SHANGHAI -- Exoskeletons, wearable devices that augment physical activity, also known as powered suits, are beginning to muscle their way into everyday life in China, moving beyond their traditional roles in medicine and industry.

Designed to be worn on the body to assist movement, the devices are increasingly being used by elderly people with declining mobility and physical strength. But they are also catching on with younger consumers, who can rent them at tourist attractions and exhibitions as fatigue-busting gadgets.

The growing appeal of exoskeletons among Chinese consumers was on display at ChinaJoy, the China Digital Entertainment Expo & Conference, held in Shanghai from July 31 to Aug. 3.

More than 900 companies filled more than 140,000 square meters of exhibition space, but one attraction that drew particular attention was a booth where visitors could rent exoskeletons.

Exoskeletons are worn around the waist or back to reduce strain on the arms and legs. The technology itself is not new, but until recently such devices had largely been confined to medical usage including rehabilitation and for workers who handle heavy loads in factories and warehouses. Now, these wearable machines are making the leap from specialist equipment to consumer gadget.

At ChinaJoy, a 10-minute trial cost 9.9 yuan, or about $1.50, while an hour's rental was 49.9 yuan.

China's exhibition halls are often huge -- visitors riding motorized suitcases across them are not an uncommon sight -- and companies appear to have spotted an opportunity among footsore attendees.

According to research firm IDC, China's exoskeleton market exceeded 1.6 billion yuan in 2025. By value, medical and rehabilitation devices accounted for nearly 90% of the market, while consumer models represented only about 7%.

Measured by shipments, however, the picture was quite different. Of roughly 26,000 exoskeletons shipped in 2025, more than 70%, or around 19,000 units, were consumer models. Industrial devices accounted for 3,800 units, while 3,200 were for nursing care and rehabilitation. Driving the shift from professional settings to ordinary consumers is a decline in prices. As supply chains for motors and other components have become more developed and efficient, lower-priced models have begun appearing for less than 10,000 yuan.

Models made by Shanghai-based startup ULS Robotics sell on e-commerce websites from around 6,000 yuan. The company is targeting younger buyers in particular, seeking demand from people engaged in outdoor activities such as mountaineering and hiking.

Models made by Shanghai-based startup ULS Robotics sell on e-commerce websites from around 6,000 yuan. The company is targeting younger buyers in particular, seeking demand from people engaged in outdoor activities such as mountaineering and hiking. Its main consumer-grade sports exoskeleton can reduce physical exertion by 30% to 40%, according to the company's product literature. The product weighs three kilograms excluding its battery and has a moving range of 25 kilometers.

Exoskeleton rental services began appearing at Chinese tourist destinations around 2025, giving consumers an easy way to try the technology.

On social media, the devices have been dubbed a mountaineering shenqi literally a "divine instrument," but in contemporary Chinese slang something closer to a "wonder gadget" or "must-have piece of gear." In Beijing and Shanghai, local governments provide subsidies for purchases, which have made them even more affordable, giving adoption another boost.

On social media, the devices have been dubbed a mountaineering shenqi literally a "divine instrument," but in contemporary Chinese slang something closer to a "wonder gadget" or "must-have piece of gear." In Beijing and Shanghai, local governments provide subsidies for purchases, which have made them even more affordable, giving adoption another boost. A man examines the options at lockers offering powered suits for rent in Luoyang, Henan province, China.

Major appliance makers such as Haier Group have also introduced models of their own, joining the race to turn exoskeletons into mainstream consumer products.

Major appliance makers such as Haier Group have also introduced models of their own, joining the race to turn exoskeletons into mainstream consumer products.

Showrooms are also beginning to proliferate, particularly in major cities, and shoppers have more opportunities to try the devices.

At an exoskeleton store in Shanghai in mid-August, an elderly man was examining the merchandise. "My wife has been having trouble with her hip, so our children suggested I come and have a look at the products," he said.

Many older apartment buildings in China still lack elevators. Although retrofitting is underway, elderly residents in such buildings can face a daily struggle with the stairs. The store receives inquiries from older people hoping an exoskeleton might make those climbs easier.

The devices themselves are also becoming easier to use. Some models now employ artificial intelligence to detect changes in a wearer's gait and adjust the level of assistance accordingly, lowering the barrier for ordinary consumers.