Accessibility links

Breaking News
News

Honda Unveils New Robot Walker


The Honda Motor Company has displayed for the first time a new computerized walker machine, designed to help factory workers and the elderly.

The machine which weighs 6.5 kilos, has a saddle, leg-frames and shoes. It reduces the weight of a user's legs making it easier to climb and descend stairs, as well as carry out difficult crouching positions.

A user sits on the saddle puts on the shoes, and pushes a start button, which then moves the users legs. The device is driven by a computer, has a motor and gears, and battery powered sensors that respond to a user's movements.

Honda says it will start using the machine at a factory in Japan.

The device is also expected help elderly people. Japan has a rapidly aging population and also leads the world in robot technology.

In 2000 Honda developed the first two-legged walking robot called ASIMO. Honda says some of the same technology was used in the newer device.

Some information for this report was provided by AFP and AP.


XS
SM
MD
LG