Honda to Conduct Collaborative Testing of its Walking Assist Device

Honda began research of a walking assist device in 1999 with the goal to provide more people with the joy of mobility. The cooperative control technology utilized for this device is a unique Honda innovation achieved through the cumulative study of human walking just as the research and development of technologies was conducted for Honda's advanced humanoid robot, ASIMO. With this device, the user's stride will be lengthened compared to the user's normal stride without the device and therefore the ease of walking is achieved.

The compatibility and effectiveness of Honda's walking assist device will be evaluated during rehabilitation training to help people relearn to walk safely and efficiently, that is conducted at Kasumigaseki-Minami Hospital. The testing also will identify and study areas of effectiveness and potential issues from different perspectives by the trainees, physical therapists, doctors and researchers.