KAIST has launched the WalkON Suit F1 wearable robot for people with total disabilities. Designed by Professor Kyoungchul Kong and his team, this robot has overcome the limitation of traditional exoskeletons by allowing the user to put it on from their wheelchair without external assistance. This innovative feature is a significant change in the autonomy of people with reduced mobility.
The WalkON Suit F1 represents the latest stage of ongoing research since 2015. Developed by Angel Robotics, this device is aimed at people with severe injuries, specifically level A according to the American Spinal Injury Association Disability Scale. With a notable improvement in the robot’s balance and control, this version allows the user to stand upright, use both hands freely, and move around without the need for a cane.
Advanced technology and national components
Unlike previous versions, the WalkON Suit F1 features a front coupling that allows for easy and autonomous donning by the user. Thanks to the collaboration with Angel Robotics, all its components, from the motor to the controllers and software, are manufactured in Spain. This guarantees precision control and a robust design, optimising the robot’s balance even in the face of unexpected thrusts.
The autonomy of the WalkON Suit F1 is also impressive: before the user puts it on, it can autonomously walk and approach, representing a unique solution in the field of assistive robots .
Watch the WalkON Suit F1 exoskeleton walk on its own! Source: Exoskeleton Lab @ KAIST
Wearable Robot Achievement at Cybathlon 2024
The team, comprised of experts from Exo-Lab and Move Lab and in collaboration with Angel Robotics, achieved their second consecutive victory at the Cybathlon 2024. This event, known as the Cyborg Olympics, challenges teams to develop advanced assistive technology. This year, the tests imposed were noticeably more challenging, resulting in only six teams reaching the final phase.
KAIST stood out for completing all missions, which included passing through narrow doors and walking without crutches, and for deploying an autonomous robot that combined advanced AI and balance sensors, thus consolidating its technological leadership.
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Source and photos: KAIST
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