A New Kind of Robot Helps People Walk Again

By: Mr./Ms. Johnson, 3rd Grade Teacher

Earlier this year, in the month of May, some amazing news came from scientists who build robots. They didn’t build a robot to clean your room or play soccer. Instead, they built a special robot suit to help people who have trouble walking.

This robot is called an exoskeleton. That’s a big word that means “outside skeleton.” Think of it like a helpful shell you can wear. It’s made of light metal and has small motors. When a person puts it on, it fits around their legs and back. The robot senses when the person wants to take a step. Then, its gentle motors help move their legs. It’s like having super-strong, helpful legs!

The people who are trying this robot had injuries that made it hard for them to walk on their own. Before, they might have used a wheelchair or a walker. Now, with this robot suit, they can practice walking upright. One man in the news story said it felt like “flying on land.” The best part is that by using the robot again and again, their own muscles get stronger. Doctors hope that one day, with enough practice, some people might not need the robot suit as much.

This invention is not in every hospital yet. Right now, it’s being tested by doctors and scientists to make sure it’s safe and works well. It’s also very expensive to build. But the scientists are working hard. They hope that in a few years, more people who need help walking will be able to use this wonderful technology.

This news teaches us an important lesson about technology. Sometimes, the coolest inventions aren’t just for fun—they are made to help people live better, happier lives. It shows how science, kindness, and hard work can come together to solve big problems. It’s a happy story about hope and helping others.

Part A: Vocabulary in Context

Score: ___/5

Directions: Each vocabulary word from the article is listed below. Write the letter of the correct definition next to each word.

Vocabulary Words:

____ Exoskeleton
____ Motors
____ Injuries
____ Invention
____ Technology

Definitions:
A) Machines that use power to create movement and make things go.
B) Something new that has been created or designed for the first time.
C) Hurts or damages to a person’s body.
D) An outside skeleton or supportive frame that a person or animal can wear.
E) The use of science and tools to solve problems and create new things.

Part B: Multiple Choice Comprehension

Score: ___/5

Directions: Circle the letter of the best answer for each question.

What is the main job of the new robot described in the passage?
A) To clean houses and play games.
B) To help scientists with experiments.
C) To help people who have trouble walking.
D) To be a toy for children.
When did the news about this robot come out?
A) Last week.
B) In the month of May this year.
C) Many years ago.
D) During the winter.
What does the word “exoskeleton” mean in the passage?
A) A strong bone inside your body.
B) A type of doctor.
C) An outside skeleton or shell you can wear.
D) A part of a wheelchair.
How does the robot suit help people’s muscles?
A) It does all the work so their muscles can rest.
B) By helping them walk, it lets them practice and get stronger.
C) It gives their muscles medicine.
D) It massages their muscles while they sit.
What is one reason why not everyone can use this robot suit yet?
A) It is too much fun and people play with it.
B) It is still being tested to make sure it is safe.
C) It only works for children.
D) It is powered by sunlight and needs to be outside.

Part C: Short Answer Questions

Score: ___/10

Directions: Answer each question in complete sentences. Use details from the article.

What is the robot suit made of, and what parts of the body does it fit around?
What did one man say it felt like to use the robot suit? Why might he have used those words to describe the feeling?
According to the last paragraph, what is the “important lesson about technology” that this news teaches?

Part D: Making Connections

Score: ___/5

Directions: Think about what you read and answer the question below.

The article says the invention shows how “science, kindness, and hard work” come together. In your own words, explain how each of these three things is part of making and using the robot suit.

Science: ______________________________________________________

Kindness: _____________________________________________________

Hard work: ____________________________________________________

Answer Key & Scoring Guide

Part A: Vocabulary Matching

D – Exoskeleton
A – Motors
C – Injuries
B – Invention
E – Technology

Scoring: 1 point each (5 points total)

Part B: Multiple Choice

C) To help people who have trouble walking.
B) In the month of May this year.
C) An outside skeleton or shell you can wear.
B) By helping them walk, it lets them practice and get stronger.
B) It is still being tested to make sure it is safe.

Scoring: 1 point each (5 points total)

Part C: Short Answer (Sample Answers)

The robot suit is made of light metal and has small motors. It fits around a person’s legs and back.
One man said it felt like “flying on land.” He might have used those words because walking with the robot’s help felt smooth, powerful, and freeing, like the feeling of flying.
The important lesson is that the coolest technology isn’t just for entertainment; it’s often created to help people live better, happier lives by solving real problems.

Scoring: Question 1 (3 points), Question 2 (3 points), Question 3 (4 points)

Part D: Making Connections (Sample Response)

Science: Scientists use knowledge of engineering and robotics to build the suit.
Kindness: They created it to help people with injuries, showing care for others.
Hard work: Doctors and scientists are working hard to test it and make it safe and available.