Researchers in Germany unveil robot shorts for the elderly

The so-called WalkOn shorts work in a similar way to electric bikes, with the system detecting and measuring movement and then augmenting this with power from motors. For example, during a transition from standing to walking, two thin, artificial tendons extending from the thigh to a waist belt pull upwards at the same time and relieve the hip flexors of some of their load. A measuring device attached to the tendons determines the hip angle and velocity. The device sends a signal to the motors precisely at the transition to the swing phase of walking.  

According to doctoral researcher Enrica Tricomi – who has led the development of the technology – the shorts don’t require any pre-setting and can adapt instantly to different users. “The system recognises how fast or slowly the person is moving, adapts to the respective weight of the legs and provides individual support accordingly,” she explained, adding that it differs from most other exoskeleton devices as it is a soft garment: “WalkOn looks more like clothing and is no bigger than a small rucksack overall.”