Walking farther and tirelessly with the help of robotic shorts

Scientists at the Technical University of Munich have developed a pair of shorts that could make walking feel effortless, as if you've lost 20 pounds instantly. It's too good to be true, but get ready to have your mind blown!

The WalkON system is a pair of high-tech shorts that can significantly reduce the energy needed for a walk or jog, up to 18%. These shorts are not typical gym wear and could be a game-changer for individuals of all ages, especially those who struggle with stairs or long walks.

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How the robotic shorts work

The WalkON system uses sensors, artificial tendons, and smart motors to improve your natural walking motion. The system begins with advanced sensors in the shorts that track the tension on your tendons. These highly accurate sensors detect even slight changes in your movement, such as your walking speed and hip angle.

The system is connected to sensors on your thighs that extend to a waist belt. These tendons are crucial to the system's assistance. The shorts analyze your gait pattern and can detect when you transition from standing to walking. The system knows when to kick in during each leg's "swing phase."

The WalkON system uses small but powerful motors to activate artificial tendons, which helps lift your thigh and reduce the effort needed by your hip flexor muscles. This makes it much easier to move, whether you prefer a slow stroll or a brisk jog. The system is highly adaptable and adjusts its level of assistance based on your speed and leg weight. This happens seamlessly, giving you a natural enhancement to your movement rather than feeling like you're being pushed or pulled by a machine.

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Benefits of the robotic walking shorts

The WalkON system reduces energy expenditure by 18% for young people walking uphill and 10% for older individuals walking on level ground, which is equivalent to losing 22 or 13 pounds, respectively. The system offers versatility in movement, allowing you to walk slowly or jog. Participants in tests reported high satisfaction with the device, giving it a mean rating of 6 out of 7 for its ability to assist while maintaining a sense of control.

Target demographics

WalkON is a versatile solution that can benefit anyone seeking to increase their mobility, but it shows particular promise for older adults and individuals weakened by illness who may experience declining physical capabilities.

Comparison to other exoskeletons

Unlike traditional rigid exoskeletons, WalkON's soft, flexible design offers several advantages over its more cumbersome counterparts.

WalkON's soft robotic shorts are easy to put on and are more than just a mechanical device. Professor Lorenzia Masia, the lead researcher, compares WalkON to an electric bike for walking, highlighting its ability to enhance natural movement without overpowering it. The lightweight, tendon-driven design of WalkON allows for a more natural range of motion, adapting to the user's movements rather than constraining them.

WalkON's compact and unobtrusive design addresses a common concern with exoskeletons: social acceptance. Its ability to be worn discreetly under regular clothing increases user comfort in social situations. Additionally, its efficiency in reducing metabolic cost positions WalkON as a more practical solution for everyday use compared to bulkier exoskeleton systems.

Availability and cost

It is possible that WalkON will be accessible to you in three to five years, subject to additional research and regulatory clearance.

We cannot yet determine the exact cost of WalkON, but we can compare it to other assistive technologies. Exoskeletons currently range from $40,000 to $100,000-plus. Given WalkON's simpler design and intended widespread use, it may be priced more affordably, possibly in the range of $5,000 to $15,000 when it first hits the market. As with many technologies, the price may decrease over time as production scales up.

Kurt's key takeaways

The WalkON system has the potential to improve mobility for people of all ages, especially older adults and those with health challenges. By simplifying movement and increasing efficiency, WalkON could motivate individuals to adopt more active lifestyles, which could enhance their overall health and quality of life. Although concerns about availability and cost persist, the emergence of WalkON represents a promising step towards more accessible and user-friendly mobility assistance solutions.

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