South Korean Researchers Unveil Wearable ‘Iron Man’ Exoskeleton Robot to Help People with Paraplegia Walk

South Korean researchers have constructed a wearable robotic exoskeleton swimsuit that may assist folks with paraplegia stroll once more. The swimsuit, dubbed WalkON Suit F1, was developed by the Exoskeleton Laboratory group on the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST). The researchers have constructed a number of iterations of the wearable robotic exoskeleton beforehand, however the newest mannequin comes with a frontal-docking mechanism. It may stroll and method the person, which has earned it the moniker of the “Iron Man” swimsuit.

KAIST’s Exoskeleton Laboratory Unveils WalkON Suit F1

In a newsroom post, the researchers unveiled the brand new exoskeleton robotic swimsuit and highlighted that it was particularly designed for folks with paraplegia (paralysis of the legs and decrease physique) to assist them stroll once more. The group acknowledged that the robotic swimsuit can stroll to the person and be worn whereas sitting in a wheelchair, making it accessible with out requiring assist from others.

Developed in collaboration with Angel Robotics, the robotic can help folks with the American Spinal Injury Association’s (ASIA) impairment scale of A-grade (full paralysis) harm, which is probably the most extreme stage of paraplegia. It is designed as a strolling assistant, and it is not meant for use for rehabilitation remedy or bettering muscle power.

The WalkON Suit F1 venture was led by Professor Kyoungchul Kong (the CEO and founding father of Angel Robotics) of the KAIST Department of Mechanical Engineering. The present mannequin follows the WalkON Suit 1, introduced in 2016, and the WalkON Suit 4, which arrived in 2020.

The newest iteration solves a number of problems with its predecessors. Specifically, it addresses the difficulty of customers needing assist from others to put on the robotic. This is as a result of the sooner fashions had a rear-sitting mechanism. The WalkON Suit F1 as a substitute has a frontal docking system that may be worn whereas sitting in a wheelchair.

Additionally, the swimsuit can stroll like a humanoid robotic and method the person, eliminating the necessity for somebody to carry the exoskeleton swimsuit. The robotic additionally actively controls the centre of its weight in opposition to gravity to keep up steadiness even when the person pushes the robotic. The design of the wearable robotic was created by Professor Hyunjoon Park of the Department of Industrial Design at KAIST.

With this, customers can stroll at a pace of three.2kmph. Users may preserve each their arms free whereas strolling, which was not doable in older variations. Further, the group claims that the robotic has the flexibility to cross by way of obstacles corresponding to slim passages, doorways, and stairs. Notably, the robotic is constructed with aluminium and titanium and weighs 50kg.