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Honda's Exoskeletons Help You Walk Like Asimo

Posted by timothy on from the walk-me-to-the-store dept.

kkleiner writes "Honda has created two walking exoskeletons based on Asimo research that assist humans in walking. The Bodyweight Support Assist exoskeleton is a set of thin legs attached to a seat. Users sit on the seat and slip their feet into shoes on the robotic legs. This system supports bodyweight to assist people in walking and moving up and down steps. The other, Stride Management Assist, is a brace worn around the hips and thighs that provides added strength when flexing that joint. It's currently under development and being tested by 130 patients in the field. Both devices may prove to be valuable tools in helping the elderly maintain their mobility, assisting the disabled, and easing the stress on physical laborers."

135 comments

  1. First exosceleton post by Anonymous Coward · · Score: -1, Offtopic

    This post was brought to you by cyberdyne systems.

    1. Re:First exosceleton post by Pieroxy · · Score: 1, Interesting

      Well, I wonder what will happen when the exoskeleton will be infected by a virus. Same question with the pacemakers and other stuff assisting life.

      Given that all the stupid computers in hospitals are running windows, this threat is actually already there, and does not seem to have caused many problems so far. Yet, I'm still very anxious to see these things more and more popular.

      --
      Write boring code, not shiny code!
    2. Re:First exosceleton post by MichaelSmith · · Score: 4, Interesting

      My X-Rays were delayed once because a virus got into the radiology systems. The images came on CD with handy DLLs which I would not have touched even if I used windows.

      --
      http://michaelsmith.id.au
    3. Re:First exosceleton post by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 3, Insightful

      "Well, I wonder what will happen when the exoskeleton will be infected by a virus"

      Just something like this...

      http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Wrong_Trousers

    4. Re:First exosceleton post by Lupu · · Score: 3, Interesting

      Given that all the stupid computers in hospitals are running windows, this threat is actually already there, and does not seem to have caused many problems so far. Yet, I'm still very anxious to see these things more and more popular.

      With a year's experience working in a public hospital purchasing office I found (without searching) many critical security flaws in the processes. For example, the European Procurement Announcement agency regularly sends catalogs of EU-wide procurements in CD's that require Windows and autorun to function. The CD would start a web server off the disk and launch Internet Explorer to interface with the server. In other words, we regularly executed programs from CD's we got by mail in a very simple (and easy to replicate) packaging, on the same computers we use to make very expensive purchases (believe me, hospital equipment isn't cheap).

    5. Re:First exosceleton post by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Interesting

      Yes, exactly! Cyberdyne Systems is a Good Company!

    6. Re:First exosceleton post by Chrisq · · Score: 1

      Well, I wonder what will happen when the exoskeleton will be infected by a virus.

      The user will be like the proverbial spastic who walked past a magnet factory and kicked himself to death.

    7. Re:First exosceleton post by flyingfsck · · Score: 1

      The reason you have not heard of virus problems in hospitals is the same as always: The hospitals bury their problems.

      --
      Excuse me, but please get off my Pennisetum Clandestinum, eh!
    8. Re:First exosceleton post by Larryish · · Score: 1

      Most of the people I see here in the States with "mobility problems" are grotesquely fat.

      What load capacity will these things have?

      The movie Wall-E predicts the future of the human race pretty well, IMO.

      We already have a million big blobs on little scooters riding around Wal-Mart buying Twinkies.

    9. Re:First exosceleton post by bhartman34 · · Score: 2, Informative

      Is there any reason why the exoskeleton should have any vulnerabilities to viruses? I can't see a reason you'd put a USB port, an optical drive, or Internet access on one of these. I mean, I suppose you could somehow flash the virus into the circuitry, if you had that kind of access to it, but for an end user product, how likely is that?

    10. Re:First exosceleton post by bhartman34 · · Score: 1

      I don't think you're going to see lardasses using exoskeletons within your lifetime, at least.

      Exoskeletons are not going to be cheap, and insurance (of any sort) isn't going to pay for them just because you're too slovenly to lay off the Ho-Hos. In fact, I think that's part of the problem with devices like these: Insurance companies want to be convinced of "medical necessity" before they pony up the money for medical devices. It would not surprise me at all if insurance companies denied claims for the exoskeletons on the basis that users don't "need" them when there are perfectly good motorized and manual wheelchairs around.

    11. Re:First exosceleton post by Coren22 · · Score: 2, Informative

      With more and more devices allowing and requiring firmware updates, it wouldn't be so surprising to have to hook up these legs to a computer occasionally to upgrade the control software. This would leave it open to attack in many ways. Many people who bought the movie Avatar complained about the need for a firmware update just to watch the movie, when you have software controlling your leg movement (or assisting, whatever) what is to say that there won't be bug fixes, or even modifications to the software for a persons personal leg gait.

      --
      APK likes to ask for responses to the same things over and over. Maybe he just likes the responses?
    12. Re:First exosceleton post by bhartman34 · · Score: 1

      With more and more devices allowing and requiring firmware updates, it wouldn't be so surprising to have to hook up these legs to a computer occasionally to upgrade the control software. This would leave it open to attack in many ways. Many people who bought the movie Avatar complained about the need for a firmware update just to watch the movie, when you have software controlling your leg movement (or assisting, whatever) what is to say that there won't be bug fixes, or even modifications to the software for a persons personal leg gait.

      I think you're looking at this like it's an electronic device. For purposes of testing, it's not. It's a medical device. If there's some bug in the controls, they're most likely going to be found and fixed in clinical trials. This isn't like a drug, where different people might have unpredictable (or at least, difficult to predict) adverse events. All this skeleton has to do is a) hold the patient's weight, and b) walk. I could foresee a desire to make the exoskeleton walk faster, but that's a mechanical fix, not a software one. There aren't going to be updates to program in line dancing or breakdance moves. The exoskeleton is designed to do one thing: walk. Why would they mess with that? Even if they did add features or improvements to the system, they wouldn't do firmware updates. They'd sell them as new models, just as they do when they add features to other medical equipment.

