Japanese robot suit that optimises users’ steps and helps people walk again gets put through paces on 1,200km ancient pilgrimage route

Hikers contemplating tackling some of the most daunting treks in Japan – such as the 1,200km (750-mile) pilgrimage that visits 88 temples on Japan’s Shikoku island – should soon be able to get a leg-up with the help of a robotic exoskeleton that optimises a walker’s gait.

The Tokyo Institute of Technology is collaborating with Tokyo-based tech venture Walk-Mate Lab and Japanese airline All Nippon Airways to explore the concept of a “new walking journey” that brings together ancient pilgrimages and modern robotics technology.

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