No Need To Bend Your Knees : Honda's Walking Assist Device

Are you suffering from arthritis ? or having weak leg muscles ? Do you have problem in walking ? HEY!! you are not visiting a Health Blog, its still Cars On rOll. Well... I wish you don't have any of those physical ailments but still if you are suffering from any one of them or your family member, then here is a solution - the new Honda Walking Assistance Device. This device will help you out with your damaged muscles or knee problems. It aims to reduce the load on the user's legs while walking, going up and down the stairs, and also while sitting in a semi-crouching position. Here are the device's specifications : Weight - 6.5 kg 2 Electric Motors 1 Lithium ion Battery The structure consists of : seat, frame, and shoes, and the user can put it on by simply wearing the shoes and lifting the seat into position. Working : 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 like walking, going up and down stairs, and in a semi-crouching position. One of the prominent feature in this device is that the user can utilize it without need of a belt to fasten the device to their body. The main target as Honda earlier said are the elderly people and people undergoing rehabilitation who need support for their leg muscles and joints. Honda began research this walking assist device in 1999 with the goal to provide more people with the joy of mobility. The experiment was first demonstrated at the BARRIER FREE 2008 in Japan. And apparently employs some of the same technology developed by Honda for its ASIMO robot. Here is a demonstration video of the Robot legs for humans : So, a pair of artificial knees are not so bad, if you get the advantage of mobility :) And not to forget it extends the life of your limbs too. Yet another leap in science & technology. The robots seems to get more into our lives, making it easier and more sophisticated. Hope it doesn't go the iRobot way !!