Paraplegic tennis player Kevin Piette lost the use of his legs 11 years ago in a crash, but thanks to assistive technology in the form of a bipedal robot, he’s walking the Olympic Torch closer to the opening ceremonies. On Wednesday the 36-year-old wheelchair tennis singles paralympian made torchbearer history by putting one foot in front of the other. His section of the traditional torch relay took place in Poissy, northwest of Paris along the Seine river. It’s pretty incredible to see the outpouring of support for Kevin and his journey to the Olympic torch. It certainly made my day a little better.
This is the kind of amazing use of technology that humans can create when we put our minds to it. It’s clear that Kevin has not been slowed in his enthusiasm by his wheelchair, kicking ass on the tennis courts, but it’s incredible to see the joy on his face as he goes for a little stroll. Technology should be more focused on the actual improvements it can make in the world. This exosuit is far more useful for Kevin than a hundred egg-turning humanoid helper drones.
While it doesn’t seem the Wandercraft will allow Kevin to serve, return, and volley on the court any time soon, this is an incredible step in the field of robotics. When big tech puts its mind to a real actual problem, it can come up with some pretty impressive solutions. For everyone who wants to walk again, I hope you get a fresh set of robot legs soon. You deserve it.
The opening ceremony of the Games of the XXXIII Olympiad is scheduled to go down on July 26 in Paris, France.
