Still remember about Honda robotic walking rehab? At that time, we didn’t have much detail information, but now Honda has made official statement regarding this robotic walking assist device. It’s great that Honda tries to extend its areas from cars and motorcycles, but so far we don’t jump in joy for their ASIMO Robot. But this…a robotic assist device for disabled individuals, now you’re talking…
Available in three sizes, the device uses brushless DC motors powered by lithium ion batteries that allow up to two hours of walking assistance per charge. Honda’s Fundamental Technology Research Center will be showcasing the device at the International Trade Fair on Barrier Free Equipments & Rehabilitation for the Elderly & the Disabled, which will be held at Intex Osaka, Friday, April 25 through Sunday, April 27, 2008.
Honda walking assist device is much more compact than similar device such as : rewalk exoskeleton. If this device is working perfectly, not just us, there are going to be a lot of people jump in joy for Honda’s breakthrough.
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First impression at Toyota Hi-CT car might not make you say “wow”, well we agree that the design is somehow not as stylish as we expect it. On the other hand, Toyota’s team of you Japanese and European designers claimed that Hi-CT is a reflection of what a cool and great vehicle should look like, they want to create something that make people stop and take a good look.
The Hi-CT is a plug-in hybrid with a 1.5L motor and uses lithium-ion batteries, which are located underneath the floor of the vehicle in order to maximize the interior space of the car. While it looks quite boxy and big, it is in fact quite small. The entire vehicle is 3.3 meters long, 1.6 meters wide and 1.7 meters high. It is, effectively, a cube on wheels. Due to the tiny size, it can only carry two persons. However, being a “lifestyle” car, there’s enough space inside it for everything that an active user or two could need. The rear trunk can be modified so that surfboards, bicycles and camping equipment can be carried around for those days where you need to get out to nature.
Looking at inside of the car, we might hear you say “wow” because of its futuristic design, the exterior now doesn’t seem to matter anymore.
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It’s the new version of Nissa Pivo concept, first shown in 2005, the electric-powered, 360-degree swiveler. Now it’s the Pivo 2. Just the same as the first Pivo, its cabin rotates, eliminating the need for a reverse gear, though its in-wheel motors can propel it in any direction — even sideways. What’s new in the Pivo 2 is its in-car Robotic Agent, a voice-recognition interface (in English or Japanese) to a valet application that can engage in a range of communications from basic vehicle functions to the closest parking space. It looks like a cartoon car, but I really like the design.
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