ETH Zurich, where Albert Einstein received his early education, has become a global centre for innovation in rehabilitation technology. During a demonstration at the institute, Professor Riener showcased the "Mayo Suit," an advanced wearable exoskeleton designed to help individuals with muscle weakness or paralysis stand, walk, and climb stairs.
At first glance, the suit resembles futuristic protective equipment, but its purpose extends far beyond appearance. The system incorporates motors and tendon-like elastic cables strategically positioned around the hips and knees. These components function as artificial muscles, providing mechanical assistance to movements that weakened muscles are unable to perform effectively.
"From each motor there are tendons going behind the hip and in front of the knee joint. When switched on, it becomes quite strong, helps one stand and walk," Professor Riener explained during the demonstration.
The technology significantly enhances mobility for people with severe muscle weakness. According to Professor Riener, an individual who would normally become exhausted after walking only 100 to 200 metres can travel much greater distances with the assistance of the device.
"With this device, the person can walk some kilometres and take a walk or hike," he said, adding that the exoskeleton is capable of supporting users even on demanding terrain, including hikes through the Swiss mountains.
The innovation extends beyond mechanical engineering through the integration of Artificial Intelligence and machine learning, which enable the exoskeleton to respond intelligently to human movement in real time.
"We use a lot of machine learning," Professor Riener said. "Our codes are able to distinguish if the leg is now touching the ground or swinging. Depending on that, the device supports accordingly."
This ability to identify different phases of walking is essential because human movement continuously adapts to balance, changing terrain, and intended motion. Machine learning enables the exoskeleton to detect these variations instantly and deliver assistance that feels more natural and responsive.
The technology is advancing further through the integration of deep learning and brain-computer interfaces. Professor Riener noted that these systems are becoming increasingly effective as machine learning algorithms continue to improve, creating the possibility that future exoskeletons may respond directly to signals from the brain, allowing even more intuitive control.
Despite the sophistication of the technology, Professor Riener emphasised that the objective is not to transform people into machines or create cyborgs.
Asked whether wearing the intelligent suit made him a computer-assisted human, he responded with a smile, "Yes. But the emphasis lies still on the human being. I am not a cyborg or a robot. It is technology which is supporting the human to be even more being a human."
In his book AI to Eye, Professor Riener argues that Artificial Intelligence has the potential to create a more inclusive world, provided it is developed with human needs at its core.
Switzerland is also preparing to strengthen global cooperation on responsible Artificial Intelligence through the proposed Geneva AI Summit in 2027. According to Nina Frey, Senior Advisor for Artificial Intelligence at the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs, the summit will focus on the theme "AI for Good" and will build upon the success of the India AI Impact Summit 2026 held earlier this year in New Delhi.
Artificial Intelligence is already improving everyday life in multiple ways. Speech recognition technologies are making digital content more accessible for people who are deaf, while intelligent text systems simplify complex information, enabling wider understanding. In healthcare and rehabilitation, AI assists in monitoring medical conditions and detecting health problems at earlier stages, improving patient outcomes.
When combined with robotics and exoskeleton technology, Artificial Intelligence enables greater mobility and independence for people with disabilities. It allows users to move more freely, engage with others on equal terms, and participate more actively in society.
However, Professor Riener cautioned that Artificial Intelligence also presents significant challenges. He warned that AI systems reflect the data on which they are trained. If the training data contains bias, the resulting decisions and outputs may also be biased. Many existing AI systems, he noted, rely on datasets that do not adequately represent people with disabilities, leading to inaccuracies and discrimination.
He further warned that Artificial Intelligence can reinforce stereotypes when generating images or descriptions of people with disabilities. Such portrayals may influence public perception by reducing disability to a limitation rather than recognising it as a natural aspect of human diversity.
Professor Riener stressed that the solution is both straightforward and demanding.
"It is obvious, but challenging," he said. "AI must be developed in an inclusive way."
He emphasised that people with disabilities should participate not only as users but also as developers, designers, and decision-makers. He also called for greater diversity in training data, increased transparency in algorithms, and fairness as a guiding principle in Artificial Intelligence development.
The work at ETH Zurich reflects these principles. Its exoskeletons are developed in collaboration with the people who use them, ensuring continuous testing, refinement, and improvement. International competitions organised by Professor Riener bring together engineers and people with disabilities to accelerate innovation and improve rehabilitation technologies.
The ultimate objective is to move these innovations beyond laboratory environments and into everyday life by creating devices that are practical, affordable, and widely accessible.
As the technology continues to evolve, its applications may eventually extend beyond rehabilitation. Advanced exoskeletons could enhance endurance, reduce physical effort, and expand the physical capabilities of healthy individuals.
Throughout these developments, Professor Riener maintains that technology must remain a tool that serves humanity rather than defining it. Artificial Intelligence can help people overcome physical limitations, but it cannot replace the essence of being human.
"It is technology which is supporting the human to be even more being a human," Professor Riener said.
His vision reflects the broader promise of Artificial Intelligence—not to replace humanity with machines, but to develop intelligent technologies that enable people to lead fuller, freer, and more inclusive lives.
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