Tourists and hikers in China who plan a rather exhausting climb or trek can now get help at many tourist spots by scanning a QR code, opening a locker, and putting on an exoskeleton that could cut physical exertion by up to 40%. It can prevent backache or leg pain. Exoskeleton rental stations have been emerging at many scenic spots across the country, including the Badaling section of the Great Wall in Beijing, Taishan Mountain in Shandong province and Huashan Mountain in Shaanxi province, with rental costs ranging from CNY80 to CNY200. The experience of using an exoskeleton shows how technological progress can bring convenience to everyday life at an affordable cost.
Older residents who struggle to climb stairs in buildings without elevators could rely on the device for support. Such equipment was once primarily the preserve of the military, the industrial sector and medical rehabilitation. However, with advances in lightweight motors, artificial intelligence systems and wearable technologies, assisted outdoor mobility has emerged as a promising new field.
Chinese tech companies are leading the way. Founded in 2021, Hypershell is a global pioneer in the sector. With the release of its Hypershell X series in 2024, the company was among the first to achieve mass production and commercialization of consumer-grade exoskeletons. A recent surge has seen more domestic tech enterprises and outdoor sports brands jump onto the exoskeleton bandwagon. On September 22, ULS Robotics released Viatrix X, its new-generation 2.58-kilogram exoskeleton, which is designed for outdoor exploration. Xie Gongjin, President of Marketing, said exoskeletons have become lighter and more comfortable, while deeper AI integration enables more precise human-machine collaboration. “As the robotics industry chain matures and core components are mass-produced, the price of consumer-grade exoskeletons has fallen into a range the general public can accept,” he said. Unlike industrial and medical exoskeletons, he added, outdoor exoskeletons target ordinary users and have huge market potential. “Complex, open mountain and wild environments are where exoskeleton technology can create the greatest value,” he said. Industrial exoskeletons, Xie said, are designed for standardized, repetitive tasks within a limited range of motion, such as bending, lifting and carrying. Outdoor use requires a dynamic system that responds to human movement in real time, he added, as reported by the China Daily.
