Honda to begin lease sales of walking assist device

Honda Motor Co on Tuesday announced plans to begin lease sales of the Honda walking assist device, a device for use in rehabilitation of walking, to hospitals and rehabilitation facilities throughout Japan. Lease sales are scheduled to begin in November.

Since 2013, with the cooperation of approximately 50 hospitals and other facilities in Japan, a limited number of the walking assist device have already been in use, which enabled Honda to optimize the functions of the device.

The device features a function to influence the user to achieve efficient walking based on the inverted pendulum model, which is a theory of bipedal walking, and is designed as a device to be used in walking therapy/training under the guidance of a doctor and/or therapist.

Key features

-- Compact size and lightweight were achieved with thin motors and a control system developed independently by Honda. -- Adoption of a simple belt-structure making it easier for the user to put it on and off. -- Adoption of size-adjustable frames making it possible for more people with various body sizes/types to use the walking assist device. -- The device features a measuring function which visualizes unique walking patterns and training status of each user on a tablet–type information device.

Three training modes are available:

1) Following mode: The walking assist device influences the user’s walking motions based on the walking pattern of the user. 2) Symmetric mode: Based on the walking patterns of the user, the device influences the user to achieve bilaterally symmetric motions such as bending and extending both legs. 3) Step mode: The device influences the user’s steps repeatedly to recover the rocker functions which enable the smooth shifting of weight.

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