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Researchers at the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) have created a groundbreaking wearable robot aimed at helping paraplegic individuals walk, navigate obstacles, and climb stairs.
This innovative device, called the WalkON Suit F1, is a lightweight exoskeleton that employs sophisticated robotics to improve mobility for those who experience lower-body paralysis.
During a demonstration, Kim Seung-hwan, a paraplegic team member from KAIST’s Exoskeleton Laboratory, showcased the prototype’s capabilities. The suit enabled Kim to walk at a speed of 3.2 kilometers per hour, ascend stairs, and move sideways to sit down on a bench.
“It can come to me wherever I am, even if I’m in a wheelchair, and I can wear it to help me stand up, which is one of its most remarkable features,” Kim noted.
The exoskeleton weighs 110 pounds and is constructed from aluminum and titanium. It is equipped with 12 electronic motors designed to mimic human joint movements. Additionally, it includes sensors in the soles and upper body that capture 1,000 signals per second, helping to maintain balance and predict the user’s next moves.
The front-facing lenses act like eyes, scanning the surroundings to detect obstacles and assess stair heights, compensating for any sensory feedback that users might lack.
The inspiration for this project came partly from the superhero movie Iron Man. Team member Park Jeong-su mentioned, “After watching Iron Man, I thought it would be fantastic to help people with a real-life robot.”
Kim’s successful use of the WalkON Suit F1 earned him a gold medal in the exoskeleton category at Cybathlon 2024, an event highlighting assistive robotic technologies for people with disabilities. Reflecting on this achievement, Kim shared, “I wanted to tell my son that I once could walk. I wanted to share a variety of experiences with him.”
The KAIST team’s creation represents a significant advancement in assistive technology, paving the way for enhanced mobility and independence for individuals with paraplegia.
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