Imagine how much easier it would be to perform a physically demanding activity with a ?lighter? body. That?s the effect achieved by the prototype Bodyweight Support Assist being developed and tested by Honda. Honda?s second experimental walking assist device helps support bodyweight to reduce the load on the user's legs while walking, going up and down stairs, and in a semi-crouching position. This could lead to reduced fatigue and less physical exertion. More than 130 patents have been applied for pertaining to the walking assist devices, which are currently being tested in real-world conditions to evaluate their effectiveness. Eventually, other applications may be found for such a device, including everyday activities such as sightseeing. As a company that values mobility, Honda began research into a walking device in 1999. The cumulative study of human walking along with research and development of technologies conducted for Honda?s advanced humanoid robot, ASIMO, made these developments possible.