Breakthrough Exoskeleton Robot Empowers Paraplegic Users to Walk and Climb

South Korean researchers have unveiled an innovative wearable robot that is transforming mobility for paraplegic individuals. Developed by the Exoskeleton Laboratory team at the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), this lightweight device, named WalkON Suit F1, is designed to integrate seamlessly into users' daily lives, enabling them to walk, navigate obstacles, and even climb stairs.

One of the project’s standout contributors, Kim Seung-hwan, who is paraplegic, demonstrated the robot’s impressive capabilities. Using the WalkON Suit F1, Kim achieved a walking speed of 2 mph, climbed stairs, and performed lateral movements to sit on a bench. “The robot can approach me wherever I am, even in a wheelchair, and assist me in standing up,” Kim shared, highlighting its groundbreaking autonomy.

Weighing just 110 pounds, the exoskeleton is constructed from aluminum and titanium and powered by 12 electronic motors that mimic human joint movements. Advanced sensors monitor over 1,000 signals per second, helping users maintain balance while walking. The robot also employs front-facing cameras to analyze its environment, detect obstacles, and navigate stairs, compensating for the sensory limitations of users with complete paraplegia.

Inspired by the fictional Iron Man, team member Park Jeong-su envisioned creating a real-life robot to improve lives. The WalkON Suit F1’s success has already been recognized globally—Kim won a gold medal at Cybathlon 2024 in the exoskeleton category, showcasing its transformative potential.

For Kim, the robot is more than a tool; it’s a way to reconnect with experiences he once had. “I wanted my son to see me walking again and share those memories with him,” he expressed, underscoring the emotional impact of this remarkable achievement.