Robotic suit simulates weightlessness on Earth to improve astronaut motor skills

DFKI and the University of Duisburg-Essen tested a robotic exoskeleton in a DLR parabolic flight campaign in Bordeaux to train astronaut hand skills for microgravity.

The suit counteracts arm weight on Earth, letting researchers compare trained and untrained participants across 180 parabolas.

Early results suggest the approach could improve low-gravity task training for Moon and Mars missions.

The technology may also support more affordable rehabilitation tools for motor recovery on Earth.