Honda begins rental of its exoskeleton

In order to combat the aging of its population, Japan has decided to use new technologies.

Japan has always been recognized as one of (if not LE) precursors when one speaks "new technology". In the ehealth games, communication and even agriculture, the land of the Rising Sun is a real benchmark in this area. However, if there is one aspect of life that you cannot fight against, it is time. Indeed, Japan undergoes a very significant aging of its population. But the Japanese company Honda don't give up, on the contrary. Since 2013, exoskeletons to help the elderly and / or disabled are under study. In next November, these “life assistants ” will be available in some hospitals across the country.

Much more than a simple prosthesis

The principle of this exoskeleton is relatively simple. Requiring a configuration to adapt to the movements of its user, it has an autonomy of one hour and weighs 2.7 kilograms. To use the device, simply attach it to the hips and thighs, and voila. A technology that is reminiscent of the ASIMO robot, developed by … Honda. Nicknamed “Walking Assist Device ”, device uses a series of sensors to assist the wearer's walking and to ensure the symmetry of the movements of each leg. The goal is simple: to succeed in distribute its weight effectively and therefore to wear out more slowly.

(Embed) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oPjw9Ak4oPE (/ embed)

Rehabilitation in sight

When Honda researchers thought of and created this exoskeleton, two goals were defined. First, it was important to re-develop the muscles atrophied by a too long absence of movements or by accident. In addition, this walking assistant was also created for the elderly. With this in mind, roboticists also focused on'assistance. At present, the Walking Assist Device is available only in around fifty hospitals Japanese. An opportunity for the Japanese company to publicize its product and Review it, before a possible marketing. Are we heading towards a real robotization of our lives? Anyway, for the sum of 330 € per month, people who wish can benefit from this assistant. A small step for humans, a big step for robotics.

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