      Besides that, there's not a lot of DIY going on in wheelchair repair. Mostly, you call a surgical supply store, and they either come to you, or you go to them. I can't imagine this would be much different.

    13. Re:First exosceleton post by Coren22 · · Score: 1

      How do you suppose they program the unit for people with different length legs? Or people with limited range of motion?

      There are many uses for software updates, unfortunately, there are still also reasons against. I was just mentioning that it is entirely possible for there to need to be updates, and some reasons why. Why would you make everyone buy a new exoskeleton when a simple firmware update would fix the issue? These legs could cost near $10k, think of it more like a car, you don't throw away your Camry because it has an accelerator issue, you update firmware to correct the issue.

      --
      APK likes to ask for responses to the same things over and over. Maybe he just likes the responses?
    14. Re:First exosceleton post by bhartman34 · · Score: 1

      How do you suppose they program the unit for people with different length legs? Or people with limited range of motion?

      They would be pre-programmed, just as wheelchairs are custom-designed for different sizes, shapes, and range of motion for people. Different lengths of legs isn't a programmatic problem, anyway. That's a design issue. Naturally, the exoskeleton is going to have to be fitted for each person.

      Why would you make everyone buy a new exoskeleton when a simple firmware update would fix the issue?

      Personally, I wouldn't force anyone to buy a new exoskeleton for an update. But it's not an uncommon practice to make someone buy new software if they want the new features. And there's more than enough examples in the car industry to bear that out. Last year's model often has fewer software features than this year's model. And sure, you might not have to pay for fixes on your car's systems if they're the fault of the manufacturer, but you often have to send them back to the dealership to have them do the updates. You don't download the updates to a USB stick and put them in your car.

    15. Re:First exosceleton post by LanMan04 · · Score: 1

      My X-Rays were delayed once because a virus got into the radiology systems. The images came on CD with handy DLLs which I would not have touched even if I used windows.

      Another reason to NEVER use Windows for anything even remotely important.

      --
      With the first link, the chain is forged.
    16. Re:First exosceleton post by Mr.+Slippery · · Score: 1

      It's a medical device.

      Which, as the mess regarding medical tubes shows, does not mean that it is subject to meaningful safety regulations.

      Besides that, there's not a lot of DIY going on in wheelchair repair.

      Actually, a friend of mine who uses an electric chair has turned to friends for repair a few times, because wait times for "authorized" repair were too long. Now, this was simple stuff like loose connections, but the idea of DIY firmware updates isn't completely out-of-bounds.

      --
      Tom Swiss | the infamous tms | my blog
      You cannot wash away blood with blood
    17. Re:First exosceleton post by Vlado · · Score: 1

      Are you certain that there's an actual web SERVER that is run from a CD?

      I find that just a bit too convoluted and potentially problematic in terms of compatibility issues that may pop up. I think it's more likely that there's just a set of web pages that are stacked in a particular structure and linked together. No actual active components.

      Also in such (or any other) scenario autorun is by no means required. Ever. Autorun just helps you execute the initial action automatically (as the name suggests). You could always do it by yourself if you just browsed to a proper file on a CD and opened it. So disabling autorun and educating users on how to start a CD-based app could solve a problem or two.

    18. Re:First exosceleton post by Iamthecheese · · Score: 1

      The scurvy dog that would virus a wheelchair, artificial arm or yer leg helpers is the blackest, most evil bastard this world has seen. I personally would have the filthy animal executed that does this.

      --
      If video games influenced behavior the Pac Man generation would be eating pills and running away from their problems.
    19. Re:First exosceleton post by Coren22 · · Score: 1

      Agreed.

      --
      APK likes to ask for responses to the same things over and over. Maybe he just likes the responses?
    20. Re:First exosceleton post by bhartman34 · · Score: 1

      It's a medical device.

      Which, as the mess regarding medical tubes shows, does not mean that it is subject to meaningful safety regulations.

      I think the medical tubing issue is a red herring, in terms of safety. Plugging the wrong tube into the wrong device is user error, not a problem with the safety of the tubes. The nurse in question needs to be paying attention. If you look at the original article, the mix-up highlighted was truly moronic. Even a nurse on his/her first day of work should be alert enough not to connect a feeding tube to an IV.

      In the case of the exoskeleton, all the legs need to do is support the patient's weight, and walk. Anything preventing the exoskeleton from doing that would also prevent it from leaving clinical trials. About the only failure points I can see would be mechanical, which you can't fix with a firmware update.

      Besides that, there's not a lot of DIY going on in wheelchair repair.

      Actually, a friend of mine who uses an electric chair has turned to friends for repair a few times, because wait times for "authorized" repair were too long. Now, this was simple stuff like loose connections, but the idea of DIY firmware updates isn't completely out-of-bounds.

      I've done repairs on my manual wheelchair, as well. It's not too hard to replace a pneumatic tire, but once you start getting into the solid inserts, there's more expensive equipment involved. And if you're talking about frame adjustments, that's not something the user should be doing by his/herself.

      Now, as far as firmware goes, I can't imagine why a manufacturer would even want people upgrading the firmware themselves. A medical device like this isn't something you code a mod for. It's something you leave alone unless you have reason to do otherwise. The most rational way to handle firmware upgrades would be the same way they handle bug fixes in cars: You send a letter issuing a recall, and upgrade the users in the shop where they bought the device.

    21. Re:First exosceleton post by bhartman34 · · Score: 1

      +1x10^1000

    22. Re:First exosceleton post by Mr.+Slippery · · Score: 1

      Plugging the wrong tube into the wrong device is user error, not a problem with the safety of the tubes. The nurse in question needs to be paying attention.

