Angel Robotics 1

Angel Robotics have a mission: "We want to be the angels for those who need our technology. They shall be able to wander through life independently and autonomously". Accordingly, the team motivation and inspiration to create a potentially life-changing tool is high: "The pilots are the center of our team. Now, a short time ahead of CYBATHLON, we invest a lot of time and energy in the preparation, but when we see the development, progress and joy of our pilots, this investment is surely worthwhile and fills our hearts with happiness. We spend a lot of time with the pilots, supporting them on their path of life as mentors," explains one of the team managers Jungsu Choi.

In 2016, the team participated in CYBATHLON under the name SG Mechatronics and finished third with pilot Kim Byeong-Uk, after which the start-up Angel Robotics was founded. The team includes engineers and rehabilitation physicians. Their combined knowledge and the latest technology of both areas went into the WalkOn Suit exoskeleton. Thanks to the success at CYBATHLON four years ago, the team was able to expand and will start in 2020 with one female coached by teamleader Hanseung Woo and one male pilot managed by teamleader Jungsu Choi.

Pilot - Byeong Uk Kim

"When I first heard about CYBATHLON five years ago, I couldn't imagine walking with a robot, let alone climbing stairs. It is my biggest wish to be able to walk again. For 18 years I couldn't do so, but since I joined the team, the exoskeleton has opened up a new life, with it I can finally walk again and my dream has suddenly become more realistic," Kim says full of joy. Since an accident more than 20 years ago, the Korean has had a complete paralysis. He is working as a researcher and is also involved in the Angel Robotics team. His goal this year is to improve on the performance of 2016 – meaning, he has to beat 3^rd place: "The biggest challenge is the fight with myself. I train five times a week and I want to win this year".