South Korean researchers have developed a wearable robotic exoskeleton suit that can help paraplegics walk again. The suit, called WalkON Suit F1, was developed by the Exoskeleton Laboratory team at the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST). Researchers have built several iterations of wearable robot exoskeletons, but the latest model includes a front-facing docking mechanism. It can even approach the user on foot, giving it the nickname “Iron Man” suit.
KAIST Exoskeleton Lab presents WalkON Suit F1
In a newsroom post, researchers announced their new exoskeleton robotic suit, highlighting that it was specifically designed to help people with paraplegia (paralysis of the legs and lower body) walk again. The researchers said the robot suit can be accessed without the need for help from others, as it can walk up to the user and can be worn while sitting in a wheelchair.
The robot, developed in collaboration with Angel Robotics, can assist people with grade A (total paralysis) injuries on the American Spinal Cord Injury Association (ASIA) disability scale, the most severe level of paraplegia. It is designed as a walking aid and is not intended for rehabilitation therapy or muscle strength improvement.
The WalkON Suit F1 project was led by Professor Kyung-chul Kong of the KAIST Department of Mechanical Engineering (CEO and founder of Angel Robotics). The current model follows the WalkON Suit 1, which was announced in 2016, and the WalkON Suit 4, which was released in 2020.
The latest version resolves some issues in previous versions. Specifically, we address the issue of users needing the help of others to put on their robots. This is because the early models had a later loading mechanism. Instead, the WalkON Suit F1 has a front docking system that allows it to be worn while sitting in a wheelchair.
Additionally, the suit can walk and approach the user like a humanoid robot, eliminating the need for someone to bring an exoskeleton suit. The robot also actively controls its center of gravity relative to gravity to maintain balance even when the user pushes the robot. The wearable robot was designed by Professor Park Hyun-joon of the KAIST Department of Industrial Design.
This allows users to walk at a speed of 3.2km/h. It also allows you to keep your hands free while walking, which was not possible in older versions. The researchers also claim that the robot has the ability to navigate through obstacles such as narrow passageways, doors, and stairs. Notably, this robot is made of aluminum and titanium and weighs 50kg.