      A design that allows such a user error to occur is indeed a safety issue with the equipment. Even skilled people in perfect environments have lapses, and nurses are rarely working in perfect environments. If you don't account for that, your human factors work is flawed -- in this case, quite literally fatally flawed.

      I've done repairs on my manual wheelchair...And if you're talking about frame adjustments, that's not something the user should be doing by his/herself.

      I am just speculating here, but I would not be surprised if some para-athletes are doing some pretty heavy adjustments on their chairs.

      The most rational way to handle firmware upgrades would be the same way they handle bug fixes in cars: You send a letter issuing a recall, and upgrade the users in the shop where they bought the device.

      Maybe so -- but it's not like everyone takes their car to the dealer, or even to an ASE certified mechanic. I wouldn't want to buy a exoskeleton that could only be dealer-serviced any more than I'd want to buy a car whose hood was locked and could only be opened by the dealer.

      --
      Tom Swiss | the infamous tms | my blog
      You cannot wash away blood with blood
    23. Re:First exosceleton post by bhartman34 · · Score: 1

      Plugging the wrong tube into the wrong device is user error, not a problem with the safety of the tubes. The nurse in question needs to be paying attention.

      A design that allows such a user error to occur is indeed a safety issue with the equipment. Even skilled people in perfect environments have lapses, and nurses are rarely working in perfect environments. If you don't account for that, your human factors work is flawed -- in this case, quite literally fatally flawed.

      There have been cases where surgeons have accidentally left an implement inside a patient after surgery. Is that a safety problem with the implement involved? I wouldn't think so.

      I've done repairs on my manual wheelchair...And if you're talking about frame adjustments, that's not something the user should be doing by his/herself.

      I am just speculating here, but I would not be surprised if some para-athletes are doing some pretty heavy adjustments on their chairs.

      The most rational way to handle firmware upgrades would be the same way they handle bug fixes in cars: You send a letter issuing a recall, and upgrade the users in the shop where they bought the device.

      Maybe so -- but it's not like everyone takes their car to the dealer, or even to an ASE certified mechanic. I wouldn't want to buy a exoskeleton that could only be dealer-serviced any more than I'd want to buy a car whose hood was locked and could only be opened by the dealer.

      Yes, but this isn't a car. A wheelchair is the equivalent of your legs. Would you want just anyone tinkering with them? You might not wan to take them to a specific dealer, but you'd want them to at least go to a qualified mechanic. It would be a very serious design flaw if your roommate could prank your firmware while you slept.

  2. VTEC kicked in by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    "VTEC kicked in, yo!"

    *zips up the stairs really very fast* BRAAAAAAAAAAAAMP!!! (VTEC sound)

    With a legbrake turn at the top of the landing.

    1. Re:VTEC kicked in by Tongsy · · Score: 1

      Just what I want, to walk like asimo http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ASoCJTYgYB0

    2. Re:VTEC kicked in by Spy+der+Mann · · Score: 1

      Obligatory webcomic links:

      http://www.vanvonhunter.com/vvh124.html
      http://www.vanvonhunter.com/vvh125.html

  3. Eek! by RyanFenton · · Score: 4, Funny

    Any dude who has ever had a bike seat interact harshly with their crotch area will likely cringe when they think a little bit about this one. It's a powered crutch... that uses your crotch instead of your armpits.

    Ryan Fenton

    1. Re:Eek! by dintech · · Score: 1

      Honda's Exoskeletons Help You Walk Like Asim

      Is this some sort of racial slur?

    2. Re:Eek! by MichaelSmith · · Score: 1

      Well its a fairly large, comfy seat. I have an expensive titanium railed leather seat on my commuting bike (160 AUD: I was single when I bought it). Once I slipped off a pedal and came down right on the sharp bit at the front. Christ that hurt.

      At least you can't slip off this. I wonder if they have actually tried it out with somebody who can barely walk? I would hate them to fall and break half their bones.

      --
      http://michaelsmith.id.au
    3. Re:Eek! by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      (160 AUD: I was single when I bought it).

      You're justifying a certain amount you spent at a seat or you're suggesting you had nobody to nag you not to do it, or even that your gf is now really exprensive?

      At least you can't slip off this

      The day must come I've slipped off of a bike seat..

      I wonder if they have actually tried it out with somebody who can barely walk?

      It looks like me it's not really in that stage yet.

    4. Re:Eek! by lxs · · Score: 1

      It's a typo. It should read "walk like a Sim"

    5. Re:Eek! by Omicron32 · · Score: 1

      Haha, I actually read the title as "Honda's Exoskeletons Help You Walk Like Asian" and thought it was wildly inappropriate.

    6. Re:Eek! by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Honda's Exoskeletons Help You Walk Like Asim

      Is this some sort of racial slur?

      Not any more than "Walk Like an Egyptian".

    7. Re:Eek! by Abstrackt · · Score: 1

      Haha, I actually read the title as "Honda's Exoskeletons Help You Walk Like Asian" and thought it was wildly inappropriate.

      If anime has taught me anything most Asians use mechs for transport so I think it's a very accurate title!

      --
      They say a little knowledge is a dangerous thing, but it's not one half so bad as a lot of ignorance. - Terry Pratchett
    8. Re:Eek! by ChunderDownunder · · Score: 1

      Nope, it's an advertisement for the undead - 'Skeletons help you walk like Asimov'.

    9. Re:Eek! by couchslug · · Score: 1

      "It's a powered crutch... that uses your crotch instead of your armpits."

      I, for one, find the idea vaguely arousing.

      --
      "This post is an artistic work of fiction and falsehood. Only a fool would take anything posted here as fact."
  4. Ugly by muzip · · Score: 1

    Fantastic innovation, but doesn't look aesthetically pleasing. Looks like you have a two legged spider between your legs ...

    1. Re:Ugly by MichaelSmith · · Score: 3, Funny

      Its like they've got the Wrong Trousers.

