April 17, 2009 1:31 PM

Robotic Device Gives "A Leg Up" On Walking

By
CBSNews
(CBS)  Last year, The Early Show spoke with Honda's humanoid robot ASIMO, who conducted the Detroit Symphony Orchestra. Now, Honda is using some of the same technology to help people who have trouble walking.

David Iida from Honda shared the latest details on the prototype "Stride Management Assist."

Both sides of the device have hip angle sensors, which send data to a computer located in the small of the back, telling it how to make a person's legs move better.

"And the end result is it lengthens your stride and helps your walking rhythms," Iida added.

Iida, along with CBS News medical correspondent Dr. Jennifer Ashton, went on to discuss its dramatic results.

According to Ashton, this device doesn't just help with the motor functions of the elderly, stroke victims and those with spinal cord injuries or Parkinson's disease, but it can also help children who have cerebral palsy.

To hear more of this story, click the Play button below.

Copyright 2009 CBS. All rights reserved.
Add a Comment
by laurabw April 5, 2010 4:57 PM EDT
Maggie
Could you let me know how my mom can get into the program to test this robotic walking device. She has weak legs and fall when she gets off balance. This seem to be all she would need is a little boost.
Reply to this comment
by dds442002 July 22, 2009 11:05 AM EDT
My 26 month old son is not yet walking or talking. We were given a diagnosis of spastic diplegic CP in Jan. We would be vey interested in this device. My son has been ewaring AFO braces since Feb and has made moderate progress. He also has seizures(upon the onset of illness) and developmental delays (global delays of 1 year). We have every service possible at this point (including PT, OT, Speech, Horseback Riding) and would LOVE to see more progress!!
Reply to this comment
by Nelly5152 May 8, 2009 8:26 AM EDT
Have you found a way to contact anyone about this device? Please let me know. Thanks,
Nelly
Reply to this comment
by Nelly5152 May 8, 2009 8:23 AM EDT
I have had trouble walking due to weakness in my right leg. The weakness comes from being on prednisone for 20 years. Prednisone weakens the muscles. I need to have the prednisone due to a Pituitary tumor which was removed in 1989. That knocked out the Master hormonal gland so I need the steroid to just survive and give me enough energy to get through a day. I can walk but have a really hard time doing stairs or walking up a curb. Could you please send me a telephone number to somehow try this walking device. It sounds wonderful. Thanks
Reply to this comment
by melaniemiller April 23, 2009 3:31 PM EDT
I have an 8 year old son (9 this summer) that's a twin born at 26 weeks ges. He suffered an IVH Grade I bleed which left him with spastic diplegic. His CP is only on the right side and he ambulates on his own with no walker. The only time he needs a walker is when it's a long distance. He drags his right foot which causes him to tire very easily. I am very interested in the Honda Robotic Device that straps around the waist and thighs. Who could I contact for this? Please direct me in the direction to this new miracle!

Thanks,
Melanie
Reply to this comment
by mkysh April 19, 2009 9:16 PM EDT
My Husband is 48 years old. He was diagnosed with Parkinson' disease when he was 33. Two years ago he had DBS sugery but he still has trouble walking. He is otherwise a healthy individual and would love to particpate in any trials Honda may be having for use of this device in Parkinson's patients. Do you have any advice on how to contact the correct department at Honda? I visited the website you recommend but there is no means of contacting anyone at that website.
Reply to this comment
by manlowliz April 17, 2009 2:20 PM EDT
I was thrilled when heard about this device to assist in walking. My mother suffered a stroke in September 2008, her physical mobility skills were weakened. When will this device be available to doctors and patients?
Reply to this comment
by pamarnold April 16, 2009 6:49 PM EDT
My mother-in-law has great difficulty walking. Would like more information on this object. How much does it cost? Does Meducare help with cist?
Reply to this comment
by 19sandcard44 April 16, 2009 4:43 PM EDT
how do I find more information on this device. my husband has parkinsons and has difficulty walking because of freezing. can this help him. please let me know asap
He just retired when he found out about the pd. from then to now in only 20 months he went from walking on this own to using a walker.
Reply to this comment
.
Scroll Left
Scroll Right More »
CBS News on Facebook
  • Building You a Better Morning

  • CBS This Morning

    "CBS This Morning," anchored by Charlie Rose, Gayle King and Erica Hill, airs weekdays from 7 to 9 a.m. ET and at the same time in other time zones.
    Learn more...