KAIST unveils new wearable robot for paraplegics, set to compete at Cybathlon 2024

A wearable robot designed for paraplegics in wheelchairs, which can be used independently without assistance, is now available in Korea. It specifically targets individuals with ASIA-A level paraplegia, the most severe form, and enables them to walk.

The Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) unveiled a new version of the WalkON Suit F1, a wearable robot for paraplegics, on Thursday. This innovative device was developed by a KAIST research team led by Professor Kong Kyoung-chul from the Department of Mechanical Engineering. Kong also serves as the CEO of Angel Robotics.

Kong's team first introduced the WalkON Suit 1 in 2016, and in 2020, they launched the WalkON Suit 4, which increased walking speed to 3.2 kilometers per hour. The WalkON Suit 4 can also navigate narrow passages and overcome obstacles like doors and stairs. However, one drawback remained: it required assistance from another person to be worn.

Kong's team designed the WalkON Suit F1 to be worn from the front rather than the back, enabling the robot to walk up to the wearer and actively manage its center of gravity. This innovation allows the user to sit in a wheelchair, put on the WalkON Suit F1 independently, and maintain balance without the risk of falling, even if they apply pressure incorrectly.

The WalkON Suit F1 also enhances balance control, allowing the wearer to use both hands freely while standing upright and taking a few steps without a cane. The design of the WalkON Suit F1 was led by Professor Park Hyun-joon from the Department of Industrial Design at KAIST.

The team successfully localized core components and enhanced their performance. In collaboration with Angel Robotics, the KAIST team localized all the key parts of the robot, including motors, reducers, motor drivers, and main circuits. The output density of the motor and reducer modules is now about twice as high as before, measured by the power-to-weight ratio. Additionally, the motor driver's control performance is approximately three times better than the leading overseas technology in terms of frequency response speed.

The embedded software technology of the motor driver has been enhanced to implement advanced motion control algorithms reliably, without the need for costly high-end controllers. Additionally, the WalkON Suit F1 is equipped with vision and artificial intelligence (AI) boards for obstacle detection, further improving its functionality.

Kong's team will compete in the third Cybathlon wearable robotics event on Oct. 27 with the WalkON Suit F1. Cybathlon, often referred to as the "Cyborg Olympics," is a competition for people with disabilities held every four years in Switzerland. The team won the gold medal at the last Cybathlon in 2020. This year's team will be captained by researcher Park Jeong-su, with researcher Kim Seung-hwan, a paraplegic, representing the team in the competition.