"Like Gaining Muscles That Become One With My Body"... 'Seamlessly Fitting K-Robot' Rivals Iron Man Suit [Paek Jongmin's Shockwave]

Experiencing Angel Robotics' K-Robot Technology
Wearable Robots That Augment Humans, Projected to Grow 40% Annually

Paek Jongmin, Asia Economy Tech Specialist, is wearing the robotic AngelSuit H10.

The movie "Iron Man" is synonymous with "wearable robots" that augment human abilities by integrating with the body. While the robot depicted in the film is currently beyond the reach of today's technology, its direction is clear. It is designed for those who seek greater strength or need assistance due to physical discomfort. Although interest in humanoid robots that can replace humans is growing rapidly with advancements in artificial intelligence (AI), the wearable robot market is already a rapidly growing, ongoing industry.

Wearable Robot 'AngelSuit H10' by Angel Robotics

In June, at the launch event for a new product by Angel Robotics, a wearable robot manufacturer, I had the opportunity to try on the "AngelSuit H10," which was developed for gait rehabilitation. While I had previously experienced wearable robots that assist with lifting heavy objects, this was my first time encountering this type of robot.

With a mix of curiosity and a bit of nervousness, I entrusted my body to the robot. I was especially looking forward to it because I had recently experienced discomfort while walking due to leg pain. The company explained that this is a lightweight wearable robot equipped with lower limb strength enhancement and gait assistance functions. The goal is to make it applicable in various rehabilitation settings, including for patients recovering from spinal and joint surgery, those with neurological disorders, and those with sarcopenia.

Until I actually tried it, I was skeptical about whether a wearable robot could really alleviate discomfort as described. However, as soon as I put on the suit, which wraps around the waist and legs with the help of a staff member, an amazing experience began. My body immediately recognized that my doubts were unfounded.

Even though the robot weighs only 2.8 kilograms, it did not feel unnatural at all. As I attempted to take a step, the robot detected the slightest hint of movement before I did and gently but firmly lifted my leg. It did not feel like I was forcing my body to adapt to a clunky machine; rather, it felt as if I had gained a new set of muscles that moved with me. My steps became more powerful. This must be what it feels like for the body and robot to become one.

The feeling was entirely different from the wearable robot developed last year by KAIST. A suit made for competition cannot be the same as one intended for the general public. If the competition robot felt like "armor," the H10 felt like a perfectly fitting uniform.

This brief experience clearly demonstrated the goal of wearable robot technology. Wearable robots are not designed to replace humans. On the contrary, they are "human-centered technology" that restores, maintains, and even augments physical abilities weakened by illness, aging, or injury, through the power of technology. In this respect, they are distinct from humanoid robots. Notably, South Korea is at the center of wearable robot innovation. While many believe that Korea is lagging behind in humanoid robot technology, the reality in wearable robotics is quite the opposite.

◇ K-Robot Technology Proven by Cybathlon Victories = The status of South Korean wearable robot technology has been proven on the global stage of "Cybathlon." In this competition, athletes with disabilities use robotic technology to perform complex tasks of daily living and compete in skill. The team led by Professor Kong Kyungchul of KAIST, who is also the founder of Angel Robotics, surprised the global scientific community by winning a bronze medal in the wearable exoskeleton robot category in 2016, and gold medals in both 2020 and 2024 with overwhelming performance.

Kim Seunghwan, the athlete who wore the robot developed by Professor Kong's team, flawlessly completed difficult tasks such as traversing rough terrain and sitting down and standing up. This cannot be achieved by motor power alone. The core of the technology is how precisely the robot can detect the user's intention through subtle movements and signals and respond without delay.

This level of technology is also being applied to wearable robots for the general public. What kind of technology enabled the seamless interaction between myself and the robot when I tried on the "AngelSuit H10"?

According to Angel Robotics, four core technologies are required. First is "human motion intention recognition technology." High-precision sensors attached to the robot analyze the user's subtle body changes and ground contact in real time, predict upcoming movements, and calculate the optimal level of assistance.

Second is "user-centered precision control technology." No matter how smart it is, a robot is still a machine. To prevent the user from feeling any unnaturalness, the system compensates for motor friction and resistance caused by the weight of the legs, and provides smooth, natural movements that match the patient's direction and speed.

Third is the "intelligent motion assistance algorithm." Rather than simply adding force, it guides the user toward a normal gait trajectory, enhancing the effectiveness of training and improving stability.

A model wearing the wearable robot AngelSuit H10 is walking. Photo by Angel Robotics

Finally, there is "professional data monitoring and analysis." Every aspect of the training process, including the patient's gait cycle, left-right asymmetry index, step count, and walking distance, is recorded as data and provided as a visualized report through a dedicated application called "Angela Pro." This allows medical professionals to objectively assess the patient's condition and develop more systematic, customized rehabilitation plans.

According to market research firm IndustryARC, the wearable robot industry is expected to grow at an annual rate of 43.45% and reach a market size of $1.18 billion by 2030. Some forecasts suggest that the market could expand to as much as $3 billion. The increasing need for wearable robots due to population aging is cited as the reason. As technological advances make wearable robots more efficient and lighter, and as prices decrease, wider adoption is expected. There is also a growing consensus that the growth of wearable robots is inevitable to reduce the risk of injury and improve productivity for workers engaged in physically demanding 3D tasks.

In South Korea, Angel Robotics, founded by Professor Kong as a faculty startup, is leading the way, with Cosmo Robotics and WeRobotics also joining the field. It is notable that LG Group has invested in Angel Robotics, and Cosmo Group, an LG affiliate, has invested in Cosmo Robotics.

◇ Beyond Healthcare: To Industry, Defense, and Everyday Life = The potential of wearable robots is not limited to rehabilitation therapy. There is strong potential for expansion into industrial sites, as well as the defense and military sectors. In factories or construction sites where workers must repeatedly lift heavy objects, wearable suits can become essential safety equipment to protect workers' backs and joints. In the military, they can be used to enhance the mobility of fully equipped soldiers and maximize combat efficiency.

Currently, wearable robots are mainly used in the healthcare sector, but as technology advances and costs decrease, there is significant potential for use in leisure and sports. Targeting overseas markets is also important. Angel Robotics has obtained official medical device certification for its M20 product from the Ministries of Health and Welfare in both Thailand and Vietnam.

In the movie, Iron Man created his suit to overcome injuries and escape crisis, eventually becoming the protector of Earth. It will take a long time for wearable robots to reach such a stage of evolution. Nevertheless, humanity's long-standing dream of overcoming physical limitations and enhancing quality of life is now blossoming through the convergence of robotics and AI technology.