South Korean team develops wearable walking robot
The WalkON Suit F1 brings mobility to paraplegics.

Researchers at South Korea‘s KAIST (Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology) have developed a groundbreaking wearable robot that enables paraplegic users to walk, navigate obstacles, and climb stairs. The innovative exoskeleton, named WalkON Suit F1, weighs 50 kilograms (110 pounds) and uses 12 motors to replicate human joint movements.
Kim Seung-hwan, a paraplegic researcher on the KAIST team, demonstrated the robot, showcasing its ability to help him walk at 3.2 kph (2 mph), climb stairs, and even slide sideways onto a bench. “It can approach me wherever I am and help me stand up, which is one of its most distinct features,” Kim explained. Sensors and cameras integrated into the suit help maintain balance and assess surroundings, ensuring smooth and safe movement.
The WalkON Suit F1 reflects the vision of KAIST researcher Park Jeong-su, inspired by the movie Iron Man. Park hopes to bring real-life solutions to those with mobility challenges. The robot’s capabilities earned Kim a gold medal at Cybathlon 2024, an international competition highlighting assistive technologies for individuals with disabilities.
Kim expressed his motivation for participating in the project: ‘I wanted to tell my son that I used to be able to walk and share a diverse range of experiences with him.’ The KAIST team aims to continue refining the WalkON Suit F1 to further integrate it into everyday life for individuals with disabilities.