Honda Machine Holds Butt, Helps Walking

Taking a load off Honda-style is more than just plopping down into the driver’s seat.

In fact, Honda’s Body Weight Support System (video) might be the gadget to own for those who spend an infinite number of hours sitting behind the computer monitor (like many of us here at Tom’s). Of course, it’s probably useful when consumers get old and decrepit and need assistance walking, but one can’t help but think it would be an invaluable tool for gamers sitting enduring weekend-long marathons of World of Warcraft or the newly released Gears of War 2 action title for the Xbox 360.

According Honda, the device supports a large portion of the person’s body weight while walking, squatting and even climbing stairs. The user simply steps into the device’s built-in shoes and leans back into the high seat. What the device does NOT do is impress friends, go faster than one mile and hour (so much for bionic legs), or bench-press weights through brick walls. Honda developed the device after researching walking techniques for its humanoid robot, Asimo, and said the device was developed for people who can walk and maneuver on their own, but need a little extra assistance.

"This research has been conducted by the Fundamental Technology Research Center of Honda R&D Co., Ltd. in Wako, Saitama," says the company. "To evaluate the effectiveness of the experimental model of the walking assist device with body weight support system, Honda will test the walking assist device at its Saitama Factory (in Sayama, Saitama) starting this month."

Honda also reports that the current experimental version weighs in around 6.5kg and utilizes the company’s Motor X2 drive system and runs on a 2-hour lithium battery charge. The device’s simple structure consists of a seat, frame and shoes. The individual simply steps into the shoes and adjusts the seat accordingly. The company says that their innovative mechanism 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. Users won’t even need to "buckle up" as required by law in Honda automobiles.

"The device will support a portion of the person’s body weight 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," the company added.

Although Honda’s body weight support system won’t allow users to leap tall buildings in a single bound, it’s amazing to see how current technology can improve the lives for those having difficulties getting from point A to B. It will be interesting to see what the industry will have some twenty years from now - no doubt consumers will look back and wonder how anyone moved around on toothpicks with shoes attached to a defunct baby swing.

Of course, some of us will still be using Honda’s device come ten years from now if we don’t get up and get outside. With that said, maybe this new device would be ideal for traveling to work. It would save on gas if anything, and might even be useful in performing the "robot" dance down at the local club.