Honda Motor Co., Ltd. has introduced a groundbreaking push power measurement system designed to attach to racing wheelchairs, enabling detailed measurement of athletes’ power output during self-propulsion. This innovation marks a significant step forward in supporting wheelchair athletes to enhance their performance.
The system will debut publicly at the 43rd Oita International Wheelchair Marathon in Oita Prefecture, Japan, on November 17, 2024. Honda plans to lend the system to athletes worldwide, aiming to advance wheelchair athletics on a global scale.
Since 2000, Honda has been committed to improving mobility for all through research and development of racing wheelchairs. The company began selling its racing wheelchairs in 2019 to promote broader participation and growth in the sport. The new push power measurement system builds on this commitment by providing athletes with a tool for precise analysis of their performance.
The system quantifies critical metrics such as power distribution between the right and left wheels, acceleration and deceleration patterns, and the timing of peak speed. This data allows for an objective evaluation of an athlete’s technique and provides insights for optimizing training methods.
Developed using Honda’s advanced robotics expertise, including technologies from ASIMO and the Walking Assist Device, the system employs a 6-axis force sensor for accurate and efficient power measurement. Testing conducted with over 30 athletes, including collaborations with the University of Illinois and Japan Institute of Sports Sciences, has received positive feedback, further validating the system’s potential.
Honda will exhibit the push power measurement system at the Oita International Wheelchair Marathon’s opening ceremony on November 16, alongside its KAKERU racing wheelchair. These exhibits will showcase Honda’s use of advanced carbon technology, inspired by its F1 and HondaJet innovations, in developing high-performance racing wheelchairs.
As a long-time sponsor of the Oita International Wheelchair Marathon, the world’s first wheelchair-only marathon, Honda continues to support athletes in pursuing their dreams while advancing the boundaries of wheelchair athletics through cutting-edge technology and innovation.
Honda Motor Co., Ltd., established in 1948, is a global leader in mobility solutions, spanning automobiles, motorcycles, and power products. Headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, Honda is renowned for its innovation-driven approach and commitment to sustainability. The company’s automobile lineup, including popular models like the Civic, Accord, and CR-V, is complemented by its leadership in the motorcycle segment, where it is the world’s largest manufacturer.
Honda also pioneers advanced technologies in robotics, electric vehicles, hybrid systems, and renewable energy, reflecting its vision for a cleaner, more connected future. With a strong global footprint and a focus on quality, reliability, and cutting-edge design, Honda continues to redefine the boundaries of mobility and engineering excellence.
