South Korean Team Develops ‘Iron Man’ Robot to Help Paraplegics Walk

A team of researchers from South Korea’s Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) has developed a revolutionary lightweight wearable robot designed to help paraplegic individuals walk, maneuver obstacles, and even climb stairs. The robot, named the WalkON Suit F1, is a powered exoskeleton weighing 50 kg (110 lb) and is equipped with 12 electronic motors that mimic human joint movements, enabling its user to walk at speeds of up to 3.2 kph (2 mph).

The exoskeleton was developed by the Exoskeleton Laboratory team at KAIST, whose goal is to create a robot that can seamlessly integrate into the daily lives of people with disabilities. Kim Seung-hwan, a paraplegic member of the team, showcased the prototype by using it to walk, climb stairs, and even take sideways steps. One of its most distinct features is its ability to approach and lock onto the user, even when they are sitting in a wheelchair, to assist with standing up.

The robot is made from lightweight materials like aluminum and titanium, providing the strength needed to support its functions while keeping the overall weight manageable. Sensors located on the exoskeleton’s soles and upper body monitor the user’s movements 1,000 times per second, allowing the robot to anticipate their intentions and provide better balance. Additionally, cameras on the robot’s front help detect obstacles and identify the height of stairs, compensating for the sensory limitations of users with complete paraplegia.

Park Jeong-su, another member of the KAIST team, drew inspiration for the project from the film “Iron Man,” hoping to create a real-life solution for helping people through robotics. Kim Seung-hwan, while wearing the WalkON Suit F1, earned a gold medal in the exoskeleton category at the 2024 Cybathlon, an event where developers showcase assistive robots designed for individuals with various physical disabilities.

Kim shared his emotional motivation, stating that he wanted to show his son that he, too, was once able to walk and that he could share a wide range of experiences with him.