Posted on 11/10/2008 7:28:13 AM PST by Scythian
TOKYO — Imagine a bicycle seat connected by mechanical frames to a pair of shoes for an idea of how the new wearable assisted-walking gadget from Honda works.
The experimental device, unveiled Friday, is designed to support bodyweight, reduce stress on the knees and help people get up steps and stay in crouching positions.
(Excerpt) Read more at foxnews.com ...
rrawwrr! sexay legs! I’m clubbing tonight! rofl
If they boost the hydraulics to allow the user to run faster and jump farther, it could have some military utility.
That’s sooooo gay...................
it’s a support device by design, they would have to redesign the whole thing to do what you say.
Ya, I realize that now, but when you look at the picks you can tell there is some resistance to press down, not much I guess, but just enough to where you weight is supported, kind of strange at first but my guess is this will catch on like crazy.
Or help them run with 200 lbs. of weapons and body armor during battle. Usually this type of technology is first developed for the military but Japan must cloak their military R&D. Japan is a crouching tiger, hidden dragon.
retrofitted with a butt*cough*plug*cough*... rofl
Yea but can it moonwalk?
This looks like it could also be great for Medical Rehab.
By gradually increasing the resistance required by the user they could do most rehab by themselves or with little time required by the medical staff.
Honda has shown a similar but simpler belted device. It has motors on the left and right, which hook up to frames that strap at the thighs, helping the walker maintain a proper stride.
That device, being tested at one Japanese facility, helps rehabilitation programs for the disabled, encouraging them to take steps, said Honda official Kiyoshi Aikawa.
IMHO, these sorts of devices are among the most important new technologies in many years. The Japanese are probably going to make a lot of money on these inventions — and, IMHO, they will deserve it. A great many people need help getting around — more so as we get older. These beat wheel chairs, canes, and walkers by a long way.
Wait. I thought China was the crouching tiger, hidden dragon. I'm like, so confused.
Hey! You can operate this thing just by pressing these buttons instead!
“So..?”
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