      --
      http://michaelsmith.id.au
    2. Re:Ugly by Pieroxy · · Score: 1

      Looks like you have a two legged spider between your legs ...

      If not exciting, it is at least intriguing !

      --
      Write boring code, not shiny code!
    3. Re:Ugly by tsj5j · · Score: 2, Insightful

      You won't care for the looks when you're 70 and unable to walk with assistance.

    4. Re:Ugly by mcgrew · · Score: 1

      Not even if you're 20 and unable to walk without assistance. MS sufferers will be some of the ones to benefit from this; there are two young women I know of with this condition who can barely walk even with crutches. There are a lot more conditions than being elderly that will make you need this. I would imagine a lot of men and women coming back rom Iraq and Afghanistan will need it, too.

      As to the "70" thing, my dad will be 80 next year, and he still goes square dancing every Saturday night. This isn't for all the elderly, nor is it only for the elderly.

      This is a fantastic piece of tech. Imagine what they're going to have when you're my dad's age!

      --
      Free Martian Whores!
    5. Re:Ugly by Striikerr · · Score: 1

      You won't care for the looks when you're 70 and unable to walk with assistance.

      Hah! Like any 70 year old cares about how they look! Come down to Boca Raton, Florida and watch the fashion show of old people wearing pants that go up to their armpits, white tube socks pulled up to their knees, baseball hats and big sunglasses (and that's just the old guys, the old women can be worse with all their huge jewelry).
      If this makes them move faster down the aisles at the local grocery store then I am all for it!

    6. Re:Ugly by Iamthecheese · · Score: 1

      When I'm 70 this will be an internal augmentation. Go Future!

      --
      If video games influenced behavior the Pac Man generation would be eating pills and running away from their problems.
  5. Reaction time by KarlIsNotMyName · · Score: 3, Interesting

    When they mention physical laborers, I start wondering if these type of exoskeletons will restrict us in some areas too. Would I for example be able to run as fast with one as without one? What about jumping or dodging to avoid a fast moving object?

    --
    We are all God's parents.
    1. Re:Reaction time by index0 · · Score: 1

      They mean physical jobs where this can prevent injury.

    2. Re:Reaction time by KarlIsNotMyName · · Score: 1

      Yeah, I figured carrying heavy objects around. But where there are heavy objects there might be falling heavy objects too.

      --
      We are all God's parents.
    3. Re:Reaction time by chichilalescu · · Score: 2, Informative

      quote from one of the videos: "no jumping". obviously, the things are based on moving within some strict parameters.
      however, I think they can be constructed so that it's easy to get out of them (if you need them). until they have the direct to brain interface available...

      --
      new sig
    4. Re:Reaction time by somersault · · Score: 1

      The solution to heavy falling objects is not "make sure all your workers can run", it's "make sure that no heavy objects are above people in the first place". Besides, if the workers are much more at risk of repetitive strain from lifting heavy things around all day, something like this is overall beneficial by reducing the main risk even if it increases other types of risk slightly.

      --
      which is totally what she said
    5. Re:Reaction time by Schadrach · · Score: 1

      Now, make sure no heavy objects are generally above people at all ever in a job that involves loading trucks with an overhead crane, or pulling materials off of a pallet rack with a forklift (these racks usually go 3-5 levels high at several feet of height per level), etc, etc, etc.

      In a lot of cases, "Make sure your employees are aware of their environment and know how to GTFO if something starts going wrong" is the best that can be done.

    6. Re:Reaction time by Anne+Thwacks · · Score: 1
      In a lot of cases, "Make sure your employees are aware of their environment and know how to GTFO if something starts going wrong" is the best that can be done.

      I have worked in these environments (Pallet racks, forklifts) , and I agree that this is the best policy by far. (Except you missed the "if you like having toes, wear your safety boots, if you like having a head, wear your hard hat).

      PHBs unfortunately don't agree with us. they think its more important you _sign_ that "you have watched a video, and know what a bad cartoon drawing of a forklift looks like". Its the law.

      --
      Sent from my ASR33 using ASCII
    7. Re:Reaction time by somersault · · Score: 2, Insightful

      If something truly heavy drops on you then steel toes and a hard hat aren't going to do much.. suppose it may be better to have your toes crimped off than to have them trapped/crushed under a container though.

      I've worked with forklifts too and massive cranes moving 20 ton containers around our yard, I prefer just to not stand under the heavy things than hope a hardhat is somehow going to save me if they fall.

      --
      which is totally what she said
    8. Re:Reaction time by vegiVamp · · Score: 1

      Warning: heating element may be hot.

      Of course there's always something that the protective measure won't protect you from. The point of them is to protect you within the specified limits. Nobody ever claimed that a hard hat is going to miraculously save you from a 20-ton container to the noggin.

      --
      What a depressingly stupid machine.
    9. Re:Reaction time by EvilBudMan · · Score: 1

      I think with about 6 million dollars all of this should be faster, better, stronger, etc. You should at least be able to run 60mh, have the strength of an elephant, and best of all x-ray vision.

    10. Re:Reaction time by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Once when I worked as a framer I almost had a truss package dropped on me. The line on the boom truck snapped to about 1/3 of its normal thickness while we were booming it up to the second floor of the house, and I and the lead were under it, getting it set correctly. If the line had snapped completely through then it would have killed both of us on its way down through both floors of the house. The hard hat I had on would not have helped at all.

      I've also had a nailgun dropped directly on my head, and was very thankful that I had a hard hat on at the time, as it saved me a concussion.

      Not being under the heavy things is generally the best policy, followed by educating your workers on how to properly and safely secure a load for storage and transport.

    11. Re:Reaction time by wbhauck · · Score: 1

      Nobody ever claimed that a hard hat is going to miraculously save you from a 20-ton container to the noggin.

      That's what ACME umbrella's are for!

