A Wearable Robot to Help Paralyzed People Walk

South Korean researchers have developed a lightweight wearable robot designed to assist people with partial paralysis in walking, overcoming obstacles, and climbing stairs.

This innovation comes from the Exoskeleton Lab at the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, which aims to create a robot that can be seamlessly integrated into the daily lives of individuals with disabilities. The robot improves their quality of life and provides greater independence.

Kim Seong-hwan, a team member who himself suffers from partial paralysis, showcased the robot prototype. It enabled him to walk at a speed of 3.2 km/h, climb stairs, perform lateral steps, and sit on a chair.

Seong-hwan noted that the robot could approach him wherever he was, even when seated in a wheelchair. Among its key features, the robot can be worn to help the user stand up, enhancing their autonomy and freedom of movement.