"Rented for 12,000 Won Because It’s Comfortable"…Chinese Robot Assisting Hiking Like Walking on Flat Ground

Battery Life and Robot Replacement Locations to Be Increased
Weighs About 1.8 kg, Usable for Approximately 5 Hours

A robot that assists with climbing has appeared on Mount Taishan in Shandong Province, China.

Recently, American CNN and Chinese media reported that "on the 29th of last month, during the Spring Festival (Chunje, the Chinese New Year), 10 AI exoskeleton robots began service on Mount Taishan."

People wearing robots that assist with hiking climbing Taesan. Gwangmyeong Network

Co-developed by Taishan Cultural Tourism Group and Shenzhen Kenqing Tech, this robot weighs about 1.8 kg. It is designed to wrap around the climber's waist and thighs, and uses AI algorithms to detect the user's movements, reducing the load on the legs while climbing. It operates with two batteries and can be used for about 5 hours.

During a one-week trial operation period, about 200 climbers rented the robot for 60 to 80 yuan (approximately 12,000 to 16,000 KRW). Mr. Li Chengde (68), a traveler from Jinan, the capital of Shandong Province, told Xinhua News Agency, "It really works," adding, "It felt like someone was lifting me up." Another traveler, Mr. Wang, told Guangming Online, "My legs did not feel tired, and it felt easier than walking on flat ground."

Chinese CCTV is introducing a robot that assists with mountain climbing. Photo by CCTV

Wang Huzhe, Deputy Secretary of the Party Committee of Taishan Cultural Tourism Group and the general manager of Taishan Smart Cultural Tourism, who participated in the robot's development, said, "Elderly people want to appreciate the scenery of Mount Taishan, but they said they cannot see the view while sitting on the cable car." He added, "If they climb with the help of the robot, they will be able to enjoy the beautiful scenery."

The robot will be available to consumers through rental and sales after its market launch. It is planned to be sold on the Taishan tourism service platform, with a price expected to be within 10,000 yuan (approximately 1,984,600 KRW).

However, there were also complaints that it is inconvenient to use the restroom or tie shoelaces while wearing the robot. Taishan Cultural Tourism Group plans to improve convenience by extending battery usage time and increasing robot replacement locations. The robot is currently in the beta testing phase and is scheduled for full release early next month.