Hikers climbing Taishan find ideal companion in robot weighing 1.8kg
By ZHAO RUIXUE in Jinan| (China Daily)| Updated : 2025-02-05
Print PrintA worker tests an exoskeleton robot while climbing Taishan Mountain in Shandong province. PROVIDED TO CHINA DAILY
For 23-year-old Zhao Xiangcai, a college student from Tai'an, Shandong province, climbing Taishan Mountain — a popular scenic spot in Shandong known for its steep terrain that features over 7,000 steps — had always been a daunting challenge. But this Spring Festival, his experience was transformed by an innovative exoskeleton robot.
"It felt like the robot was doing most of the work for me, and climbing was so much easier," Zhao said.
"I simply pressed a few buttons under the guidance of the staff, and it automatically adjusted to my walking pace. This was so easy and cool," he added.
Weighing just 1.8 kilograms, the device was developed through a collaboration between Taishan Cultural Tourism Group and Kenqing Technology, a company based in Shenzhen, Guangdong province. It is designed to assist users in climbing steep terrain with ease. Fitting snugly around the user's legs, the exoskeleton integrates advanced ergonomics, power electronics and AI algorithms to perceive movement, and provide instant assistance based on individual strides and terrain conditions.
With a single charge, it can operate for more than five hours and cover approximately 14 kilometers, making it an ideal companion for those who want to enjoy the mountain's scenic beauty without excessive physical strain.
The high-tech device debuted during the Spring Festival and quickly became popular among tourists of all ages, including elderly visitors, young adventurers and those with lower physical endurance.
More than 400,000 tourists visited the mountain during the holiday, and the exoskeleton received an enthusiastic response, said Wang Houzhe, deputy Party secretary of Taishan Cultural Tourism Group.
"The feedback has exceeded our expectations. Visitors are curious and excited about the technology. Many have even called to inquire about purchasing the robots for elderly family members or individuals with mobility impairments," he said.
Encouraged by the trial's success, Wang said the company plans to roll out 200 units by March and scale up to 3,000 by June. Until then, visitors can rent the robots for 60 yuan ($8.27) to 80 yuan per session. Service points along the climbing route will provide battery replacements, maintenance and consultation. The robots, equipped with GPS, are monitored closely by a management team.
Beyond mountain climbing, Wang said the exoskeletons have broader applications, including fitness, running, daily walking and navigating stairs at home or work. The robots are expected to be sold for less than 10,000 yuan each.
"I'd like to buy one for my grandparents, if the price is reasonable," Zhao said.
Taishan Mountain's tourism sector has been integrating advanced AI technology beyond the exoskeletons and previously introduced four-legged robotic dogs. The scenic area is developing smart audio guides equipped with GPS and AI technology to provide personalized explanations of landmarks.
According to a report by the China Academy of Information and Communications Technology, humanoid robots are poised to become the next major technology platform after personal computers, smartphones and new energy vehicles, potentially forming a trillion-yuan-level market.
The report said humanoid robots will help address labor shortages and challenges posed by aging populations, particularly in manufacturing and agriculture. They are also expected to reshape social services by taking on tasks traditionally performed by humans, including public services, household chores, logistics and security patrols.