The WalkON Suit F1 can walk itself over to the user, attach itself, and help them stall without assistance.
Designed by researchers from the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) and Angel Robotics, the exoskeleton aims to provide people with paraplegia the ability to walk and balance independently, without requiring outside assistance.
The WalkON Suit F1 features cutting-edge balance controls and advanced obstacle detection, enabling hands-free operation for both standing and walking. Its sensors, machine learning algorithms, and vision recognition system allow it to see its surroundings, adjust for potential obstructions, and move accurately. With the intelligence, the exoskeleton can locate the user, approach them, and align itself for seamless attachment.
The control system of the F1 suit is designed for real-time adjustments, ensuring stability while walking and standing. The suit supports dynamic balance and smooth transitions, adapting continuously as the user moves. The WalkON Suit f1 team showcased the exoskeleton’s effectiveness at Cybathlon 2024 in Switzerland, winning first place as it navigated an obstacle course of everyday challenges—from sidestepping between chairs to walking through narrow doorways—without needing additional support.
KAIST’s Exoskeleton Laboratory, in partnership with Angel Robotics, has been developing powered exoskeletons since 2016, with a focus on making assistive technologies more accessible. Their work integrates research and real-world testing, aiming to redefine mobility for people with physical disabilities through autonomous, wearable robotics.