    12. Re:Reaction time by WCguru42 · · Score: 1

      If something truly heavy drops on you then steel toes and a hard hat aren't going to do much.. suppose it may be better to have your toes crimped off than to have them trapped/crushed under a container though.

      Never worked around shipping containers but I did work in a hardware/ lumber yard with forklifts and heavy (enough) objects. Most people showed up day one with steel toed boots. First word of advice they got was to buy some regular, non-steel toed boots. No point in losing the whole toe when you could just have a few broken toes. We even had someone run over a steel toed boot with hot dogs in it once, sliced them pretty clean, considering the tool.

      --
      "Educate the mind but never at the expense of the soul."~Blessed Basil Moreau
    13. Re:Reaction time by PaxTharsis · · Score: 1

      personally I'm waiting for the model with rocket boosters in the heals and allows me the ability to shoot plasma bolts from my hands.

    14. Re:Reaction time by Schadrach · · Score: 1

      There's a pretty broad "in between" area though, which is where a pretty large number of people work. Where something might be heavy enough to injure but not so heavy as to break neck/crimp off toes.

      I work at a pipe fabrication shop (as the IT guy / part time draftsman / CIC bender programmer / etc). Owner doesn't require hardhats because there's more or less nothing high enough that it could reasonably fall on your head that isn't going to kill you outright but does require steel toes as the opposite is true as far as things falling on your feet.

    15. Re:Reaction time by Mr.+Slippery · · Score: 1

      First word of advice they got was to buy some regular, non-steel toed boots. No point in losing the whole toe when you could just have a few broken toes.

      Except that "steel toe amputation" is a myth. Except in some very odd-ball circumstances, you are safer to wear steel-toed boots.

      We even had someone run over a steel toed boot with hot dogs in it once, sliced them pretty clean, considering the tool.

      And what happened to the hot dogs when you put them in an ordinary boot and ran over them? Complete crush is more than "a few broken toes".

      --
      Tom Swiss | the infamous tms | my blog
      You cannot wash away blood with blood
  6. WTH? by miknix · · Score: 2, Interesting

    http://singularityhub.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/honda-exoskeleton-walker.jpg

    Did they really need to put a man there? I feel the pain in my nuts already.

    1. Re:WTH? by MichaelSmith · · Score: 3, Interesting

      My guess is that half the target audience won't have nuts at all, while the other half may be drooping down quite a bit and so will be able to find a comfortable position for said components.

      --
      http://michaelsmith.id.au
    2. Re:WTH? by PolygamousRanchKid+ · · Score: 1

      Maybe it has an optional vibrator feature? The Walk & Wank model?

      --
      Schroedinger's Brexit: The UK is both in and out of the EU at the same time!
    3. Re:WTH? by L4t3r4lu5 · · Score: 1

      My guess is the final version will come with a codpiece.

      --
      Finally had enough. Come see us over at https://soylentnews.org/
    4. Re:WTH? by Striikerr · · Score: 1

      http://singularityhub.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/honda-exoskeleton-walker.jpg

      Did they really need to put a man there? I feel the pain in my nuts already.

      Hah! I was thinking the same thing. If I used one of these, I'd mod it by attaching a big dildo on the front (and attach a horn and rear-view mirror to it like I see people with walkers do) (or those fake testicles people like to hang off the back of their trucks).

  7. Gee you think they thought of that already? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Insightful

    I'm amazed at some of the comments posted so far.

    What happens when it gets a virus. Most likely a closed system that doesn't allow you that type of access. I highly doubt the system runs on windows. More likely a low power computer based system with little access to the programming. Doubt they would want you tinkering with that for safety reasons.

    Crotch issues... the device maintains constant support when using the device. You are not bouncing up and down on it. So no, there are no crotch issues any more than their would be for sitting for long periods of time.

    Doesn't look aesthetically pleasing... if you needed the device for mobility do you think you would care? Powered wheelchairs don't look that great either, but that is not going to stop someone who needs the assistance.

    Restrictions while using device... Duh...

    1. Re:Gee you think they thought of that already? by ZeroExistenZ · · Score: 0, Troll

      Restrictions while using device... Duh...

      Say this thing is widely integrated and alot of people use it, because (as shown in the clip) going up stairs is such an incomfortable task that might make you sweat and give up going upstairs. While you sit down, feeling like a failure because you were defeated by a stairway.

      I do realize, this is thought for less mobile people or perhaps revalidation, but with a "cool"-factor like the segway, just imagine people not using their bodies anymore, no muscle-development turning into these meek puny defensless creatures sans-devices.

      I'll keep on walking myself as long I can, thanksverymuch.

      --
      I think we can keep recursing like this until someone returns 1
    2. Re:Gee you think they thought of that already? by shadowfaxcrx · · Score: 2, Interesting

      That's just not going to happen. You can get a Segway for a few grand. My dad was in power wheelchairs for the last 12 years of his life. His last two cost $25,000. Each. These exoskeletons will be a lot more. No one is going to buy them just because "They're cool." Insurance companies are going to buy them for people who actually need them.

      --
      "I disagree with you" does not equal "flamebait."
  8. Does it make you do that weird Asimo walk? by Joce640k · · Score: 2, Funny

    The one with the legs a bit too bent and like you have no calf muscles?

    --
    No sig today...
    1. Re:Does it make you do that weird Asimo walk? by martas · · Score: 1

      WTFV (watch the fucking videos)

      --
      weinersmith
    2. Re:Does it make you do that weird Asimo walk? by Joce640k · · Score: 1

      Humor. Lost on some people.

      --
      No sig today...
    3. Re:Does it make you do that weird Asimo walk? by CraftyJack · · Score: 1

      Be careful on stairs then.

