Honda walking assist device
Saw this on the news last night and was going to post but FatB beat me to it ^^;
Its a device by Honda used to help folks walk and take the strain off lifting things too. More pics at AFPBB.
Original text from FatBastard below.
For those that have often dreamed about having a highly advanced Japanese robot nestled between their legs, your dream has come true. Sort of...
Honda has revealed a second experimental walking assist device that reduces muscle strain of the user's lower extremities when walking or peforming constricting activities for up to two hours before requiring recharge.
While I'm sure its full of high tech stuff I'll never quite understand, it sure doesn't look too comfortable. I hope they at least use memory foam padding, so it'll remember where my family jewels are suppose to be after sitting on them for two hours.
Via electronista
- Akihabara News - Gadgetry from Japan (Subscribe)
- Japan Probe - Japan news and entertainment (Subscribe)
- Kirainet.com - A geek in Japan (Subscribe)
If you are interested in reading about life in Japan, seeing photos taken daily around Tokyo, like Japanese subculture (anime, manga, figures, Dollfies) then you may want to start delving into the Japan or Figure categories for a start or have a gander at all photo articles.
If you don't have much time now, maybe subscribe to the RSS Feed, Twitter Feed or join the other readers in the FaceBook Page.
Alternatively, you may want to read more about the site.
If you are a regular reader then this message will probably annoy you each time - hide it forever.
-Akihabara News – Gadgetry from Japan (Subscribe)
part time illustrationist, doll clothing seamstress
http://puppy52art.com/
AHAHAHAHAHAA I was thinking man, it's gonna get uncomfortable between em legs :P then U bring up memory foam, that area is gonna look kinda ugly after :P
Student
http://web.mit.edu/anime/www/index.shtml
Ehehe i was thinkin' the same thing! Tempur-pedic pads to prevent dolphin-murder.
Mad scientist
This is kind of cool. You can lift heavier objects using a device like this and it's quite fast to mount/dismount. I tend to hold back due to my knee.
My only concern is the rocky homelands of my dolphin but I'm sure they will find an acceptable solution for that issue ^^
Mad scientist
Come to think about it (right after posting :P ) I guess the people who will have the greatest benefit from this will be people who just had an operation in their knee/leg and have to start using the legs again without putting too much load on them. It will help them recover faster and possible with less complications. I don't think this will be a device for regular healthy people though.
Aspiring Photographer
http://bernerd.multiply.com
LOL that looks weird. it would be better if it weren't on the inner thighs, but that then that would make it bulky.
Seeing red!!!
It looks weird, especialy in between the legs.
Otaku
http://imperiomoe.wordpress.com
just image school uniform girl using it
Mad scientist
You mean if they get increased strength in their legs so they can run away from you even faster? :P
Otaku
http://imperiomoe.wordpress.com
that's my fear ^^
College Student
Looks uncomfortable...Kinda like one of those exoskeleton things, where hydrolic pumps give you extra strength ^_^
Honda's Asimo was a much better invention imo.
Evil Fanfic Writer
http://acesan.wordpress.com/
I want a device where it also extends to your arms, and it knows martial arts, so when some thug comes up to you, you just hit a button, and it's like Hii ya!
Bounty Hunter
http://myanimelist.net/profile/andrewgk
would be great but what if everyone had one of those, even the thugs?
http://www.marvinryan.com
lol if the memory foam doesn't pop back into shape, folks would know the size and shape of your jewels. ^^; but you're right, it doesn't look comfy.
Scientist, unemployed.
http://fmphoenixhawk.livejournal.com
One step closer to Terminators. Honda gets bought out by Cyberdyne?
NEET part-time - Technical Support Officer - Network security engineer
http://burugureibi.blogspot.com/
That better have some sorta nutbladder port - I don't think the sacrifice of your nutbladder for a few minutes of cool are worth it. But they are cool nonetheless. Can you say atomic wedgie?
I ride a road bike nearly everyday so i definitely know what it feels like to get them in a odd posititon - It starts to ache in places you didn't know you had. ¬__¬"
Hikikomori in the making
http://supermariabros.deviantart.com/
Looks really uncomfortable to wear... I think this device can come in handy when you want to dolphin knee jab somebody...
But I don't think I'm going to be needing it though...
Web Engineer
Looks good, a bicycle with no wheels!!!
DSL Tech Support T____T, Kita-Kon Chairman
http://www.kita-kon.org
As opposed to many comments above me it actually looks quite comfortable. Although the application of the device would probably be for heavy lifting job sites i can't help but feel the human race is getting a bit too lazy.
Moe Hunter
http://moehunter.wordpress.com/
Someone really lazy is going to buy this.
Can't help thinking the design on it is questionable too.
Dropping computers, starting all over again at Journalism
http://xspblog.com
Does this have anything to do with those robotic legs for disabled people?
Because shure, it's funny and all... all that crotch rubbing... :P
But it's also awesome if it helps people that need an extra oomph for the legs.
