Honda Motor Co has developed a prototype of a walking assist device (WAD) for supporting the elderly and others with weakened leg muscles. The device is designed to be worn with a belt around the hips and thighs. It is equipped with sensors for measuring the hip angle so that optimal assistance will be provided from the motors around the thighs. The device helps lengthen the user’s stride and facilitates walking. WAD is based on the company’s ASIMO humanoid robot technology and available in three sizes. WAD uses brushless DC motors powered by lithium ion batteries that allow up to two hours of walking assistance per charge.
WAD was presented at Barrier Free 2008, International Trade Fair on Barrier Free Equipments & Rehabilitation for the Elderly & the Disabled, in Osaka in April 2008.