    4. Re:Does it make you do that weird Asimo walk? by Concerned+Onlooker · · Score: 1

      Just hope it doesn't help you walk like this:
      http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ASoCJTYgYB0&feature=youtube_gdata_player

      --
      http://www.rootstrikers.org/
  9. Honda? Meh. by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Interesting

    Honda is quite far behind in this technology.

    http://www.cyberdyne.jp/english/robotsuithal/

    1. Re:Honda? Meh. by Syberz · · Score: 2, Funny

      Perhaps Honda is late to the party with this one, but you'll note that the link you've provided points to a suit called HAL, made by Cyberdyne.

      You think that the ball-cupping of the Honda suit is bad?

      - Alrighty, let's pick up this heavy box.
      - I'm sorry John, I can't let you do that.
      - Wait, what? Why? Hold on, my name isn't John.
      - Target acquired.
      *Bend* *Bend* *Fold* CRRRRUNCH! Aaaiiirrrghh!!
      -Terminated.

      --
      ~Syberz
    2. Re:Honda? Meh. by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Skynet may be a little more friendly if we don't try to murder it the moment it becomes self-aware.

  10. 300+ pages but leaves out the event time of day by Anonymous Coward · · Score: -1, Offtopic

    Retired NORAD Officer's New Book Predicts a Tentative Worldwide UFO Display on October 13, 2010

    it would have helped with scheduling if the time was supplied; like between 1-6pm, or after the tornadoes, something.

    see also: google.com/search?hl=en&source=hp&q=weather+manipulation

    see also:
    http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&source=hp&q=bush+cheney+wolfowitz+rumsfeld+wmd+blair+obama+weather+authors

  11. Thankfully It's not Toyota... by __aatirs3925 · · Score: 0

    Thankfully it's not Toyota because people might not be able to stop running when a floor-mat gets stuck under its feet because we all know the accelerator would have been positioned there.

    1. Re:Thankfully It's not Toyota... by daremonai · · Score: 1

      I'd be more worried about the cheap knockoff version from Chery - bursts into flames if you happen to bump into someone.

  12. Excellent by MRe_nl · · Score: 3, Funny

    I've always wanted to walk through a sim city as a sim.

    --
    "Kill 'em all and let Root sort 'em out"
  13. Helps you walk... by dimethylxanthine · · Score: -1, Troll

    "...like Asim."

    Is that a "spastic" in Japanese?

  14. Only old people by iamacat · · Score: 0

    become crazy mechas in Japan

    1. Re:Only old people by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      cue Bangles ditty...
      Walk like an eJaption.

      You know, if I had one of these, I'd set on "moonwalk" everywhere I went.

  15. That's all fine and good... by Genda · · Score: 4, Funny

    But can you toss an alien queen out an airlock with it??? Inquiring minds want to know!

    1. Re:That's all fine and good... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      And is Caterpillar going to license the tech?

  16. Lazy Fat People..... by emh203 · · Score: 1, Interesting

    Not to sound to cruel, but I see this being overused more by people who are simply lazy. Every time to goto a store, I see overweight folks using the electric karts to scoot them selves around so they can fill their baskets with oreos and ice cream... That and old people..... I always tell people I am "pro death panel". We simple can't afford to keep pumping cash into machines such as this to keep 90 year people moving around.

    1. Re:Lazy Fat People..... by MichaelSmith · · Score: 3, Funny

      Well it is a Japanese product and I doubt they have the same issues. What they do have is a huge number of really old people. If it gets used by obese people in western countries then we can take comfort from the short battery life. Maybe it should come with a complaining voice. Load limit exceeded...

      --
      http://michaelsmith.id.au
    2. Re:Lazy Fat People..... by The+Grassy+Knoll · · Score: 2, Informative

      What they do have is a huge number of really old people...

      Er, not as many as they thought they had...

      --
      They will never know the simple pleasure of a monkey knife fight
    3. Re:Lazy Fat People..... by WillDraven · · Score: 1

      The most interesting thing from that article I think is the last line: "The government said the findings would have a minimal impact on longevity figures, which are based on census data collated during home visits. In addition, men over 98 and women over 103 are not factored into life expectancy calculations."

      Would it really skew the averages that much to include everybody?

      --
      This is my sig. There are many like it but this one is mine.
    4. Re:Lazy Fat People..... by mcgrew · · Score: 1

      Not to sound to cruel, but I see this being overused more by people who are simply lazy. Every time to goto a store, I see overweight folks using the electric karts to scoot them selves around so they can fill their baskets with oreos and ice cream

      Those fat people really need those scooters. Carrying around 300-400 pounds every day for a decade will ruin the leg's various joints. It isn't laziness, it's freedom from pain. But I guess you're all for making people suffer.

      That and old people..... I always tell people I am "pro death panel". We simple can't afford to keep pumping cash into machines such as this to keep 90 year people moving around.

      But we can afford wars and corporate bailouts. WTF? Your grandparents must have treated you horribly for you to hate them so much. I pity your lack of compassion and humanity, you'd make a great corporate CEO. Have you looked into a career with the RIAA or the MPAA, or perhaps British Petroleum?

      If you get hit by a drunk driver tonight and lose the use of your legs I'll bet you'll change your opinion faster than your thirteen year old brain can imagine.

      --
      Free Martian Whores!
    5. Re:Lazy Fat People..... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      That and old people..... I always tell people I am "pro death panel".

      The trouble is that you're too late, thanks to socialist medicine (i.e. Medicare), death panels are only for those younger than 65 (and on private insurance).

    6. Re:Lazy Fat People..... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      I don't think so. Fat peoples asses are also big, so there is a good chance that the tiny seat will get lodged right in the butt crack. The two arms above knees are also between thighs of the walker. Ever see a fat man? There is no space between thighs of a fat man/woman. In conclusion fat people can't use this device without severe design modifications.

    7. Re:Lazy Fat People..... by Dog-Cow · · Score: 1

      In the US, most people who are obese are that way due to their own lifestyle choices (overeating, under-exercising). I, too, have no pity for those people.

