Walking the Walk

Dear Impossible Readers,

The one Hollywood sci-fi character who gives me chills is Gazelle from Kingsman: The Secret Service. And it is not because she is the villain with disabilities. It is because, despite her disabilities, she is a f* awesome lady. Her razor-sharp prosthetic legs make her seemingly unstoppable, raising a provocative question: what if technology could safely give humans augmented abilities, level the playing field in physical performance, regardless of disability, illness, or everyday physical limitations, and enable us to move freely without fatigue?

Exoskeletons, wearable devices designed to support or enhance human movement, are already helping people regain mobility after injury and enabling workers to lift heavier loads with less strain. The next step could be personal augmentation for everyone, genuinely levelling the playing field. Exoskeletons have evolved from bulky, rigid frames to streamlined, user-friendly devices. Medical exoskeletons, such as ReWalk and Ekso Bionics, help individuals with spinal cord injuries (SCI) regain mobility. These devices utilise powered joints and sensors to assist with standing and walking, thereby promoting neuroplasticity and improving cardiovascular health. Clinical studies show that exoskeleton-assisted rehabilitation can enhance gait, balance, and overall quality of life for SCI patients. Meanwhile, soft exosuits (e.g., from Harvard’s Wyss Institute) are lightweight, fabric-based devices that aid walking and running. They utilise textile-based actuators and sensors to augment lower-limb movement, providing a more comfortable and less intrusive alternative to traditional exoskeletons. These advancements aim to improve mobility for people with conditions like stroke or multiple sclerosis, as well as boost endurance in healthy individuals.

Despite notable progress, several challenges remain in developing exoskeletons. A key obstacle is actuator optimisation, as traditional actuators are bulky and energy-inefficient. Recent research focuses on rotary series elastic actuators (RSEA) to improve efficiency and reduce device weight. Developing compact, lightweight energy storage is also crucial to extending operational time without compromising comfort. Brain-machine interface (BMI) research aims to link neural signals directly to the exoskeleton, enabling intuitive, thought-controlled movement and expanding potential applications. Advances in materials science are further enhancing efficiency and comfort. Structural batteries, integrating energy storage into the frame, reduce weight and improve energy use, while soft, flexible materials allow more natural movement.

Although exoskeleton technology has progressed significantly, ongoing research is vital to create lightweight, energy-efficient devices that integrate seamlessly with natural movement, ultimately improving mobility and quality of life for all individuals.

Ready for a walk in the park?
Yours Possibly

The new bionics that let us run, climb and dance – Hugh Herr (TED)