Revolutionary Exoskeleton helps paraplegic users walk, climb stairs

Researchers in South Korea have created a lightweight wearable robot that can approach paraplegic users, attach itself to them, and allow them to walk, navigate obstacles, and ascend stairs. 

The Exoskeleton Laboratory team at the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) stated that their objective is to develop a robot that effortlessly integrates into the everyday lives of people with disabilities, Caliber.Az reports per foreign media.

Kim Seung-hwan, a paraplegic and member of the KAIST team, demonstrated the prototype, which enabled him to walk at a speed of 3.2 kph (2 mph), ascend stairs, and take sideways steps to sit on a bench.

"It can approach me wherever I am, even when I’m sitting in a wheelchair, and be worn to help me stand up, which is one of its most distinct features," Kim said.

The powered exoskeleton, named WalkON Suit F1, is made of aluminium and titanium, weighing 50 kg (110 lb), and is powered by 12 electronic motors that mimic the movements of human joints during walking.

Park Jeong-su, another member of the KAIST team, shared that his inspiration came from the movie "Iron Man." "After watching Iron Man, I thought it would be great if I can help people with a robot in real life." To maintain the user's balance while walking, the robot is equipped with sensors on its soles and upper body, which monitor 1,000 signals per second and predict the user's intended movements. According to Park, lenses on the front of the robot function as eyes, analyzing the surroundings, assessing stair heights, and detecting obstacles to compensate for the lack of sensory ability in users with complete paraplegia.

Kim Seung-hwan won the gold medal in the exoskeleton category at Cybathlon 2024 while wearing the WalkON Suit F1. The event featured developers with different physical disabilities showcasing assistive robots in eight categories.

"I wanted to tell my son... that I also used to be able to walk. I wanted to share a diverse range of experiences with him," Kim said.

By Naila Huseynova