Honda Motors yesterday introduced an experimental walking assist device that comes to the aid of people who are capable of walking on their own, but need an extra help with leg and body support while performing tasks.

The revolutionary device was designed to act as a bodyweight support system capable of reducing the load on joints and leg muscles. In addition to being extremely simple, consisting of a seat, frame and shoes, the walking assist device also directs the assisting force towards the user’s center of gravity to control the assist force in concert with the movement of the legs.

The system weighs 6.5 kg, including the shoes and the lithium ion batteries, it has an operating time per charge of 2 hours, and was designed to give a natural comfort to users. The walking assisting device is based on two motors, each controlling the movements of the right and left legs, which results in a natural walking movement.

Furthermore, Honda stressed the effectiveness of the system in motions and postures that generally put an increased load on knees (going up the stairs, or a semi-crouching position).

Thanks to its mechanism that directs the assisting force toward the individual’s center of gravity, the walking assisting device will be of help in various movements and postures, from walking, to going u and down the stairs, or taking a semi-crouching position.

Honda announced its first walking assist device in April this year, designed for people with weakened leg muscles, due to the inevitable aging process. The company said it would start testing the walking assisting device at its Saitama Factory as of this month.