Walking Assist Device by Honda. The new Segway?

[sixmile]

http://www.designboom.com/weblog/cat/16/view/4439/walking-assist-device-by-honda.html
"If you thought the segway was the future of odd looking transportation, honda recently unveiled its second
walking assist device. the strange looking gadget is designed to support the user’s body weight, reducing
the weight load on their legs. the machine consists of a seat, frame and shoes. the user simply moves as
normal and the machine reduces the load on their knees and ankles. the unit weighs 6.5kg and has two
battery powered motors which will last for 2 hours of use. honda has already begun testing the device at
one of its factory’s."

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jq7sC28ENIk

[niyad]

1. do you suppose georgie will fall off this one, as well?

[Lost-in-FL]

2. He won't need one in jail. nt

[Cirque du So-What]

4. First thing I thought of was getting Jorge W. Arbusto on one of these

and watching him stumble ass-over-teakettle...or severely racking himself up, at the very least.

[rcrush]

3. Didnt Mr Garrison on South Park design something like this?

[Book Lover]

5. Wow - how great is this?

Looks safe and easy to use. I hope this works out in testing!

[sixmile]

6. Elderly, disabled...

May help many people to be mobile-in a walking sense.

[Book Lover]

7. Exactly

My mom would have been assisted by this device, for instance. And as the video shows, it could be an aid to reduce strain for factory workers; I'm sure postal carriers would be helped, too.

[sixmile]

8. Now if we could just find some jobs for the masses

Lots of people. Not many new things to do or produce.
Maybe a factory full of folks using these things in synergy could create energy?
I remember the military developing a 'spider suit' or something like that to ease stress on soldiers backs and legs when hauling gear.

[Book Lover]

9. I remember that exoskeleton too

It's not just imaginary tech anymore, eh? And you've got a good point - maybe Honda could retool one of their US factories and make them here for our market.

[cutlassmama]

10. Awesome!

This one would help the disabled with knee problems.

[Greyhound]

11. Very cool, nice find.

:kick: