PREVIEW

Researchers at Rehab Technologies IIT (Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia) have unveiled TWIN, a wearable robot exoskeleton that allows the disabled to walk again.
TWIN, a robotic exoskeleton for lower limbs, was presented on February 23rd at a press conference in Milan. This innovative device aims to empower users to stand up, maintain an upright position, walk, and sit, offering a potential solution for those with severe injuries or disabilities.
The joint laboratory between the Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia (IIT) and the Prosthetic Center of INAIL developed TWIN as a modular design and lightweight materials, including aluminum alloy. It means TWIN is a unique and promising technological advancement in the field.
The prototype was showcased by two patients who participated in the testing phase, providing real-world insights into its functionality.
Alex Santucci, one of the patients involved in the testing, played a crucial role in the development process, offering valuable feedback as a tester.
After an accident he became tetraplegic, losing the use of his legs, a position he described as “torture”. However, the exoskeleton has helped him walk again.
He says: “After six months of hospitalisation I returned home. In the first two months I was bedridden, but gradually I began moving my arms, legs, and so on.
“In the third month I began using the exoskeleton. After the first ten steps it was like someone had turned a light on in my head. From 10 steps, they became 20, then 30, and so on.”
Clinical experiments were conducted not only at the Prosthetic Center of INAIL but also at the Montecatone Rehabilitation Institute and Villa Beretta.
The collaborative efforts began in 2013 with the goal of creating cost-effective, high-tech solutions for individuals with physical impairments.
TWIN's motorized exoskeleton is designed to enhance the physical abilities of users with lower limb motor deficits, such as those with complete spinal cord injuries. The device operates in three modes: 'Walk mode,' 'Retrain mode,' and 'TwinCare mode,' catering to varying levels of motor impairment. Notably, TWIN can be controlled by an operator, like a physiotherapist, using a specific Android application installed on a provided tablet.
With a focus on usability and transportation, TWIN's modular components and adjustable structure contribute to its uniqueness. The exoskeleton's operating modes are adaptable to the wearer's degree of motor deficit, allowing for personalized rehabilitation.
As TWIN moves towards obtaining CE marking, researchers anticipate industrialization and eventual market availability. The device holds the potential to significantly impact the lives of individuals with motor impairments, not only during rehabilitation sessions but also in daily life, offering benefits to musculoskeletal, circulatory, psychological, and digestive systems. The ultimate goal is to reintegrate severely injured workers into social and work environments, marking a transformative step in assistive technology.