Honda unveils walking device…
This morning I came across this article about Honda’s Wearable Walking Device. To use it you sit in the seat, put your feet in the shoes and turn it on.
They seem to be marketing it toward factory workers who have to crouch, stand, crouch, over and over. It helps support the wearer and reduces stress on the knees. It assists in going up and down stairs, helps with standing in lines, making deliveries. Actually, it seems like for people who use their legs and knees all day it would be a great help to reduce the stress and strain.
I began to think when they mentioned stairs that it would be a real boon to those with arthritis who are using canes and can’t do stairs, not because of their knees don’t bend, but because of the stress on the joints. Maybe this device would give enough assistance to give them back their mobility.
Then I realized how vain most people are and looked at the photo again. Until it gets smaller and less obvious, I just can’t see any personal use happening. So, I guess factory workers will get the benefit of the device before people with medical problems — thought maybe if your life is restricted enough a bit of embarrassment over these leggy things sticking out wouldn’t matter. On the other hand, if they were to come in cool colors and finishes…make them cool and use might take off.
This is just another step in developing exoskeletons to help those people relegated to wheel chairs walk unassisted except by their brains and their exoskeleton. Giving people back mobility is a giant step that is slowly, by tiny steps, becoming a reality.
I really hope I’m wrong about the embarrassment factor for individuals for using this device, but I doubt it. Nonetheless, way to go Honda.