South Korean Exoskeleton Revolutionizes Mobility for Paraplegic Users | Image Source: caliber.az
SEOUL, South Korea, 26 December 2024 – Researchers from the Korean Higher Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) presented an innovative and usable robotic exoskeleton designed to help paraplegic people recover mobility. Supported by the WalkON Suit F1, this innovative device allows users to walk, navigate obstacles, climb stairs and even make complex movements step by step. According to Caliber. Az, invention is an important step in assistive technology, with the aim of integrating perfectly into the daily lives of people with disabilities.
Design and features of the WalkON F1 combination
The WalkON F1 combination is made of lightweight aluminum and titanium, weighing about 50 kilograms (110 pounds). It is powered by 12 electronic motors designed to reproduce human joint movements during walking. According to the KAIST Exoskeleton Laboratory team, the sensors embedded in the plants and the upper body of the combination collect 1,000 signals per second, allowing the device to predict the user’s intended movements. These sensors, combined with front lenses that act like robotic eyes, allow the exoskeleton to analyze the environment, detect obstacles and assess the height of stairs. This advanced sensory system compensates for the lack of sensory capabilities in users with complete paraplegia.
Park Jeong-su, researcher for the KAIST team, revealed that his inspiration for the project came from the popular film “Iron Man.” “After seeing Iron Man, I thought it would be great if I could help people with a robot in real life,” Park said. This vision led to the development of a robotic combination that balances advanced technology with ease of use.
Real World Demonstration
Kim Seung-hwan, member of the KAIST paraplegic team, demonstrated the abilities of WalkON Suit F1 during a live demonstration. Using the exoskeleton, Kim reached a walking speed of 3.2 kilometres per hour (2 mph), at the top of the stairs, and made lateral movements to sit on a bank. Highlighting one of the most unique features of the device, Kim said, “You can approach me wherever you are, even when I’m sitting in a wheelchair, and be used to help me get up.”
Kim’s use of the exoskeleton is very personal. “I wanted to tell my son… that I was also able to walk. I wanted to share a wide range of experiences with him,” he said, reflecting on the broader emotional and social impacts of the device.
World Recognition in Cybathlon 2024
The WalkON F1 costume has already marked the world stage. In Cybathlon 2024, an international competition where people with physical disabilities demonstrate the capabilities of care technologies, Kim Seung-hwan won the gold medal in the exoskeleton category. This realization not only highlights the technological achievements of the device, but also its potential to transform lives. The competition included state-of-the-art assistive devices in eight categories, showing innovations that empower people with disabilities.
A vision for inclusive technology
KAIST researchers pointed out that the WalkON F1 combination is designed to improve the independence and quality of life of its users. By tackling mobility problems, exoskeleton aims to give people the opportunity to participate more fully in daily activities. As stated by the Exoskeleton Laboratory team, its goal is to create a robotic device that is effortlessly integrated into daily routines, eliminating the gap between advanced technology and practical application.
In addition to its technical capabilities, the exoskeleton reflects a commitment to inclusion. Park Jeong- su stressed that device design prioritizes ease of use and adaptability, ensuring that it can serve a different range of users with different degrees of mobility.
The development of the WalkON F1 combination represents a convergence of robotics, engineering and man-centred design. It shows how technological innovation can meet the urgent needs of society, offering a look at a future where care devices are perfectly woven into the fabric of everyday life.
