.)
Suitable height of the user	Within plus or minus 5cm of the set height (Example: set height for Medium size is 170cm)

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Testing at Honda�s Saitama Factory with walking assist device with bodyweight support system (image)

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TOV Notes:
1.)You can find a video introduction here.
2.) This is the second experimental walk-assist device developped by Honda recently. You can find more about the first one here.