China develops first exoskeleton to aid walking
China has developed a robot exoskeleton to help people with walking as part of rehabilitation. The wearable exoskeleton, called Aider, combines physical strength with human intelligence using a series of sensors to detect movement which it then acts upon, sending signals to the various components to assist with walking.

China's first robot exoskeleton, AIDER. (file photo)

The first robot exoskeleton in China, named AIDER, has been officially unveiled in Chengdu, Sichuan province, making China the fourth country in the world to develop the cutting-edge technology.

AIDER, which some compare to the fictional Ironman, was developed by the Center of Robotics at the University of Electronic Science and Technology of China. The technology took six years of hard work and technical innovation to master.

AIDER functions through the use of dozens of censors, which detect a user's physical intentions. The censors then send electronic signals to the control unit, prompting various components to work together to drive the joint parts and help the user move freely.

China's first robot exoskeleton, AIDER. (file photo)

According to Lin Xichuan, one of the developers, this wearable exoskeleton robot combines human intelligence with physical strength. It is an important breakthrough for many people who require assistance with walking and rehabilitation. Compared with traditional rehabilitation equipment, AIDER enables patients to walk relatively freely. It also facilitates blood circulation to the legs and prevents muscle atrophy. It can even help patients recover their biological memories of walking.

Cheng Hong, executive director of the Center of Robotics, said that the robot exoskeleton can be used in military and sporting applications, as it can help users carry heavy objects. Using the robot exoskeleton, a single soldier can carry items as heavy as 90 kilograms.

At present, AIDER has begun low-volume production. Preliminary clinical trials have been conducted on a group of physically disabled people.