The Korea Institute of Industrial Technology (KITECH) announced on the 9th that it has developed the world's lightest wearable knee robot "AirKNEE," which significantly reduces the burden of wearing. Weighing only 1.1 kg, which is half the weight of existing knee assist robots, its walking support performance has improved instead.
Ahn Beom-mo, the senior researcher at KITECH's Human-Centered Robotics Research Division, and his team have made the knee robot lighter by reducing the number of components and applying small high-performance motors. The frame is made from lightweight and durable polyamide 12 (PA12) material, and the battery is mounted in a position that minimizes the burden on the body, leading to less fatigue even after long wear.
"AirKNEE" uses sensors to detect walking signals in real-time. It straightens the knee in sync with the moment the heel touches the ground or when the leg stretches forward, providing over 40% assistance based on a 70 kg adult. In actual experiments, when walking with a 20 kg weighted vest, the use of calf muscles decreased by about 21% and thigh muscle usage decreased by about 17% when wearing the robot.
Usability has also been improved. Even when powered off, users can naturally bend and straighten the knee, and the sports knee brace structure enhances stability. The controller, sensors, and battery are integrated into one unit, making it easy to wear and remove.
"AirKNEE" received the Best Application Award at the International Robotics Conference "Ubiquitous Robots 2025" held in the United States last July, gaining recognition for its technology and practicality.
Ahn Beom-mo stated, "AirKNEE reduces muscle strain not only during walking but also in various situations such as sitting, standing, and moving on stairs and ramps," adding, "We plan to continue research so that it can be used not only by industrial workers but also by the general adult population."