KAIST Unveils Groundbreaking Self-Walking Robot for Paraplegics

Korea’s leading science and technology university, KAIST, has introduced WalkON Suit F1, an innovative wearable robot designed for individuals with complete paralysis.

Key points

• This breakthrough device enables users to transition directly from their wheelchairs without assistance.
• This robot Specifically targeting patients with ASIA Impairment Scale-A grade injury, the most severe form of paraplegia, WalkON Suit F1 features a unique frontal-docking system.
• newly released WalkON Suit F1 presented a frontal-docking method instead of a rear-sitting method so that you can wear the robot right away without getting out of the wheelchair and into the robot, which would require help from others mid-transition.  
• In addition, before wearing the robot, it can walk on its own like a humanoid robot and approaches the user.
• Unlike traditional rehabilitation robots, this humanoid-like device can maintain balance through active gravity control.
• The WalkON Suit F1 has demonstrated impressive capabilities, including the ability to walk at a normal pace and navigate obstacles like stairs and narrow passages.
• The robot showcases significant technical improvements, including doubled motor output density and tripled control performance compared to previous versions, distinguishing it from conventional rehabilitation therapy devices currently available through Angel Robotics.

Background

Professor Kyoungchul Kong’s (CEO and founder of Angel Robotics), team at Angel Robotics has been dedicated to developing the WalkON Suit, a wearable robot designed to aid individuals with paraplegia.

The team’s research began in 2015, leading to the introduction of WalkON Suit 1 in 2016 and WalkON Suit 4 in 2020.

This groundbreaking device addresses a common challenge faced by wearable robots: the need for assistance during the donning process.

This innovative technology holds the potential to revolutionize the lives of individuals with paraplegia, providing them with greater mobility and independence.

AI: A Beacon of Hope for People with Disabilities

Artificial intelligence is revolutionizing the lives of people with disabilities.

AI-powered tools like Seeing AI from Microsoft can describe visual scenes to the visually impaired, while Parrotron from Google can help people with speech impairments communicate more effectively.

For those with mobility challenges, robotic exoskeletons powered by AI are being developed to restore movement and independence.

Additionally, AI-driven assistive technologies can help individuals with cognitive disabilities by providing personalized learning experiences and cognitive support.

As AI continues to advance, it holds the potential to further empower people with disabilities and create a more inclusive world.

News Gist

KAIST has introduced the WalkON Suit F1, a groundbreaking wearable robot designed for individuals with complete paralysis.

This innovative device enables users to transition directly from their wheelchairs without assistance.

The WalkON Suit F1 features a unique frontal-docking system and advanced balancing capabilities, setting it apart from traditional rehabilitation robots.