An experimental walking assistance device was introduced by Honda Motors yesterday that basically has been invented to help the people who are capable of walking on their own, but need an extra help with leg and body support while performing tasks.

The basic aim to design this revolutionary device was to act as a bodyweight support system, capable of reducing the load on joints and leg muscles. The walking device is quite simple in operating and consists of a seat, frame and shoes; and directs the supplementary force towards the user's center of gravity in order to control the assist force in concert with the movement of the legs.

The walking device is based upon two motors, each controlling the movements of the right and left legs, which results in a natural walking movement; weighs .5 kg, including the shoes and the lithium ion batteries, and has an operating time per charge of 2 hours.

"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, walking, to going up and down the stairs, or taking a semi-crouching position," informed Honda.

The company plans to take out the first walking device by April 2009. It also said, "Honda would start testing the walking assisting device at its Saitama Factory as of this month."