An exoskeleton walking assist robot, designed and produced by a Shenzhen-based tech startup, became an instant hit during the Spring Festival holiday after a video of tourists wearing it and climbing Mount Tai in East China’s Shandong Province went viral online.

A tourist wearing a “π” exoskeleton walking assist robot on Mount Tai. File photo

The video showed the tourists effortlessly ascending the mountain as if they were wearing a “mechanical armor” from a sci-fi movie, drawing envious glances from onlookers.

The lightweight lower limb exoskeleton product, named π, was developed by Kenqing Technology. Ten such devices were put on trial use on Mount Tai during the holiday, available for rental by tourists, and received a warm welcome from climbers, according to Yu Yunbo, CEO of the company.

Integrating core technologies such as ergonomics, power, electronics, and AI algorithms, the device can sense lower limb movement trends and provide timely assistance, effectively reducing the burden on the legs and offering exercise protection for a more balanced cardiovascular workout.

Weighing only 1.8 kilograms, the device is equipped with an internal motor capable of generating a peak power of 400 watts, making mountain climbing fatigue-free. It can be worn in less than a minute by simply strapping the device around the waist and connecting it to both thighs with carbon fiber leg rods. The AI smart learning algorithm automatically adapts to walking habits, making it widely applicable across various aspects of daily life and work, Yu said.

Compared to overseas-produced counterparts, which often cost tens of thousands of U.S. dollars, the π exoskeleton is priced at no more than 10,000 yuan (US$1,380), making it accessible to a broader audience.