Touching Moment: French Paralympic Athlete Kevin Piette Brings Olympic Torch With Robotic Exoskeleton

Kevin Piette, a French Paralympic tennis athlete (photo: x @Brink_Thinker)

JAKARTA - Kevin Piette, a 36-year-old French Paralympic tennis athlete, has made history carrying Olympic torchs using robotic exoskeletons. Piette, who had an accident at the age of 11 and lost leg function, seemed to smile happily as she crossed the crowd waving in Poissy, Northwest Paris, towards the end of the traditional Olympic torch relay route.

Exoskeleton is a mechanical framework that supports the user's body, similar to the outer skeleton in some animals. In Piette's case, this exoskeleton allows him to stand and walk with the help of advanced technology.

Kevin Piette, paraplegic since an accident, made history today by carrying the Olympic flame with his exoskeleton! 💪pic.twitter.com/oejQHQRAwG

— Kevin W. (@Brink_Thinker) July 23, 2024

Kevin Piette, paraplegic since an accident, made history today by carrying the Olympic flare with his exoskeleton! pic.twitter.com/oejQHQRAwG

The video showing Piette carrying this torch is considered "inspirational" by many social media users, with comments praising the technology that allows it to move again.

The personal exoskeleton worn by Piette was developed by the French company Wandercraft. The exoskeleton is equipped with a battery that supports the movement of users' feet, allowing them to sit, stand, walk, climb stairs, and navigate unknown terrain. The rear sensor detects the user's desire to stand or walk, while the handheld controller allows for changes in direction and speed.

Piette, one of the early testers, has participated in a competition where people with disabilities use aid technology to carry out daily activities. Wandercraft hopes this device will be a significant advance in aid technology, allowing millions of individuals with disabilities to run again and increase their mobility and independence.

International Olympic Committee officials refer to Piette as "a manifestation of sports commitment," and hope that this achievement will motivate people to engage in sports and support innovation for persons with disabilities.

Although Piette will not compete in the Paralympics this summer because it is ineligible, this historic moment shows the power of technology in changing lives and inspiring many people. The Olympic Torch will arrive in Paris ahead of the opening ceremony of the Summer Olympics on July 26, 2024, while the Paralympic torch relay will begin on August 25 in Stoke Mandeville, England.