WalkON Suit F1 Introduces Front‑Loading Exoskeleton

Competition Success

At the 2024 Cybathlon, Team KAIST — formed by Exo Lab, Move Lab, and Angel Robotics — presented the WalkON Suit F1. Pilot Seunghwan Kim began the race from his wheelchair, engaged the suit without help, and completed all six courses. The performance earned the team the gold medal, surpassing every other competitor. Move Lab contributed from the early design goals to the final working prototype, collaborating with multiple teams to meet a technical challenge that had not been attempted before.

What Sets It Apart

The WalkON Suit F1 was developed to address a key limitation of current wearable robots for paraplegia:

• Traditional suits must be worn from behind.

• Users cannot put them on alone.

• They require a second person’s assistance, limiting independence.

The F1 works differently. It approaches the user, positions itself, and uses a front‑loading mechanism that allows the user to remain seated. Boots and vest sections dock while the person stays in their wheelchair — no lifting, no transfer, no helper required.

Key Technical Capabilities

• Autonomous approach: the suit walks toward the user.

• Front‑loading access: worn from the front while seated.

• 12 powered actuators: enable forward, backward, and sideways walking.

• Self‑balancing: stability control allows hands‑free movement.

• Range of motion: optimized for flexibility in different tasks.

• Integrated safety: six handles within reach for emergencies.

How the Process Works

1. The suit detects and walks to the user’s location.
2. It lowers its knees for easier alignment.
3. The user’s boots and vest are secured while seated.
4. Actuators activate, allowing movement in multiple directions.

Design Considerations

The engineering package is inevitably large due to the actuators and loading system. The team applied three guiding principles — commanding presence, athleticism, and technical clarity — to manage these constraints. The silhouette leans forward for momentum, C‑shaped thigh structures create tension similar to a bow and arrow, and curved contours balance the mechanical elements. Materials and geometry aim to keep the suit as light and maneuverable as possible while ensuring protection.

Q&A: Common Questions

Q: Can it be worn without help?

A: Yes, the front‑loading and autonomous approach are specifically designed for independent operation.

Q: How does it maintain stability?

A: The suit uses self‑balancing control, allowing users to move without crutches.

Q: Is it the only one of its kind?

A: According to available information, no other wearable robot on the market automatically approaches the user on foot and allows them to put it on unaided.

More Than Function

Beyond mobility, the design aims to shift perception. Users are not framed as patients in a medical device but as active participants using advanced equipment. Standing at eye level can improve social interaction and confidence. By reducing reliance on caregivers, the suit may also reduce transport needs and related environmental impact.

Future Potential

While the WalkON Suit F1 is currently a prototype, its combination of autonomous approach, front‑loading access, and self‑balancing points toward broader applications. If such features are adopted in future wearable robots, independent mobility for people with paraplegia could become more practical in daily life.