Experimental Assistive Walking Device Supports Bodyweight

An experimental assistive walking device helps support bodyweight to reduce the load on the user's legs while walking and negotiating stairs.

Developed by Honda (Tokyo, Japan), 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 weight. 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 make it possible for the device to provide natural assistance in various postures and motions. 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 device does this by supporting a portion of the person's weight with a lifting motion of the seat at the same time that the supporting frame (between the shoe and seat) bends and extends, just like knees, using power supplied from the motor. The seat and frame then follow the movement of the body and legs. The assisting force is 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. This was achieved by adjusting the assisting force in accordance with the bending and stretching motion of the knees.

Honda began research of a walking assist device in 1999 with the goal to provide more handicapped people with the advantage 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. The research is being conducted by the fundamental technology research center, a part of Honda R&D in Saitama, Japan.

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