Imagine putting on a pair of shorts that could make walking a breeze, almost as if you’d lost 20 pounds instantly. Sounds too good to be true, right? Well, prepare to be blown away! Scientists at the Technical University of Munich have come up with something that could be a game-changer for anyone who’s ever wished walking was a little easier.
They call it the WalkON system, a pair of high-tech shorts that aren’t your typical gym clothes. These bad boys can reduce the energy you need to go for a walk or jog by up to 18%! Whether you’re young or in your golden years, these shorts could be a game-changer, especially if stairs have become your nemesis or long walks leave you breathless.
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Woman with WalkON system (Technical University of Munich) (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
How robotic shorts work
The WalkON system combines sensors, artificial tendons and smart motors to enhance your natural walking motion. It starts with advanced sensors built into the shorts that continually monitor tension on the tendons. These sensors are incredibly accurate and detect subtle changes in your movement, including the speed at which you walk and the angle of your hips.
Connected to these sensors are two thin artificial tendons that extend from the thighs to a specially designed belt. These tendons play a crucial role in how the system helps you. When you start walking, the shorts analyze your walking pattern and can even detect when you go from standing to walking. As each leg enters the “swing phase,” the system knows exactly when to act.
At just the right moment, small but powerful motors activate and gently pull on the artificial tendons. This action helps lift the thigh, reducing the effort needed by the hip flexor muscles, making it much easier to move. What’s really impressive is how adaptable WalkON is; Whether you prefer a slow walk or a fast jog, the system adjusts its level of assistance based on your speed and the weight of your legs. All of this happens seamlessly, so you experience a natural improvement in your movement instead of feeling like you’re being pushed or pulled by a machine.
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Man with WalkON system (Technical University of Munich) (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
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Benefits of Robotic Walking Shorts
The WalkON system significantly reduces energy expenditure by 18% for young people walking uphill. For older people walking on flat ground, it reduces energy expenditure by 10%. This reduction in energy expenditure is equivalent to the feeling of instantly losing 22 or 13 pounds, respectively. The system allows you to walk slowly or jog, providing versatility in movement. Test participants reported high satisfaction with the device, giving it an average rating of 6 out of 7 for its ability to help while maintaining a sense of control.
WalkON system (Technical University of Munich) (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
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Demographic goals
The WalkON system can benefit anyone looking to increase their mobility; However, it is especially promising for older adults who may experience a decline in their physical abilities. Additionally, people weakened by illness can find significant benefits from using WalkON to improve their mobility and independence. Additionally, the device is designed for those looking to maintain an active and healthy lifestyle, making it a versatile solution for a wide range of users.
Woman with WalkON system (Technical University of Munich) (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
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Comparison with other exoskeletons
Unlike traditional rigid exoskeletons, WalkON’s soft, flexible design offers several advantages over its more cumbersome counterparts. Conventional exoskeletons typically feature rigid frames that can be difficult and time-consuming to don, limiting their practicality for everyday use.
In contrast, WalkON’s soft robotic shorts can be put on quickly and easily, similar to regular clothing, and are more than a mechanical device. Professor Lorenzia Masia, lead researcher, aptly compares WalkON to an electric walking bike. This analogy highlights the system’s ability to enhance natural movement without overpowering it, making mobility more accessible and attractive to a broader range of users. WalkON’s lightweight, tendon-driven design allows for a more natural range of motion, adapting to the user’s movements rather than limiting them.
Additionally, the compact and discreet nature of WalkON addresses a common concern with exoskeletons: social acceptance. Its design allows it to be worn discreetly under normal clothing, potentially increasing the user’s comfort in social situations. This feature, combined with its efficiency in reducing metabolic cost, positions WalkON as a more practical solution for everyday use compared to bulkier exoskeleton systems.
Woman with WalkON system (Technical University of Munich) (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
Availability and cost
Given the current stage of development and testing, WalkON is likely to be available within the next three to five years, pending further research and regulatory approvals.
While there is no exact price available yet, we can compare it to other assistive technologies. Current exoskeletons can cost between $40,000 and $100,000 or more. However, given the WalkON’s simpler design and intended widespread use, it’s possible that it will be priced more affordable, perhaps in the $5,000 to $15,000 range when it first hits the market. As with many technologies, the price could decrease over time as production increases.
Woman with WalkON system (Technical University of Munich) (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
Kurt’s Key Takeaways
The potential of the WalkON system to improve the mobility of people of all ages, particularly older adults and those with health problems, is immense. By making movement easier and more efficient, WalkON could encourage more active lifestyles, potentially improving the overall health and quality of life for many people. While questions remain about availability and cost, the development of WalkON is a promising sign that we are moving towards more accessible and easy-to-use mobility assistance solutions.
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