Honda Innovation At the Smithsonian

TULLAMARINE, AUSTRALIA – Jun 9, 2010: Honda’s experimental Walking Assist Device will be on show at New York’s Smithsonian Institution from May 2010 to January 2011 in the ‘Why Design Now?’ exhibit.

The ‘Why Design Now?’ exhibition is the fourth installation in the series, launched by Cooper-Hewitt National Design Museum in 2000. The exhibition showcases the latest in contemporary design evolution.

The exhibition will showcase the works of international designers that demonstrate the value of design in helping solve some of the world’s social and environmental problems across accessibility, sustainability, conservation, fair trade, education and health.

Honda’s Walking Assist Device with the bodyweight support system was unveiled in 2008. It helps cushion bodyweight to reduce the load on the user’s legs while walking, going up and down stairs and in a semi-crouching position. This could help reduce fatigue and decrease physical exertion.

The device consists of a seat, frame and shoes and includes mechanisms that direct the assisting force toward the user’s centre of gravity, making it possible for the device to provide natural assistance in various postures and motions.

Honda began research into a walking device in 1999 with the goal of providing more people with the joy of mobility.

For a demonstration of this device, see the YouTube video at the following link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0S_SL8IWObY