Combating labor shortages and an aging workforce — or simply supporting mountain climbers and improving elderly mobility — China's exoskeleton makers are pushing into the global market with advanced technology and cost-effective solutions.

ULS Robotics, a Shanghai-based developer founded in 2018, said that last year they saw an improvement in product maturity and growing market acceptance thanks to their in-house research, as the company expands beyond industrial use to individual applications.

Exoskeleton technology is already deployed across industries such as mining, automotive, aerospace, energy and logistics.

Zhang Hua, market director of ULS Robotics, said with industry as their primary users, exoskeletons not only improve efficiency but also protect workers from excessive physical strain, helping them sustain long-term careers.

Beyond industrial applications, the company is piloting exoskeletons in elderly care, assisting individuals with mobility issues.

"Just like vision correction, exoskeletons compensate for strength limitations," Zhang said, emphasizing the technology's potential to enhance daily life.

Targeting personal use means more effort in pricing and after-sales service.

Zhang said that independent research and development have played a key role in cost efficiency, particularly in core hardware components such as motors and drivers.

By manufacturing these components in-house, ULS Robotics has significantly lowered costs — nearly halving the costs of key components, compared with imported ones, and even reduced the weight.

The company has also partnered with renowned drone maker DJI's suppliers to leverage high-temperature materials for manufacturing to ensure scale production.

As a result, its FIT-U upper-limb robot weighs only 3.9 kilograms, making it one of the lightest electric upper-limb exoskeleton robots in its category globally. It provides an assistance range of 5 kg to 15 kg.

Despite the industry's competitive landscape, ULS Robotics maintains a lean operational model, prioritizing financial sustainability over aggressive capital investment.

"We cannot burn money like internet companies," Zhang said. "We need to generate our own revenue, reinvest in R&D and ensure we have enough resources for future challenges."

The company is also positioning exoskeletons as lifestyle products, integrating fashion and user-friendly design. The company has plans to collaborate with a new movie to create themed exoskeletons, further enhancing their consumer appeal. "We want our consumers to look cool and trendy," Zhang said.

The company has accelerated its global presence by establishing a subsidiary in Japan and seeking partners in North America and Germany.

"We are not just looking for distributors, but partners with strong after-sales capabilities," Zhang said, stressing the importance of quality service in international markets.

ULS Robotics is not alone in tapping into the elderly care market. Kenqing Technology, a high-tech robotics firm established in 2015, has also introduced walking-assist exoskeletons designed for seniors.

During the recent Spring Festival, exoskeletons developed by Kenqing, were deployed at Mount Tai, helping elderly visitors climb. Its Ant-H1 Pro model, equipped with an advanced sensor network and power control system, provides synchronized support tailored to users' movements.

Kenqing is developing an even lighter version with a streamlined structure and enhanced intelligent algorithms this year.

"We are looking to make exoskeletons as easy to wear and light as clothing," Yu Yunbo, general manager of Kenqing Technology, told Xinhua News Agency.

Industry experts see exoskeletons as a high-growth sector, with policy support needed to drive affordability and large-scale adoption. According to ABI Research, the global exoskeleton market is projected to exceed $3.9 billion by 2030.