A researcher displays Honda's experimental walking assist device in Tokyo, 7 Nov. 2008

The Honda Motor Company has displayed for the first time a new computerized walker machine, designed to help factory workers and the elderly.

The machine which weighs 6.5 kilos, has a saddle, leg-frames and shoes. It reduces the weight of a user's legs making it easier to climb and descend stairs, as well as carry out difficult crouching positions.  

A user sits on the saddle puts on the shoes, and pushes a start button, which then moves the users legs. The device is driven by a computer, has a motor and gears, and battery powered sensors that respond to a user's movements.  

Honda says it will start using the machine at a factory in Japan.  

The device is also expected help elderly people.  Japan has a rapidly aging population and also leads the world in robot technology.

In 2000 Honda developed the first two-legged walking robot called ASIMO.  Honda says some of the same technology was used in the newer device. 

Some information for this report was provided by AFP and AP.