Researchers have created robotic trousers to assist people in walking more effortlessly while using less energy. The primary objective is to help vulnerable individuals, especially the elderly, remain active and maintain their health for a longer time.
Researchers at the Technical University of Munich (TUM) have created robotic trousers that help individuals walk more easily while consuming significantly less energy. The goal is to keep frail individuals, particularly the elderly, mobile and healthy for a longer period.
“These shorts allow for slow walking or even jogging,” explains TUM Professor Lorenzio Masia. “We’ve designed a system that encourages movement, similar to how electric bikes work, but aimed at walking.”
Research shows that when a young person walks 500 meters uphill using the robotic trousers, their energy consumption—the metabolic cost—decreases by 18% compared to walking without assistance. For an older adult walking 400 meters on flat ground, energy use drops by over 10%. This reduction is equivalent to losing ten or six kilograms in body weight. The researchers have named their robotic shorts WalkON.
When doctoral student Enrica Tricomi shifts from standing to walking, two slender artificial tendons stretching from her thigh to a waist belt pull upwards simultaneously, easing the burden on the hip flexors. A sensor attached to the tendons tracks hip angle and speed, sending signals to the motors precisely when the walking swing phase begins. Whether an older individual or an active teenager wears these robotic shorts, “the system detects their speed and adjusts to their leg weight, providing personalized support,” Tricomi clarifies. Her innovative shorts require no setup and can be worn right away in just a few minutes: they are truly plug-and-play.
Health Benefits: Especially Important for Seniors
A survey conducted among participants revealed they felt empowered, with an average rating of over 6 on a seven-point scale, where zero means no control and seven means excellent control. “It’s crucial for older adults to feel secure,” Masia remarks, noting that his system can be particularly beneficial for those who are somewhat frail but don’t yet require a walker.
The professor, who recently transitioned from the University of Heidelberg to the Munich Institute of Robotics and Machine Intelligence (MIRMI) at TUM as Deputy Director, identifies older adults and those with health challenges, such as heart or lung issues, as key targets for this innovation. “Walking can help enhance their metabolism, potentially improving their health conditions,” Masia states. By enabling users to be out longer, it enhances their mobility and independence, which can significantly improve their quality of life.
Future Vision: Creating Exoskeletons for Leisure Activities
Unlike existing exoskeletons available in outdoor retail shops, these trousers do not have a rigid frame but are designed as a soft garment. “WalkOn resembles everyday clothing and is compact, comparable to a small backpack,” says doctoral student Enrica Tricomi, who has refined the design over the past four years. Professor Lorenzo Masia believes that a modular system could soon be developed, allowing users to customize their gear: “In the near future, you will purchase a pair of shorts, add a motor, and plug in a couple of cables. The system will then be ready to assist you in the mountains.”
