Demonstration experiment for a walking support robot conducted by ANA and the Tokyo Institute of Technology

On December 13, ANA Group (President and CEO Shinya Katanozaka) and Tokyo Institute of Technology (President Kazuya Masu) conducted a demonstration experiment with eight general participants using the walking support robot "WALK-MATE" developed by a Tokyo Institute of Technology venture company in Zentsuji City, Kagawa Prefecture. By developing walking support, they claim that this will lead to the creation of a new travel style that is possible even if people are afraid of traveling or moving. The "WALK-MATE" used in the demonstration experiment was researched and developed by the Yoshihiro Miyake laboratory of the Tokyo Institute of Technology and commercialized by WALK-MATE LAB Co., Ltd., a Tokyo Institute of Technology venture company.

In the demonstration experiment, six participants were asked to walk uphill for approximately 500 meters with "WALK-MATE" from Mandara Temple, which is the 72^rd temple on the Shikoku Pilgrimage, to Shusshaka Temple, which is the 73^rd temple. In this manner, the group verified the effects and issues of traveling with a walking support robot attached. The Shikoku Pilgrimage is said to be "accompanied by Kobo Daishi", a famous Japanese Buddhist monk. People 'travel spiritually' with Kobo Daishi during the pilgrimage. "WALK-MATE" has been certified to be "accompanied by Kobo Daishi" by Head Temple Zentsuji Temple Head Chijun Suga. In the future, the group will analyze the results, conduct further demonstration experiments, and consider conducting a tour. Ultimately, the research group aims to sell tours.

They also expect to consider developments other than tours. It is hoped that the demonstration experiment will attract attention to the Shikoku Pilgrimage, which is especially popular among seniors, and that this will provide an opportunity to attract more tourists and lead to regional revitalization. In an aging Japanese society, the ANA Group and the Tokyo Institute of Technology hope to invigorate senior citizens, extend healthy life expectancy, and promote the migration of senior citizens.