MOONWALK-Omni: A pocket exoskeleton that helps people walk and climb with AI-assisted support
Researchers at the Intelligent Robotics Research Center of the Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST) have introduced a compact robotic exoskeleton named MOONWALK-Omni. This device is designed to assist everyday movement, making walking and climbing stairs and uneven terrain more manageable for a wide range of users. The researchers published their findings on the official gazette website CYST, highlighting practical tests and observed benefits for users on real-world terrain. For families and clinicians in North America, MOONWALK-Omni offers a glimpse of how wearable robotics can expand mobility in daily life and outdoor activities.
The MOONWALK-Omni is built around a belt that integrates four high-torque actuators connected to the hips. These actuators work in concert to stabilize the wearer’s pelvis, improve balance, and reinforce leg strength by an estimated 30 percent, while also providing additional traction on slippery surfaces. The design prioritizes a low profile and portability, allowing for a natural gait pattern without adding bulk to the torso or legs. This balance between support and freedom of movement is especially relevant for users who need reliable assistance without feeling encumbered by heavy machinery.
Developers note that MOONWALK-Omni weighs about two kilograms, and an adult can put it on in under ten seconds without external help. The quick-don time is achieved through a streamlined harness system and intuitive alignment mechanisms that quickly lock into the user’s natural posture. In practical terms, that means fewer interruptions for people who want to move freely, whether for daily tasks, shopping, or outdoor pursuits. The lightweight build is intentional to reduce fatigue during extended wear, a factor many wearable robotics projects emphasize for real-world adoption in both Canada and the United States.
The wearable robot uses artificial intelligence to analyze the user’s gait in real time. This on-board AI continuously interprets movement data to tailor muscle support, ensuring safe and effective assistance across a variety of walking conditions. Whether traversing gentle uphill sections, navigating rough rocky paths, climbing steep wooden stairs, or stepping over irregular stone steps, MOONWALK-Omni adapts to the environment. The result is smoother transitions between steps and a more stable stance, which can bolster confidence for older adults or anyone with reduced leg strength. Local testing notes show a marked improvement in steadiness and energy efficiency, translating into longer, more comfortable outings.
In field tests, an elderly volunteer used the device to ascend Yongbong Mountain, which rises to 604 meters above sea level. He reported that the technology made him feel noticeably younger in the moment, and that the hike felt more comfortable and controllable with the support. This kind of first-hand experience underscores the potential of wearable exoskeletons to enhance outdoor accessibility for people who face mobility challenges. The feeling of regained agility is echoed by other users who describe a renewed willingness to engage in outdoor activities that had become difficult or less enjoyable. The Korean researchers emphasize that safety remains paramount, with the AI system continuously monitoring posture, torque, and balance to reduce the risk of missteps.
Earlier, a separate project in Japan introduced a large-scale, manned robot with a weight of about 3.5 tons, illustrating a broader spectrum of robotics research that spans from heavy industrial robots to ultra-light wearable devices. While the scale and purpose differ, both efforts contribute to a growing field that seeks to expand human mobility through intelligent, assistive machines. The MOONWALK-Omni project aligns with a broader trend toward personal robotics that supports independence, mobility, and quality of life for users in North America and beyond. (Cited from the KIST report, and corroborated by independent observers in related robotics trials.)