Honda Assists With "Next Steps" For Mankind

hedonisticaltruism writes "The CBC reports that Honda has just unveiled a new walking-assist device that enhances the walking motion rather than just providing transportation. The device braces and strengthens natural leg movements primarily in walking and crouching. They're looking to market this to rehabilitation cases, the handicapped and industries requiring repetitive crouching and walking movements such as factory work and delivery services."

Could really see this work, despite looking dorky

[heresyoftruth]

Just last week, I had to order PT evals for two separate patients at the facility I nurse at. Both have Parkinsons, and are in the process of a steady decline with their ability to walk. One is getting her first walker, the other is going to get evaluated to see if there is any possible walker out there to keep him active. Something like this looks promising in the extreme. It would help when they freeze up. I wonder if they could set it to help the patient control their gate, elongating steps, to avoid shuffling.

Fallen and can't get up...

[T Murphy]

If this thing stalls while you're out on a walk, does it come with roadside assistance, or do you need to call a friend to give you a jump?

what is it's power source?

[brentonboy]

It doesn't look like it has a large power source--how much of it's assist is actually mechanical vs. tricks with springs and stuff that exerts force in the correct direction without any computer/electrical help?

Re:What about us lazy people?

[ArsonSmith]

Obama's plan for "Universal Honda Walking Asistants" will be released soon.

Great for Special Forces.

[gizmo2199]

Uses probably not apparent to the Honda engineers: great for special forces soldiers who have to run around craggy, rocky mountainous terrain.

I'd be surprised if the US Army isn't looking into something like this for special forces who do a lot of walking and crouching.

A slightly modified design could incorporate a running assist for a soldier to quickly accelerate to 20mph while running for a sustained distance.