Korean Researchers Develop Wearable Robot to Aid Paraplegics in Walking

Researchers in South Korea have successfully created a wearable robot designed to assist individuals with paraplegia in walking, overcoming obstacles, and climbing stairs.

The Exoskeleton Lab at the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) stated that their goal is to develop a robot seamlessly integrated into the daily lives of people with disabilities.

Kim Seong-Hwan, a team member who is also paraplegic, showcased the prototype that allowed him to walk at a speed of 3.2 km/h, climb a flight of stairs, take lateral steps to avoid obstacles, and sit on a chair.

Named « Walk-on Suit F1, » the robot weighs 50 kilograms and features 12 electric motors that mimic human joint movements during walking.

To ensure the user’s balance, sensors located on the soles and upper body monitor 1,000 signals per second and predict the user’s intended movements.

Additionally, cameras positioned at the robot’s front serve as eyes, analyzing the surroundings, detecting stair heights, and identifying obstacles to compensate for the sensory limitations of fully paraplegic users.