South Korean Researchers Develop Cutting-Edge Walking Robot for Paraplegic People

Researchers in South Korea have developed an advanced exoskeleton robot, named the "WalkON Suit F1," designed to help paraplegic individuals walk. The robot can autonomously reach the user and assist them in standing. With its help, users can walk, climb stairs, and overcome obstacles, according to a report by Reuters.

The WalkON Suit F1 was created by a team at the Exoskeleton Laboratory of the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST). One of the researchers, Kim Seong-hwan, who is paraplegic himself, demonstrated the robot's capabilities. He explained that the robot enabled him to walk at a speed of 3.2 km per hour, climb stairs, and move sideways.

Weighing only 50 kg, the robot is made of aluminum and titanium and features 12 electronic motors that mimic the movement of human joints. It is equipped with sensors on its base and upper body that analyze 1,000 signals per second to predict and respond to the user's movements.

Kim Seong-hwan described his experience with the robot, saying, "The robot comes to me and helps me stand up. It is something special for me." He added that his inspiration was to walk so his son could see him moving, enabling them to share experiences together.

Park Jeong-soo, another researcher involved in the project, shared, "I was inspired by the Iron Man movie and dreamt of creating a real-life robot that could assist people." The robot's lens-like sensors function as eyes, analyzing the surroundings to identify obstacles and measure stair heights.

In 2024, Kim won a gold medal using the WalkON Suit F1 at the Cybathlon, a global competition for assistive robots designed for paraplegic individuals. This groundbreaking achievement underscores the potential of technology to improve mobility and quality of life for those with disabilities.