Development of the Wearable Robot 'WalkON Suit F1' Provides Daily Life Assistance to Individuals with Lower-Body Paralysis
54th Anniversary Special Awards Presented to 47 Faculty Members Including Taeksu Kim, Ain Jung, Yongsu Yang, Hyochung Bang, and Mihui Lim
KAIST announced on the 12th that it has selected Professor Kyungchul Gong from the Department of Mechanical Engineering as the recipient of the 'KAIST Person of the Year Award' in celebration of its 54th anniversary.
The KAIST Person of the Year Award, established in 2001, is given to members who have contributed to the development of KAIST both domestically and internationally through outstanding academic and research achievements.
Professor Gong was chosen as the 24th recipient for his contributions in elevating the status of KAIST's robotic technology worldwide, including winning the gold medal for the second consecutive time in the '2024 Cybathlon,' an international competition held every four years that challenges overcoming physical disabilities through robotic technology, following his 2020 victory.
The 'WalkON Suit F1,' developed by Professor Gong's team, is a wearable robot that provides practical assistance in daily life to individuals with complete lower-body paralysis. Recognized for both technological excellence and social value, it achieved the remarkable feat of winning not only the gold medal but also the Jury Award at the international competition.
Professor Gong stated, "This award today is a great encouragement and support for me and my research team, but at the same time, it serves as a reminder of society's expectations for KAIST. In particular, I will do my best to realize 'warm cutting-edge technology' that can provide practical help to people facing physical difficulties such as the disabled, workers, and the elderly."
At the commemorative ceremony, special awards were also presented to a total of 47 faculty members. Professor Taeksu Kim from the Department of Mechanical Engineering received the 'Academic Award' for his innovative research on measuring and enhancing the mechanical properties of advanced thin-film materials, significantly contributing to the development of South Korea's semiconductor and display industries.
Professor Ain Jung from the Department of Bio and Brain Engineering received the 'Creative Lecture Award,' Professor Yongsu Yang from the Department of Physics received the 'Excellence in Teaching Award,' Professor Hyochung Bang from the Department of Aerospace Engineering received the 'Merit Award,' and Professor Mihui Lim from the Department of Chemistry received the 'International Cooperation Award.'
President Kwang Hyung Lee said, "The efforts of our members who dedicate themselves to challenging new fields that others have not ventured into and overcoming existing limits embody the spirit of KAIST. I hope today will be a day for all members, including the awardees, who have worked hard to achieve these accomplishments, to share joy and receive congratulations."
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