Abstract
[Purpose] This study examined the effects of the robot suit HAL on ambulatory ability. [Method] The verification test data of 45 subjects who could walk with HAL fixed to their body were used for analysis, and the subjects were divided into adaptation and non-adaptation groups to compare the walking speed, step rate, and satisfaction level. Ambulatory improvement effects were also analyzed using the free text data of the adaptation group. [Result] In both groups, the walking speed and step rate decreased after fixation. The satisfaction level was significantly higher in the adaptation group. Regarding ambulatory improvement effects, 5 categories were extracted, such as “improvements in gait.” [Conclusion] Although the performance level, such as the walking speed and step rate, decreased temporarily, the tesults reveal that improvements in gait can be expected.