    8. Re:Lazy Fat People..... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      We simple can't afford to keep pumping cash into machines such as this to keep 90 year people moving around.

      But we can afford wars and corporate bailouts. WTF?

      What part of the grandparent post sounded like "I am in favor of wars and corporate bailouts"?

    9. Re:Lazy Fat People..... by mcgrew · · Score: 1

      I'm genetically thin; I can eat anything I want and not gain an ounce. I'm not particularly athletic; the most exercizse I get is walking (I like to walk), and I do damned little of that when it's wintertime or in the blazing heat of the summer. When I went on Paxil years ago I gained forty pounds, which promptly disappeared when I stopped taking them. Hell, I had Burger King for lunch today, and they brag about how obesity inducing their "food" is.

      I know people who exercise more than me and eat far less who are nevertheless morbidly obese. It's easy for someone like me to say "lose some weight, fatso", but their losing is as hard as it is for me to gain. So you can see why they have my sympathy. I really do doubt that it's mostly overeating and being lazy; genetics plays a very big part.

      Well, all of them except my fatassed ex-wife has my sympathy, anyway.

      --
      Free Martian Whores!
  17. Wal*Mart here we come!! by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    Just like the electric scooters that were targeted for the elderly and disabled, and then hijacked in droves by morbidly obese 30-somethings at Wal*Mart and Disney World, I predict that fat people around America will clamoring for these.

  18. Senior Citizen Porn is Next by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    You just watch... even if it is against your will. These elderly-assist technologies will be used to help the aged make their own porn. The exoskeleton can probably set to "hump" and it does all the work for them with risking a broken hip. Soon we will be hearing lines like "Help! I've orgasmed and I can't get up."

    Folks, this is going to be very bad.

  19. Cyberpunk Solo of Fortune. by splutty · · Score: 2, Funny

    This reminds me a lot of an advertisement in the Solo of Fortune magazine released for the Cyberpunk pen & paper RPG.

    "Russian cyberleg not pretty, but no matter when kick hole in tank, yes?"

    http://www.pen-paper.net/rpgdb.php?op=showbook&bookid=1106 This one. Very funny read.

    --
    Coz eternity my friend, is a long *ing time.
  20. Is it just me? by Mr2cents · · Score: 1

    It seems like with this machine, you are just one software bug away from castration.

    --
    "It's too bad that stupidity isn't painful." - Anton LaVey
    1. Re:Is it just me? by fiannaFailMan · · Score: 1

      It seems like with this machine, you are just one software bug away from castration.

      Yes, it's just you.

      --
      Drill baby drill - on Mars
  21. Well.... by Pojut · · Score: 2, Funny

    ...that's all fine and well, but can it make you walk like Awesom-o?

    --
    Living With a Nerd
  22. I can already walk like Asimo. by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Funny

    By myself, without any add-on.

    What I cannot do is walk like Michael Jackson.

    When he was alive, I mean.

  23. Is this powered? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    Does this have motors and batteries, or just springs?

  24. CP etc. by muckracer · · Score: 1

    I can see applications for these kind of devices in physio/therapeutic settings, where for example kids with cerebral palsy, spasticity, and incoherent/underdeveloped motor skills in general can learn how to move properly. The device can provide a restrictive function (prevent limbs or torso flailing around uncontrolled...passive devices like braces are already used for that) and simultaneously provide an external "correct" way of moving about. Basically teach the body/brain the proper way of moving (such as walking) through externally-provided motion. In time, the body may get used to it and incorporate it in its own movement muscle programming.

    Problem with these kind of things is always, you read about it on the Internet, say wow...great idea...and then at least a decade goes by until things like that show up in actuality anywhere near you. In the meantime you battle stupid smirks by doctors, who've never heard of such things, when you try to talk to them about what you believe to be a very valid therapeutic approach.

  25. Walk like an Egyptian... by flyingfsck · · Score: 1

    The title has the name of the song all wrong...

    --
    Excuse me, but please get off my Pennisetum Clandestinum, eh!
    1. Re:Walk like an Egyptian... by mcgrew · · Score: 1

      And Honda spelled Dr. Asimov's name wrong!

      --
      Free Martian Whores!
    2. Re:Walk like an Egyptian... by fiannaFailMan · · Score: 1

      And Honda spelled Dr. Asimov's name wrong!

      Advanced Step in Innovative MObility

      --
      Drill baby drill - on Mars
    3. Re:Walk like an Egyptian... by mcgrew · · Score: 1

      Yes, I know what the backronym stands for. If it were a true acronym it would be ASIM rather than ASIMO. But when the fifth generation comes out I guess it will be AsimoV.

      --
      Free Martian Whores!
  26. If it helps me walking... by fiendie · · Score: 2, Funny

    ...like that: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ASoCJTYgYB0

    No thanks ;)

  27. Wrong trousers, Grommit! by pkunzip · · Score: 1

    Now for some cheeeese...

  28. Well, well. by vegiVamp · · Score: 1

    Mechanical seven league boots, eh ? Hopefully users realise that unless some basic precautions are taken, using the boots results in having one's feet twenty-one miles apart causing unacceptable groin strain.

    --
    What a depressingly stupid machine.
  29. and by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    why not get rid of all physical jobs with robot
    then what jobs will hte stupid people do.....act? Sing?
    can't have everyone do that cause we can soon get rid of need for both of them too.....
    MY oh my what will we do when three are no jobs left.....

  30. I can see the use in many areas by jdc18 · · Score: 1

    I can see the use in many areas, but i know most of us are expecting a video of them kicking trough walls or jumping over buildings. Right now they just seem like a giant diaper with legs.

