Case Study: Robotic Walking-Assist Device

ASIMO, The Forerunner of This Device

Robotic Assist Device From Honda

 

Kudo’s to Honda for leveraging their Asimo technology and adapting it to direct human application!   Show’s again how utilizing an existing technology and simply tweaking it can result in a radically new and exciting device.    From the Google Press Release:

The 6.5 kilogramme (14.3-pound) device — consisting of a saddle, leg-like frames and shoes — can reduce the load on users’ legs while walking or climbing and descending stairs by supporting bodyweight, Honda said.

Honda said the motor-powered machine is still at an experimental stage, but elderly people and people undergoing rehabilitation who need support for their leg muscles and joints are the main target.

The device is also expected to help assembly workers to keep a crouching position, Honda said, adding that it plans to test the device at one of its factories north of Tokyo.

Just goes to show that it’s not about being “outside the box” per se, but more like bringing the contents of two boxes into a room and dumping the contents of both on the table!

An Advisory Panel From Past, Present and Future.

Dali's, "The Three ages"

I saw this blurb today and it got me thinking about applying it to creativity and brainstorming. 

Next time you are trying to come up with the solution to a problem, form an advisory panel made up of you in the present, you in the past, and you in the future.  Imagine how each person would solve the problem at hand.  Use the crazy “naive” ideas of youth to create other ideas.  Use the future self to give you glimpses into solving the solution from the the future’s perspective. 

Of course don’t forget to brainstorm in the present!