It probably feels much like a bike's seat, though if you fall down with that, unbearable pain is to be expected. XD
Mad scientist
Maybe it contains a fall detection device so it retracts if it happens to ensure safety for the user from harm from the product. I guess it could be expensive for Honda if it started to crush jewels ^^
Translater and Cosplayer!
http://www.cosplayers.net/content/
I am so happy for working in a firm like Honda! ^^
-1
http://necrophadian.blogspot.com/
Still waiting for those T-800s to come into production
Student
http://konadora.wordpress.com
Didn't Japan already introduce something similar to this, years back?
Electrical Engineering Fresh Graduate
how you supposed to control this device? It will be bad if you cannot stop...
Game Designer
http://www.myspace.com/moose_house
It moves with you, so if you stop it stops, before you can even think about it.
Delivery Driver | Semi-student
http://www.soulfringe.com/
Technology go !! I can see this being helpful to mail carriers. Especially ones getting on in age.
Student
its going to be a bad idea idea when robots go on a rampage
that thing will fold up then open, hiting your family jewels like a sadistic ball abuser
One step closer to the world of Ghost in the Shell where artificial implants are in every human being.
Student
http://web.mit.edu/anime/www/index.shtml
That totally could've won the MIT's design contest if it wasn't made by a famous company.
???Confused???
It's cool, but didn't they come up with a full body suit/skeletal outer wear like that?
Creative Director
Why dose everyone @Honda talk funny?
university film student | ecchikid | the Archivist
http://www.vimeo.com/longhim
If I were that guy demonstrating in the video, I'd be feeling like a royal fool. >< Aside from the fact that walking is the only exercise I get any more, that machine looks too stupid for me.
大学生
Nah. I still prefer Cyberdyne's Robot Suit HAL (Hybrid Assistive Limb). That's the real cyborg!
http://www.dannychoo.com/detail/mac/eng/image/1752/Cyberdyne+HAL.html
University's Slave
Interesting idea, but those people using the thing are NOT walking with a natural gait. Not good.
Head Lackey and Scape Goat
Unless you're bow-legged, this thing looks REALLY awkward to use.
Also, wouldn't it have been better to place the support structure on the outside of the legs and re-position the seat so it's not so painful? Because, from how it looked in the video, that guy's dolphin was being shoved back up into his body cavity.
http://darkdam.deviantart.com/
hmmm, operational for 2 hours on a single charge, that's gonna suck when it's out of batteries and you'll have to carry that 6 kg thing around
browsing the nets
http://otakuposts.blogspot.com/
its looks so very uncomfortable, like something stuck between the legs.
Student
http://kankeishorui.wordpress.com
It should be released with sizes, how about fat people going on board this thing without sizes.
Mechanical Engineering student
http://sabekujikaneda.multiply.com/
That's gotta hurt my balls! Girls won't have any problems with it though x_x
Designer
http://kyoricasorochi.blogspot.com/
It acts as a protector... and perhaps later they will incorporate a massager there. lol
大学生
Vibrator you mean? Haha. How do you massage a dolphin?
Things to do with the kitchen
http://yujodomeicosplay2008.blogspot.com/
It is an inovative idea for those with weak knees but yes gotta agree with everyone, it does look very uncomfortable for the guys. But somehow i dun think they show use a battery for this kinda devices as its suppose to help support your walk not make it havier.
Office Administrator
http://aquilla429.co.uk
Looks too weird for me and I've no need for such a device. Could be good for the elderly or weak people though?
Civil Servant
http://kyokohunter.net/
I'd love to give this a try, if only for the fact that I can pretend I'm halfway towards getting an exoskeleton, rather than of actually being any use. That guy didn't look comfortable bending down though, I wonder how far you can actually bend down in them?
http://quentinlau.blogspot.com
Possibly a potential helper for elderly people, physically handicapped, and those who do a lot of manual labour such as factory or construction areas.
http://colourwheelz.blogspot.com
This looks really weird. Imagine a room of directors and bosses wearing this while coming in for meetings!!
Free Thinker
No less weird than a manager in a wheel chair or using a walking stick. It is just another mobility assitive device and I welcome it and the team trying to make it a reality. Remember this model is not the final version. With tech products there is actually never a final version but constant updates. Battery life will be improved but will always have a limit. Comfort will be improved as well as the unforseen issues. I can attest, that after losing just 2kg, my knee pain reduced significantly. Reducing the load on your joints increases their lifespan. This doesnt mean that fat people should buy this product and start eating more!!!
Many people with bad legs, elderly, manual labourers etc will all benefit from this positive product. This is japan (or Honda) at it's best.
Student
Seems interesting... I think
pop culture archivist
http://supremenothing.blogspot.com/
I love the concept but it just looks too silly. I'm sure it could be designed to look less awkward.
I'm also sure that somebody is already imaging some sort of fetish surrounding it.
Engineering and Sales
This is great for the elderly and for disabled people. If I was to see anybody on this who is young and healthy, I would laugh at them and proceed to beat them up.
Just Some Anime Fan
http://www.cilliaclaraford.com
no! i dont need that
Supreme Commander of NERV Co.
I dont need that, but I'd like to have one anyways ^^
Student
that would be one of the stranger walking thingys ive seen...plus doesnt it get a bit...ummm...uncomfortable?