  31. I'd use it differently by Anti+Cheat · · Score: 5, Interesting

    As a person with some mobility issues due to nerve damage, I can certainly see myself using such a device as this. After watching the selected movies of it in action, I could visualize how the forces that this machine exerts, would assist cases like mine. I have difficulty controlling my legs. I know this machine doesn't actually make the decisions about muscle control, but it still would help a segment of people with some nerve damage that affects the force and feedback required for steady motion. If some of the forces required to walk were reduced with an aid, then control would be improved. You see, as you exert more force you become more unstable because the nerves to fire the muscles aren't firing strong enough, no do they react or give feedback the same way, as those loads increase. Lighter loads are easier. Remove some of that muscular force required to stand and walk and you would become more stable. It's not just about simply removing dead weight from the legs. With this I would focus less about how hard I need to exert those forces and far more on the control for balance and movement if half the strength needed was removed. It would make a big improvement to stability control. That makes a huge difference for people with some level of nerve damage in getting around safely without stumbling etc. I don't think most people see it this way when they look at this device in action. It's not all about strength.

  32. I wonder what happens if you jump by Joce640k · · Score: 1

    Does the machine start flailing your legs around uncontrollably and doing the splits?

    I'd be very worried about tripping over wearing one of those things...

    --
    No sig today...
  33. I wouldn't want to experiment w my own exoskeleton by CrazyJim1 · · Score: 1

    I'm a coder, and I like coding, but sometimes I wonder about making robots.

    Imagine if you made it so if you pull the arm to one side. Then instead of stopping, the device kept moving you arm around your body, and ripped off a limb. You can't dismember yourself doing code. Exoskeleton development could be dangerous if you don't know what you're doing.

    --
    God spoke to me.
  34. Acrobatics by Halifax+Samuels · · Score: 1

    So how much will have to be modified from the base design to allow them to assist in acrobatics, jumping, or even in assisting in landing after falling/jumping from an uncomfortable height?

  35. not new by dk3nn3dy · · Score: 1

    this came out about a year ago. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pp4XUvgqkbU, and the hip robot a year before.

  36. Well... by Evil+Shabazz · · Score: 1

    Well, at least these might be less in the way when all the fat, lazy people at Wal-Mart have to use them to get around to buy their cheese doodles and soda pop.

    --
    Down with the career politician! SUPPORT TERM LIMITS
  37. Who wants to bet that the largest client will be by ourcraft · · Score: 1

    The military. I for one don't welcome our new robot overlords.

  38. Get Stephen Hawking one of the things! by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    nuff said.

  39. Walk like asimo??? by Ecuador · · Score: 2, Funny

    Is this a joke?
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VTlV0Y5yAww

    What's next?
    Swim like an Anvil(tm)?
    Fly like a Potato Sack(tm)?

    --
    Violence is the last refuge of the incompetent. Polar Scope Align for iOS
  40. Asimo VS Stairs by skila · · Score: 1

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ASoCJTYgYB0 Let's hope they ironed out a few of the problems, otherwise we will have a lot of broken humans.

  41. Re:I wouldn't want to experiment w my own exoskele by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Insightful

    The solution is to design the exoskeleton so it physically has a limited range of motion, so that it will damage itself or run up against the range of the joint before it will injure you.

  42. Re:I wouldn't want to experiment w my own exoskele by couchslug · · Score: 1

    "Imagine if you made it so if you pull the arm to one side. Then instead of stopping, the device kept moving you arm around your body, and ripped off a limb. "

    That's why you design in adjustable POSITIVE MECHANICAL STOPS.

    Analogy: Cars are complex, guardrails less so, for appropriate reasons.

    --
    "This post is an artistic work of fiction and falsehood. Only a fool would take anything posted here as fact."
  43. Extreme Motorcycle by spikesahead · · Score: 1

    I immediately thought of what it would look like with a pair of thin bicycle tires between the ankles, and additional tires (and supporting enhanced robotic arms) strapped to my forearms. Make the exo suit into a full body resting couch, then skitter across concrete like a water bug in a pond.

    --
    bend like the reed
  44. I hope... by loshwomp · · Score: 1

    ...they've improved it, because I wouldn't want to fall like Asimo.

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ASoCJTYgYB0

  45. Althought the seat isn't polished aluminum by UnknowingFool · · Score: 1

    can I buy one of these and tell people to bite my shiny metal ass?

    --
    Well, there's spam egg sausage and spam, that's not got much spam in it.
  46. Re:Who wants to bet that the largest client will b by slick7 · · Score: 1

    The military. I for one don't welcome our new robot overlords.

    These contraptions are nothing more than proof of concept. The military as well as police and rescue will be the largest sector to purchase man amplification rigs. Read the book Starship Troopers by Heinlein. This is where it's headed.
    Firefighters and rescue workers can bring the equipment with them, jaws of life, fire retardant, medical supplies, stretcher and be able to move in relative safety.
    The videos showed two different versions of walking machines, yet how many people realize that they are separate components that work together?

    --
    The mind conceives, the body achieves, the spirit manifests.
  47. Dr. Miles Hawkins made a much better model... by Composite_Armor · · Score: 1

    back in 1994. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/M.A.N.T.I.S.
    And his had awesome darts and a cool helmet.

  48. So how long until we have powered combat armor.. by forkfail · · Score: 1

    ... ala Starship Troopers?

    --
    Check your premises.
  49. What I really want to know by Locke2005 · · Score: 1

    Sure, you can walk with this exoskeleton... but can you boogie???

    --
    I've abandoned my search for truth; now I'm just looking for some useful delusions.
  50. Not designed well!! by blackmesadude · · Score: 1

    I would rather design those robotic legs give support from the sides and not from between the legs. With current design walking and standing doesn't look that comfortable.

  51. Gromit!! by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    ...cue scenes from The Wrong Trousers.

  52. FTA, Last Line by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    Should be harder to fear the machine when you're giving your cyborg granny a hug.

    I call BS. That statement generates fear.
    If my grandma had freedom of mobility and other cyborg backing, I would fear for those near her.
    If an entire older generation had cyborg backing, they would be even less likely to relinquish control to the younger generations.