Walking-assist exoskeleton from Honda

[cv_rider]

Put this down in the only-in-Japan category: an exoskeleton you sit on that assists you in walking. Many only-in-Japan things have a habit of eventually propagating around the world, so look to see this in your local Walmart in a couple of years. It looks like it has the potential to give you a major wedgie or worse, so I wouldn't sign up for the beta model.

Honda Worldwide | November 7, 2008 "Honda Unveils Experimental Walking Assist Device With Bodyweight Support System"

 

[Kilbane83]

I'm not seeing how it helps. I assume the legs have some sort of tensioner in them like a bungie chord or something? I can see it helping when you squat.. something like an assisted pullup machine.. but just walking I"m not seeing it.

 

[zigzagg321]

I dont get it...whats the point?

 

[cv_rider]

It looks like it had several possible applications: In industrial applications, it might enable you to lift heavier things with your legs, and it could also maybe relieve stress if you had some sort of role where you had to squat and stand many times a day. If it became more advanced, it might also ultimately enable people with very weak legs (like stroke victims) walk, by bearing the weights of their bodies.

 

[notjohndavid]

i think the point is so you can be extra lazy and walk while sitting down

 

[cv_rider]

I basically think it's cool because it's the first step towards the Soldier of the Future described in numerous sci-fi books (such as Hyperion) where a single soldier is mechanically assisted to have huge strength and destructive capacity of an entire army!