Work on a commercial version of the LOPES machine is already under way, with two private companies co-operating on the project. Two rehabilitation centres in the Netherlands will then test the device before it is rolled out to other clinics at home and abroad.
The LOPES project is by no means the only example of scientists turning to "exoskeletons" to aid human performance.
Berkeley Bionics of California has designed an exoskeleton called the Human Universal Load Carrier (HULC). The device enables infantry soldiers to lift and carry weights of up to 90kg in the field, and consists of a hydraulic-powered frame which straps around the soldier's body.
The same company has also developed an exoskeleton called "eLegs". Billed as an alternative to the wheelchair for those with restricted mobility, the frame can help users to walk upright with the aid of sticks.
A rival machine called ReWalk by Israeli company Argo Medical Technologies is also intended to help those with lower-limb disabilities to walk upright using sticks.
Dr van Asseldonk believes the possibilities are manifold.
"I foresee that older people in the future might just wear an exoskeleton when they're going around so they can keep pace with the grandchildren.
"You can imagine devices like this could keep people mobile for longer."
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