Although not as cool-looking as the HAL wearable exoskeleton, Honda’s Walking Assist Device with Bodyweight Support System did not go out of its way to look cool – it is meant to help the naturally mobility-impaired.

Minus the awkward name given to the device, the WAD is all about simplicity – it is basically a bicycle seat attached to foot supports that adjust to the user’s movement and gives a boost to every movement, for example when going up the stairs or crouching down to pick up an object. According to Honda engineer Jun Ashihara the device is meant for everyday use, possibly in factories and for people who stand a lot on the job – or for a rapidly aging population such as Japan’s.

An adaptation of what Honda has learned over the years with their mobility experimentations, notably the Asimo humanoid robot released in the year 2000, the WAD, which looks uncomfortable and a bit silly, is still a high-tech piece of equipment with a most noble objective of giving more mobility and getting its users up and about.
The device is another adaptation of robotic technology that one day may result in viable technological solutions that give everyone equal opportunity – perhaps given more time Honda will be able to apply both their technological prowess and their flair for good design into a device that works as its supposed to do, while still look as good as a “power-suit”.