Paralympian Tennis Player Carries Olympic Torch with Robotic Exoskeleton

French Paralympian Kevin Piette, who has been paraplegic since he was 11 years old, made history as he carried the Olympic torch through Yvelines last week using a robotic exoskeleton. 

The 36-year-old wheelchair tennis player walked the streets near Versailles as the flame made its way to Paris, showcasing innovative mobility technology developed by Wandercraft.

"By carrying the Olympic Torch, Piette inspires people to get involved in sport and promote innovation for the disabled," the International Olympic Committee said on its website.

The exoskeleton is designed to help people with mobility issues walk again. The battery-powered device supports the wearer's legs and uses sensors to detect movement intentions. A hand controller allows users to adjust speed and direction.

Piette is among the first people to test Wandercraft's new Atalante personal exoskeleton system, which is slimmer, lighter and more agile than their medical rehabilitation models.

He has actively contributed to its development, including participating in "cybathlons" — competitions where people with disabilities use assistive technologies for everyday tasks.

Wandercraft’s Atalante exoskeleton simulates natural movement and features a self-balancing feature, enabling the wearer to keep their hands free while remaining upright without the need for balancing aids.

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Wandercraft was founded in 2012. Its medical exoskeletons are used in rehabilitation hospitals and walking centers across Europe and Brazil.

The exoskeletons are available in the U.S. through the company’s partnership with the Kessler Foundation, a nonprofit conducting rehabilitation research for people with disabilities.

Wandercraft has since set up shop in New York and has obtained several Federal Drug Administration approvals for its Atalante exoskeleton to be used in stroke rehabilitation and for patients with spinal cord injuries.

The device has been approved for use in the EU since 2019 and has since been used to treat hundreds of patients.

The exoskeletons are solely designed for rehabilitation and not for sports or stair climbing.