South Korea develops robots to help people with hemiplegia walk again.
Korean researchers have created an ultralightweight wearable robot capable of reaching people with hemiplegia, automatically attaching itself to their bodies, assisting them with movement, overcoming obstacles, and even climbing stairs with ease.
A research team at the Exoskeleton Laboratory of the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) stated that their goal is to develop a wearable robot that not only assists people with disabilities in mobility but can also be naturally integrated into their daily activities.
This robot is designed to become an integral part of life, helping to improve quality of life, enhance independence, and reduce reliance on others for assistance.
Kim Seung-hwan, a member of the KAIST research team and a hemiplegic, directly demonstrated the superior capabilities of the prototype assistive robot.
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With the help of the device, Mr. Kim can walk at a steady pace of 3.2 km/hour, perform complex movements such as climbing stairs and stepping sideways to easily sit down on a bench.
This demonstration not only illustrates the effectiveness of technology but also offers hope to people with disabilities regarding their ability to reintegrate into daily life.
Mr. Kim shared: "This device can reach me anywhere, even when I'm sitting in a wheelchair. The most impressive thing is that it can help me stand up easily, a superior feature that I find extremely useful."
The energy-powered exoskeleton, called the WalkON Suit F1, is constructed from an aluminum and titanium alloy to ensure durability and light weight. Weighing 50 kg, the device is equipped with 12 advanced electronic motors programmed to accurately mimic the natural movements of human joints during walking.
Thanks to this technology, WalkON Suit F1 can assist users in taking steps smoothly and steadily, providing a feeling close to the real movement of the body.
Park Jeong-su, another member of the research team at KAIST, shared that his inspiration came from the popular movie "Iron Man." "When I watched Iron Man, I thought to myself, 'How wonderful it would be if I could create a real-life robot to help people.' That's what motivated me to pursue this project," Park added.
To help users maintain balance while moving, the robot is equipped with advanced sensor systems on its soles and upper body. These sensors are capable of processing up to 1,000 signals per second, allowing the robot to quickly track and analyze movements, accurately predict the user's next intentions, and make steps more natural and stable.
Mr. Park explained that the robot's front lenses act as "eyes," allowing it to analyze its surroundings in detail. This system is capable of determining the height of stairs, detecting obstacles, and making timely adjustments to compensate for the sensory deficits experienced by users who are completely paralyzed. This not only ensures safety but also enhances user confidence when navigating complex situations.
