The Exoskeleton Laboratory team at the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) aims to develop a robot that integrates effortlessly into the everyday lives of individuals with disabilities.
KAIST team member Mr. Kim Seung-hwan, a paraplegic, demonstrated a prototype exoskeleton enabling ambulation at 3.2 km/h (2 mph), stair climbing, and lateral movement, such as sitting on a bench. Kim highlighted the device's ability to approach the user, even while seated in a wheelchair, and its significant assistance with standing.
The powered exoskeleton, called WalkON Suit F1, is constructed from aluminum and titanium, weighing 50 kg (110 lb), and is driven by 12 electronic motors that replicate human joint movements during walking.
Park Jeong-su, another KAIST team member, drew inspiration from the film Iron Man. “After watching Iron Man, I thought it would be wonderful to help people with a robot in real life.”
To maintain user balance while walking, the robot is equipped with sensors in its soles and upper body that process 1,000 signals per second, predicting the user’s intended movements.
The lenses located at the front of the robot function as eyes, analyzing the environment, measuring stair heights, and detecting obstacles to assist users with complete paraplegia, according to Park.
At the Cybathlon 2024 competition, showcasing assistive robotics for individuals with physical disabilities, Mr. Kim Seung-hwan won a gold medal in the exoskeleton category while utilizing the WalkON Suit F1.
He stated his motivation was to demonstrate his ability to walk to his son and share a broader range of experiences with him.