Need help walking? Then strap on the Ankle Walking Assist Device (AWAD for short) and go. It’s a robotic exoskeleton developed by Yaskawa Electric that’s designed to help people who have trouble walking. They’re geared towards the elderly who can’t walk at the pace that they used to, due to their age and all.
The AWAD system comes with two robo-boots and a battery pack that’s mounted around the waist. When the boots detect that its wearer’s heel has hit the ground, it gives a small boost of strength that helps maintain balance and keeps the person moving at a good pace. The system is adjustable based on the level of assistance its wearer needs.
People won’t be able to use AWAD to run like Usain Bolt, but it will help a lot of older folks walk and do their errands at a faster pace. Yaskawa plans to release AWAD into the market by 2015.
VIA [ Dvice ]
