https://en.people.cn/n3/2026/0323/c98649-20439030.html
A feature on two of China’s exoskeleton companies shows significant progress.
- In Zhejiang Province, startup RoboCT began with a focus on medical and rehabilitation exoskeletons. RoboCT’s exoskeleton robots are now deployed in over 1,000 medical institutions across China, having logged more than 910,000 patient sessions to date. The company has also helped draft industry standards for medical lower-limb exoskeleton robots, cementing its position as a leader in China’s rehabilitation exoskeleton sector. Its latest rehabilitation exoskeleton incorporates brain-computer interfaces, implantable spinal nerve electrodes and electromyography-based motion sensing, allowing the device to detect users’ intentions before they move for more responsive and effective rehabilitation. Backed by national major program funding, the product has completed preliminary trials, entered the clinical application stage and is now undergoing medical device registration.
- The exoskeleton startup Hypershell turned to advanced lightweight materials such as carbon fiber and titanium alloy, combining them with proprietary electric drive technology to bring the total weight down to under 2 kilograms. A second-generation product with user experience as the priority contains a proprietary AI Motion Engine algorithm and is equipped with more than a dozen sensors tracking angle, speed and posture, capturing every subtle movement of the lower limbs in real time. Scene recognition, mode switching and seamless transitions are all handled automatically by the sensors and neural network, with no manual input required from the user. Application scenarios continue to expand. Hypershell’s products adapt to 12 different terrains, covering everything from daily commutes and hiking trails to high-altitude expeditions and emergency rescue operations.
Exoskeletons will grow lighter, more compact and more flexible, with power modules, energy sources and sensing systems deeply integrated into their structures.
