A robotic exoskeleton has been developed in Italy to support individuals with weakened or fully atrophied muscles, according to MedicalXpress. The system, named TWIN, was introduced at a press conference held in Milan, signaling a notable step forward in wearable robotics for rehabilitation and mobility assistance.
TWIN operates with specially engineered motors that assist users in stretching knee and hip joints while the device automatically adjusts to each user’s step length, the degree of motor deficit, and walking speed. This dynamic adaptation helps maintain a natural gait, enabling steadier movement and reducing fatigue during longer sessions. The design emphasizes real-time responsiveness, allowing therapists and patients to tailor its performance to changing needs during recovery.
The exoskeleton offers multiple walking modes that address distinct medical scenarios. One mode is designed for individuals who have weakened or dysfunctional limbs after severe spinal cord injuries, providing support to remain upright and to transition between walking, standing, and sitting with the aid of crutches. In addition, the system is suitable for use by rehabilitation physicians during treatment plans, facilitating real-world gait training and progress evaluation.
Two defining aspects set TWIN apart. First, its construction relies on lightweight materials, including an aluminum alloy, which reduces the overall load on the user and improves maneuverability. Second, the architecture is modular, enabling easy transport and reconfiguration to fit different clinical settings and patient sizes. A range of dimensions is available, allowing adjustments for age, stature, and gender to optimize fit and comfort. Power comes from a battery capable of lasting around four hours on a full charge, with rapid one-hour recharging to minimize downtime between sessions.
Researchers are optimistic about moving toward industrial production of the exoskeleton in the near term. The development follows other ambitious robotics efforts in Asia, such as a separate project in Japan that produced a towering robot suit described as four and a half meters tall and weighing about three and a half tonnes. That alternative example underscores the rapid progress and varied approaches in assistive robotics worldwide, while TWIN focuses on portability, user comfort, and clinical usefulness.
In clinical and therapeutic contexts, the TWIN exoskeleton is positioned as a versatile tool for gait restoration, mobility independence, and enhanced participation in daily activities. Its modular and lightweight design supports easier transportation between clinics or patient homes, potentially expanding access to advanced rehabilitation options. As with many emerging rehabilitative devices, ongoing trials, regulatory approvals, and manufacturing strategies will shape the pace at which TWIN becomes widely available to patients in Canada and the United States.