Honda has been working on robotics and walking technology since the 1980s, and developed the Stride Management Assist system in 2008. The latest version developed by its ASIMO spinoff is being tested by Japan’s National Center for Geriatrics and Gerontology (NCGG) on 40 people with limited walking ability at the Elder Health Promotion and Disease Prevention Center at Resora Obu Shopping Terrace in Obu, Japan. The 2.8 kilo (6.2 lbs) unit uses light metal braces that cradle the wearer’s legs, attached to a hip piece with a streamlined box fitted in the small of the back. It also automatically adjusts stride and rhythm within a preprogrammed range. We trust that the Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering will evaluate this in development of its ‘smart suit’ on the DARPA contract per our article last week. Honda uses Asimo technology to get the elderly on their feet