Ageing demographics and government backing are bringing robotic exoskeletons into the mass market, and not just for China's elderly.

Beijing

Exoskeletons, or robotic legs, are now available for rent at the Great Wall of China, allowing visitors to more easily tackle its steep ascents. The technology, once confined to laboratories and military applications, has become lighter, more affordable, and accessible to the public, with rental prices around $13 for three hours.

Chinese companies have played a key role in advancing exoskeleton development, aided by government support and manufacturing improvements. With over 20% of China's population aged above 60, demand for mobility-assisting devices is expected to rise, and global exoskeleton revenue is projected to exceed $2 billion by 2030.

China's robotic legs enter everyday life

It's one of the wonders of the world and draws millions of visitors every year. But climbing up China's Great Wall and its steep ascents can be a strenuous workout. Unless you can get a leg up with this. You use a QR code and once you start using it, you make payment. Once it's activated, it starts working. Once seen as science fiction, exoskeletons are rapidly moving into everyday life in China. Here at the Great Wall, they've been available to hikers for rent since last year. Anybody wanting to experience this mobility-assisting tech can have a go for as little as around $13 for three hours. Men and women, young and old, as long as you want assistance, you can wear it. There is no age limit. Feng Hua is from Hunan province and is visiting the wall for the first time. It's also his first time trying out these robot legs. The feeling is like you're climbing. When this leg is up and you step forward, you feel a pulling force that straightens your leg. It keeps repeating like that. I think it's pretty useful and saves some effort. Chinese companies have made strides in the development of exoskeleton technology. In the past, it was mainly confined to labs and for military purposes. But high-performance alloys have made them lightweight and much more suitable for everyday users. Some weigh less than two kilograms. Government support has meanwhile helped drive down the cost of buying these legs to just a few hundred dollars compared to tens of thousands a few years ago. China's new manufacturing drive has been crucial as well. I think wearable battery technology makes this possible. The principle itself is simple. And now technology allows it to be applied to activities like climbing the Great Wall or hiking. These kinds of sport. Tech intelligence experts' ABI research forecast worldwide revenue for exoskeletons to hit over $2 billion by 2030. That's up from about $850 million last year. China's aging population is expected to be a key driver. More than a fifth of the population is now over 60 years old. Many companies are targeting the so-called silver economy for growth. In the future, many aspects of our lives may depend on robots and they will affect how we live. I am especially hopeful that the robotic industry will develop worldwide, not just in China, but also in the US and Europe, to improve people's lives. We are looking forward to that. Chinese companies are racing to turn futuristic technology into everyday devices, changing the role of personal tech in the country step by step.

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Breakdown