Exoskeletons or robot suits for adults who, for example, have difficulty walking due to brain damage already exist. For children with a neurological disorder, these do not yet exist. The MOTION project should provide an answer to this, by developing an intelligent walking robot for children. Researchers combine 3D techniques based on light materials with smart textiles. In time, a broad application of the walking robots may be possible. Thanks to such a robot, children can once again participate in all kinds of activities and feel more at home in society. "Innovation and technology are an enormous added value for the medical sector. For adults with movement problems due to brain damage, devices such as a walking robot have been around for a long time. For children, this does not yet exist. By investing in this project we give these children many extra opportunities and chances", says the minister. MOTION is a project of three Flemish knowledge institutions (Centexbel, KU Leuven Campus Geel, Thomas More-MOBILAB), one Flemish rehabilitation centre for children and young people (Pulderbos) and one Flemish company (Ortho-Medico nv Benelux), in collaboration with organisations from France, the Netherlands and Great Britain.
This press release from Belga was taken over by the Flemish press, including