In a remarkable breakthrough in assistive technology, South Korean researchers have created a wearable exoskeleton that promises to transform the lives of paraplegics.
This Iron Man-inspired innovation, called WalkON Suit F1, is a powered exoskeleton that enables users with paraplegia to regain mobility. The wearable exoskeleton is designed to help paraplegics walk, navigate obstacles, and even climb stairs.
Developed by the Exoskeleton Laboratory at the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), the lightweight suit is designed to be easily worn, allowing users to transition seamlessly from their wheelchair into the suit without requiring assistance.
WalkON Suit F1
The WalkON Suit F1 is not just a marvel of engineering but a life-changing technology designed to integrate into the everyday lives of individuals with disabilities.
For paraplegics who face challenges even performing simple tasks like sitting down or standing up, the WalkON Suit F1 will help break down these barriers. The suit, which weighs around 50 kg (110 lbs). It is made from a combination of aluminum and titanium and is powered by 12 electronic motors that replicate the human joints’ movements while walking.
Kim Seung-hwan, a paraplegic himself and a member of the KAIST research team, showcased the prototype’s capabilities. During a demonstration, Kim walked at a speed of 3.2 kph (2 mph), climbed stairs, and took sideways steps to slide into a bench. “It can approach me wherever I am, even when I’m sitting in a wheelchair, and be worn to help me stand up, which is one of its most distinct features,” Kim was quoted as saying in a Reuters report.
Key features
One of the standout features of the WalkON Suit F1 is its advanced sensor system. The robot is equipped with sensors placed on its soles and upper body, which track up to 1,000 signals per second to anticipate the user’s intended movements. This ensures that the suit maintains the user’s balance and stability while walking.
The front of the exoskeleton is equipped with lenses that function as eyes for the robot, allowing it to assess the environment, detect obstacles, and determine the height of stairs. This sensory capability compensates for the lack of sensory input that individuals with complete paraplegia typically experience.
Park Jeong-su, another member of the KAIST team, revealed that the Iron Man movie inspired the vision behind this technology. “After watching Iron Man, I thought it would be great if I can help people with a robot in real life,” Park said.
Highlights
- WalkON Suit F1 is a wearable powered exoskeleton designed for individuals with severe paraplegia.
- It is equipped with sensors to predict movements and ensure the user’s balance while walking.
- The robot locks onto the user, enabling them to walk, climb stairs, and maneuver around obstacles.
- The exoskeleton was inspired by the movie Iron Man to transform how assistive robots can help real people.
- The WalkON Suit F1 won the gold medal at Cybathlon 2024 in the exoskeleton category.
Global recognition and future potential
The WalkON Suit F1 has already garnered significant attention in the robotics community. At Cybathlon 2024, an international competition that showcases the potential of assistive robots, the WalkON Suit F1 earned a gold medal in the exoskeleton category. This competition highlighted the suit’s remarkable ability to enhance mobility and independence for individuals with severe disabilities.
Kim Seung-hwan, who wore the WalkON Suit F1 during the competition, shared a personal reflection: “I wanted to tell my son … that I also used to able to walk. I wanted to share a diverse range of experiences with him,” said Kim.
Road ahead for WalkON Suit F1
The development of the WalkON Suit F1 is a significant leap forward in the field of assistive technology. By combining cutting-edge AI, robotics, and human-centered design, the exoskeleton has the potential to transform how individuals with disabilities interact with the world around them.
With its ability to autonomously assist users in a variety of physical activities, including walking, navigating obstacles, and climbing stairs, the WalkON Suit F1 could revolutionize rehabilitation and empower individuals with paraplegia to regain their independence.
South Korea leads global robot adoption
The adoption of robots in manufacturing continues to accelerate globally, with the average robot density in factories reaching a record 162 robots per 10,000 employees in 2023—more than double the figure from seven years ago, according to the World Robotics 2024 report by the International Federation of Robotics (IFR). The surge in automation reflects a global trend towards greater efficiency and productivity in manufacturing industries.
- South Korea has emerged as a leader in robot adoption, becoming the first country where robots now make up one-tenth of the workforce.
- The country’s high robot density—1,102 robots per 10,000 employees—outpaces its closest competitors, including Japan and China, by a wide margin.
- With over 28.8 million South Koreans employed as of September 2023, this means that more than 3 million robots are now part of the workforce.
South Korea’s high robot density is largely driven by its world-renowned electronics and automotive industries, with major companies like Samsung and LG adopting cutting-edge automation technologies. This automation helps address demographic challenges by boosting productivity and compensating for a shrinking workforce.
Asia continues to dominate global robot adoption, with countries like South Korea, Singapore, China, and Japan leading the way. The region’s average robot density stands at 182 robots per 10,000 manufacturing employees. However, Europe ranks higher, with an average robot density of 219 robots per 10,000 employees, with countries like Germany, Sweden, and Denmark ranking among the top 10.
Top countries for Robot Density in manufacturing sector in 2023
- South Korea: 1,102 robots per 10,000 employees
- Singapore: 770 robots per 10,000 employees
- China: 470 robots per 10,000 employees
- Germany: 429 robots per 10,000 employees
- Japan: 419 robots per 10,000 employees
- Sweden: 347 robots per 10,000 employees
- Denmark: 306 robots per 10,000 employees
- Slovenia: 306 robots per 10,000 employees
- Switzerland: 302 robots per 10,000 employees
- United States: 295 robots per 10,000 employees
