WATCH YOUR STEP: ScientificAmerican.com test drove Honda's Body Weight Support Assist lower-body exoskeleton.
Image: © SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN/CHRISTOPHER MIMS
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Overview
Exoskeleton Slide Show
NEW YORK—In advance of their debut at the Society of Automotive Engineers World Congress in Detroit April 20, Honda gave ScientificAmerican.com a preview of two devices designed to assist the elderly and the physically disabled in walking.
View a slide show of Honda's technology in action
David Iida, a spokesperson for Honda present at the event, says the primary inspiration for the devices was the demographic shift in Japan, which has a shrinking population and the world's highest proportion of elderly people. Honda's goal: to provide automated devices such as the Stride Management Assist and the Body Weight Support Assist that will provide the aged and disabled with increased mobility.
The Stride Management Assist works by pushing and pulling the user's legs forward or backward as he or she walks. Two small, silent electric motors placed level with the hip joint power the device, which straps on to the user with three belts—one around the waist and two around each leg.
The Bodyweight Support Assist supports the weight of users rather than adding extra force to their stride. Users "sit" in a saddle connected to their shoes by leglike armatures, and the unit maintains a constant upward force toward the wearer's center of gravity, making it feel as if the user is lighter than he or she actually is.
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10 Comments
Add CommentSo what happens when you miss that top stair and start tumbling? It seems like this would really restrict your ability to catch your balance. Not to mention how much worse the fall down the stars would become with this strapped to your body...
Reply | Report Abuse | Link to thisFYI, people who need this device are already likely unable to catch their balance. I would hope, however, that those who are elderly and disabled would use extra caution and care if they choose to attempt to climb or descend steps.
Reply | Report Abuse | Link to thisToday's choices are very limited, and while this may not be a perfect solution (can you say uncomfortable looking???), I applaud those who attempt to make life better for others.
I don't get it. Why didn't you just put up a YouTube video? Are you guys Luddites?
Reply | Report Abuse | Link to thishttp://www.biodiversivist.com
Actually, video might scare off potential developers. Neat-o, and yet, creepy as hell....anyone catch the 'Neuromancer' reference in Chris's story?
Reply | Report Abuse | Link to thisi am agree with dear ildenizen
Reply | Report Abuse | Link to thisThis endeavour, that helps individuals maintain control, is to be applauded. It is a really exciting invention. I foresee frustration for those persons who might feel the need to rest briefly after a short period of walking. It would be perfect if it were further developed to sustain body weight so that sitting was an option.
Reply | Report Abuse | Link to thisThis endeavour, that helps individuals maintain control, is to be applauded. It is a really exciting invention. I foresee frustration for those persons who might feel the need to rest briefly after a short period of walking. It would be perfect if it were further developed to sustain body weight so that sitting was an option.
Reply | Report Abuse | Link to thisI am 35, 5'10", size 10 and 1/2 shoe and am mobily disabled, so a perfect candidate for the Bodyweight Support Assist, who do I contact to get involced in a trail?
Reply | Report Abuse | Link to thiswhy don't you try to use floatation such as balloon ring 0r helium vest to support the body weight. I think that is a softer approach and more comfortable than the hard weight bearing point around the groin and genital area.
Reply | Report Abuse | Link to thiswhy don't you try to use floatation such as balloon ring 0r helium vest to support the body weight. I think that is a softer approach and more comfortable than the hard weight bearing point around the groin and genital area.
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