The Honda that helps you walk

[MarksMS]

Honda just published some information about wonderful devices that help you walk.
I want one! They aren't for sale yet, I think demand will bring them to the market within a few years. I'd rather have one of these than a new car!

The link complete with videos is
  http://singularityhub.com/2010/09/13/hondas-exoskeletons-help-you-walk-like-asimo-video/

Here's the start of the text

Honda’s Asimo robot was taught how to walk like a human, and now its technology is returning the favor. The Japanese mega-corp has two walking exoskeletons based on Asimo research that assist humans in walking. The Bodyweight Support Assist exoskeleton is a set of thin legs attached to a seat. Users sit on the seat and slip their feet into shoes on the robotic legs. This system supports bodyweight to assist people in walking and moving up and down steps. The other, Stride Management Assist, is a brace worn around the hips and thighs that provides added strength when flexing that joint. It has been shown to increase efficiency in walking and other daily activities. It’s currently under development and being tested by 130 patients in the field. Both devices may prove to be valuable tools in helping the elderly maintain their mobility, assisting the disabled, and easing the stress on physical laborers. Check out the Honda exoskeletons in the video clips below. Walking like a robot looks pretty natural.

It’s unclear how quickly Honda will be able to bring these exoskeletons to market. Their latest video is actually more of a cartoonish video with some live action footage thrown in.

[MarksMS]

Lulu,

You sure can come over, though I might be in San Francisco, not suburban CT by the time this goes on sale.

I bet this device has more computers and sensors than the Space Shuttle, if it can do stairs and gravel it will be heavily instrumented, having read some interesting articles about walking, I've learned it is far more complicated than I ever imagined.

Mark

[Lulu54]

Do you think that perhaps they will incorporate some type of gyroscope into this so the balance is easier to maintain?  Getting back upright if you fall with this strapped on may be a bit more difficult that a turtle righting itself after fliipping over..