Many types of walking aids do a good job of helping those of us who need it. Research has been responsible for many new advances to the long-lived foot braces, canes, crutches and walkers. Corporations and individual inventors continue to develop new and improved walking aids. The Twenty-first Century brought with it promises of an exciting high-tech future.

The goal is for everyone to walk while remaining upright. Arjan Rensma of the Dutch innovation agency TNO* tells us research is underway on hip sensors that “help keep its wearer upright.” He also says there is great potential for “Intelligent...natural limb prosthetics controlled by the mind." It's beginning to sound a bit like science fiction, don't you think?

One unique invention I talked about in the Walkers segment is the Segway. This scooter-like device depends on a gyroscope for balance and the rider's position for steering. Pretty clever. Dean Kamen, inventor of the Segway and head of DEKA, is developing a remarkable prosthetic Arm named Luke for Luke Skywalker of Star Wars fame.  I saw a 6o Minutes story about DEKA's arm with a workable, touch-sensitive hand. A downside for MSers is that the DEKA's Luke arm actually uses live nerves to command and control the hand and fingers, and our nerves don't necessarily work consistently. It is exciting that this is being done, and it gives us hope for the future of walking aids.

Japan is actively working on futuristic robotics, and there are demonstrable results. Honda has developed a Bipedal Humanoid Robot capable of walking and climbing stairs. Much research has gone into the study of this robot named Asimo, and the research has direct benefits to those of us with walking disabilities.

Here is a site with several Honda robot videos, showing Asimo walking, running, climbing stairs, and even dancing! Be sure to scroll down to the last short video (less than two minutes). It starts by demonstrating a robotic hand similar to the DEKA Arm, then continues by showing Asimo providing support for a disabled man as he transfers from a bed to his wheelchair. This is still a stand-alone robot rather than a walking aid, but it did provide transferring aid to a man with limited leg control. This robot seems to be leading us in the right direction.

Honda is working toward the goal of helping people walk. To be fair, they were trying to improve their own bottom line by developing a walking assist device for plant workers who have to lift heavy objects, stand in long lines, or run around making deliveries in large warehouses. Luckily, the resulting device also has benefits for those of us who have walking difficulties. It appears to be somewhat cumbersome, but the concept and potential is exciting.

In November 2008, Honda presented their device “designed to support body weight, reduce stress on the knees and help people get up steps.” Engineer Jun Ashihara** at Honda's Tokyo headquarters said "This should be as easy to use as a bicycle . . . It reduces stress, and you should feel less tired." Take a look at this video of the robotic assist devices at work.