If Kevin Piette ever had aspirations of competing in the Olympics, they were shattered when he was paralyzed in a motorcycle accident over ten years ago.
However, this week in Paris, Piette carried the Olympic flame with the help of an incredible robotic exoskeleton, marking a significant milestone in his journey. Watch the inspiring video below:
Kevin Piette, paraplegic since an accident, made history today by carrying the Olympic flame with his exoskeleton! ????
— Kevin W. (@Brink_Thinker) July 23, 2024
According to the Olympics’ official website, Piette, now 36, is among the first to test pilot these exoskeleton suits, initially designed for rehabilitation but potentially available for personal use in the future. He has participated in “cybathlons,” competitions where individuals with disabilities utilize assistive technologies for daily activities.
Wandercraft, the company behind the “Atalante X” exo-suit Piette wears, has developed the first self-stabilizing exoskeleton for personal use, enabling impaired individuals to walk hands-free in their communities. Since receiving approval from the EU’s health regulators in 2019, over 650 patients have benefitted from Wandercraft’s devices in more than 5,000 sessions.
The company was granted FDA approval in 2022 for stroke rehabilitation in the U.S. and has established a new headquarters in New York City.
Co-founded by Jean-Louis Constanza, Wandercraft’s mission stems from his son’s struggle with neuropathy and loss of mobility. Constanza’s dedication to creating a device that could restore his son’s ability to walk drove the company’s innovative approach.
Witnessing users’ emotional responses to wearing the exoskeleton for the first time, Constanza shared, “It is the moment of standing up with nothing in front of them to stop them falling that makes them laugh or cry—it is always a shock. The act of walking is then a continued exhilaration. Standing in our exoskeleton is not like being verticalized in a frame or standing up in crutches, it is like becoming yourself again.”
Piette’s involvement in the torch relay showcases remarkable human achievement, highlighting the transformative impact of Wandercraft’s robotic suits. The dedication of Constanza and his team of engineers has turned a once-futuristic concept into a reality. The integration of these exoskeletons into everyday life holds promise for enhancing mobility in communities worldwide.
