Background Robotic gait devices allow intensive high repetition of the gait cycle in individuals with locomotor disability, with reduced therapist effort. The addition of robotic-assisted gait training (RAGT) to usual rehabilitation post-stroke improves the likelihood of regaining independent walking, with maximum efficacy identified in the acute and subacute phases of stroke. The study explores the usability and acceptance of RAGT among persons with stroke in an acute hospital setting and examines users’ perceptions of two different modes of robotic assistance provided during rehabilitation. MethodsA mixed-methods approach comprised semi-structed interviews of end-user perspectives of RAGT in an acute hospital setting following stroke and two 10-point Likert scales rating how comfortable and how natural robotic gait felt using different assistance modes. Content analysis of qualitative data was undertaken with results synthesised by common meaning units. Quantitative data were reported using summary statistics, with Spearmann’s correlation co-efficient examining the relationship between Likert scale ratings and measures of participants’ stroke related disability. Results Ten individuals (6 men; 4 women; mean age of 64.5. ±13 years) were recruited from an acute hospital following admission with a stroke diagnosis. Content analysis of interviews identified discussion units centring around positive aspects of the device related to how helpful the device was, negative aspects related to set-up time, weight of the device and multiple instructions during use. Initially participants identified that the device could look intimidating and that they feared falling in the device but subsequently identified the correct mindset for using the device is to trust the technology and not be afraid. Mean ratings of device comfort (7.94 ± 1.4) and how natural walking felt (7.05 ± 1.9) were favourable. Interestingly, a strong relationship was identified, whereby the higher the level of disability, the more natural participants rated walking in the device in maximal assistance mode (rho =0.62). ConclusionsThis study suggests individuals in the early phases of stroke perceive RAGT to be acceptable and helpful in the main, with some associated negative aspects. The device was rated as comfortable and natural to use and those with greater disability rate the assisted walking was more natural.