- Mount Tai Introduces Robotic Legs to Aid Exhausted Hikers.
- AI-Powered Exoskeletons Debut at Mount Tai for Chinese New Year.
- Lightweight Robotic Device Eases Leg Strain During Mount Tai Climbs.
Standing at 5,000 feet tall and with more than 7,000 steps, China’s Mount Tai in Shandong has a reputation for tiring even the healthiest hikers. Tourism authorities have sought to make climbing more manageable by launching AI-driven robotic exoskeletons, reports CNN.
Robotic Legs During Chinese New Year
Ten AI exoskeletons made their debut on January 29 at Mount Tai, drawing more than 200 users for a week-long trial for 60-80 yuan (USD 8 – USD 11) per use, Xinhua News Agency reported.
How the Exoskeleton Works
Developed jointly by Taishan Cultural Tourism Group and Kenqing Technology, the 1.8-kilogram wearable device encircles users’ waists and thighs. Fueled by AI algorithms and powered by two batteries with a five-hour battery life, it synchronizes support with user movements to alleviate leg strain.
Positive Feedback From Early Users
“It really works!” said Li Chengde, a 68-year-old tourist from Jinan. “It felt like someone was pulling me uphill!” Content creator Jacky, a 29-year-old from Shandong, found the experience easier but noted feeling “clumsy” once he removed the device.
Areas for Improvement
Jacky highlighted a few issues, such as difficulty using the bathroom or tying shoelaces while wearing the exoskeleton. “Fully squatting down could risk breaking the tight straps,” he said. He also mentioned the need for better battery life.
Planned Improvements
Taishan Cultural Tourism Group’s Party Committee Deputy Secretary Wang Houzhe indicated that the team would lengthen the life of batteries and provide areas for replacing batteries along trails. The exoskeletons should be made available to the general public early next month.
Accessibility for Seniors and the Mobility-Impaired
Half of the exoskeleton testers at Mount Tai were senior citizens. “This can help more people hike up the mountain and enjoy the scenery of Mount Tai… without it being too strenuous,” Wang told state media.
More Applications for China’s Elderly Population
With 22% of China’s population aged 60 and above, and this projected to swell to 30% by 2035, the opportunities for using robotic exoskeletons are immense. There is already one marketed by Kenqing Technology that is specifically for the elderly at a price of 17,000 yuan (USD 2,334) on Taobao.
Industry Growth and Policy Support
The size of China’s market for smart elderly care was worth 6.8 trillion yuan (approximately $934 billion) in 2024, CCTV reported. The industry experts recommend more vigorous policy support to ramp up production and maintain prices low enough for the masses.
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Source: CNN
