Everyone walks differently — so this exoskeleton adjusts on the fly

An image of someone’s legs from the knee down with a robotic exoskeleton attached at the feet and below the knee. The exoskeleton is exposed, colorful wires and circuit boards.

A close-up view of a portable ankle exoskeleton that helps someone walk | Image: Stanford University

A new robotic, boot-like exoskeleton uses wearable sensors to adjust to each person who wears it, markinga significant step forward for robotics. The device, described in a study published today, helps solve one of the big challenges in developing systems that help people walk: that everyone walks differently.

“This exoskeleton personalizes assistance as people walk normally through the real world,” said Steve Collins, associate professor of mechanical engineering and head of the Stanford Biomechatronics Laboratory.

Exoskeletons as a concept aren’t new — researchers think they could help people with mobility issues or remove some of the strain from walking for people in jobs that require constant movement. But so far, devices that...