In recent years, exoskeleton robots have emerged from the realm of science fiction into tangible reality, capturing public attention through viral scenes: a 90-year-old grandfather navigating stairs with newfound ease wearing an exoskeleton, or hikers effortlessly conquering mountain trails with lightweight assistive gear. These anecdotes highlight a broader trend: exoskeleton technology is rapidly infiltrating the “silver economy,” driven by aging populations, technological advancements, and policy support. As a journalist exploring this burgeoning field, this article delves into the market potential, corporate strategies, technical challenges, and policy landscapes shaping the exoskeleton robot industry’s trajectory in senior care and beyond.
The Explosive Demand in Aging Populations
The world is in the midst of a demographic shift, with older adults comprising an ever-larger segment of the global population. In China alone, the number of people aged 60 and above exceeded 310 million by the end of 2024, accounting for 22% of the national population . Globally, the World Health Organization projects that by 2050, the number of individuals over 60 will surge to 2.1 billion, including 426 million octogenarians . This demographic reality creates an urgent need for solutions that enhance the quality of life for older adults, particularly those with mobility impairments or semi-disability.
Exoskeleton robots have emerged as a transformative tool in this context. Designed to assist with walking, climbing stairs, or even outdoor activities, these devices address a critical gap in senior care. For instance, mountain-climbing exoskeleton robot weighing just 1.8 kg, with a 3-5 hour battery life and a price tag under 10,000 yuan, has gained popularity in scenic spots like Mount Tai and Enshi Grand Canyon . Using ergonomic design and multi-modal sensory systems, the device identifies human movements such as walking or stair-climbing and provides automatic assistance, reducing oxygen consumption by up to 30% and enabling users to walk several to tens of kilometers on a single charge . In elderly care settings, such technology offers more than physical support; it restores dignity and independence, allowing seniors to engage more fully in social life .
The “silver economy” is no longer a niche market but a thriving sector transforming “sunset industries” into “sunrise opportunities.” China’s 2025 Government Work Report emphasizes advancing community-supported home care for the elderly, strengthening care for the disabled, and expanding support for senior meal services and the purchase/lease of rehabilitation aids . This policy momentum underscores the government’s recognition of aging as both a societal challenge and an economic opportunity.
Corporate Strategies: Pioneers and Innovators
A growing number of companies are capitalizing on the exoskeleton robot market’s potential, with applications spanning senior care, medical rehabilitation, outdoor sports, and industry.
Kenqing Technology: Leading in Consumer and Industrial Applications
Shenzhen-based Kenqing Technology has emerged as a front-runner, specializing in industrial and consumer-grade exoskeletons since its founding in 2015 . The company’s core technologies include ergonomic and bionic mechanics, motion intention recognition, servo drive control, sensor-fusion motion perception systems, and self-learning AI algorithms for motion enhancement . Its 登山助力外骨骼机器人 (mountain-climbing assistive exoskeleton) debuted in Mount Tai and Enshi Grand Canyon, attracting partnerships with dozens of scenic spots and senior care facilities. CEO Yu Yunbo predicts sales will reach 10,000 units this year, with projections to exceed 100,000 units within five years . To sustain growth, Kenqing actively recruits engineers in mechanical design, embedded software, control algorithms, and hardware, reflecting its commitment to R&D .
Fourier Intelligence and Aozhi Smart: Deepening Medical and Rehabilitation Fields
Shanghai-based Fourier Intelligence and Aozhi Smart have long focused on medical and rehabilitation exoskeletons. Fourier’s products cater to stroke patients and those with spinal cord injuries, while Aozhi emphasizes lightweight, wearable designs for daily mobility. Their work highlights the industry’s dual focus on clinical efficacy and user accessibility.
Listed Companies: Diversifying into Exoskeleton R&D
Publicly traded firms are also entering the fray. Seiko Technology, Xinlong Health, Xinxing Equipment, and Zhenjiang 股份 (Zhenjiang Co., Ltd.) are advancing exoskeleton R&D . Pathfinder Holdings, a leading outdoor brand, unveiled a lower-limb exoskeleton in December 2024, developed in collaboration with Maibao Smart. This device offers walking assistance, uphill propulsion, and downhill shock absorption, automatically adapting to different movement patterns . Siasun Robot, another key player, has developed exoskeletons with bionic structures and intelligent control systems, integrating “cloud+network” technology to create smart elderly care ecosystems .
“With policy support, growing market demand, and supply chain improvements, exoskeleton robots will likely see rapid growth in healthcare, senior care, and industry in the coming years,” a Pathfinder spokesperson told the Economic Reference Daily .
Technical Hurdles: Balancing Innovation and Usability
While the market potential is vast, the industry faces significant technical challenges that must be overcome for widespread adoption.
Weight and Material Science
Weight is a critical barrier to mass production. “Reducing weight requires optimizing structures and upgrading materials, such as minimizing motor counts or using lighter, longer-lasting batteries,” explains Yu Yunbo . The ideal future exoskeleton, he envisions, will resemble a powered garment—sleek in design and seamlessly integrated with AI-driven hardware like brain-computer interfaces and smart glasses, enhancing intuitiveness and becoming a staple for semi-disabled seniors .
Human-Machine Coordination and Algorithm Optimization
Achieving natural human-robot interaction remains a key challenge. Pathfinder’s team emphasizes the importance of drive motor responsiveness and accurate prediction of human movement trajectories. Large-scale commercialization requires extensive testing data to refine algorithms, a process that demands time and resources .
Cost and Affordability
High 研发 costs (R&D costs) currently price many exoskeletons out of reach for ordinary families. Pathfinder notes that lowering the cost of home-use models is essential for market penetration . Kenqing’s focus on modular design and scalable production aims to address this, but achieving cost parity with traditional mobility aids like wheelchairs or canes remains a long-term goal.
Policy Support: Catalyzing Industry Growth
Government intervention is pivotal to overcoming regulatory and market barriers.
International Standards and Certification
In a landmark development, China led the formulation of the world’s first international standards for elderly care robots, released recently . These standards are expected to streamline production, reduce R&D costs, and enhance product reliability, with the global elderly care robot market projected to exceed $100 billion by 2030 .
Regulatory Reforms
However, outdated certification processes for innovative medical devices pose bottlenecks. Yu Yunbo advocates for accelerated approval pathways for AI-driven medical devices, urging regulators to prioritize exoskeleton robots in healthcare applications . Pathfinder suggests increased R&D funding, tax incentives, and public-private partnerships to foster technological innovation and standardization .
Public Procurement and Pilot Projects
Policy measures like government procurement and demonstration projects could jumpstart adoption. By integrating exoskeletons into community care programs or subsidizing purchases for low-income seniors, governments can drive market demand while ensuring equitable access .
The Road Ahead: Opportunities and Challenges
As 2025 is hailed as a “breakthrough year” for exoskeleton robots , the industry stands at a crossroads. On one hand, aging populations and technological advancements create unprecedented demand; on the other, high costs, regulatory hurdles, and intense competition threaten to slow progress.
Yet, the potential impact is profound. Exoskeleton robots could redefine aging by shifting the narrative from dependency to autonomy, transforming how society cares for its elders. For journalists, this story is not just about technology; it’s about human dignity, economic transformation, and the promise of a future where age does not limit mobility or opportunity.
As companies like Kenqing and Pathfinder continue to innovate, and policymakers increasingly recognize the silver economy’s value, the exoskeleton robot industry is poised to become a cornerstone of 21st-century elderly care. The journey has just begun, but the destination—an inclusive, technology-enabled aging society—beckons brightly.
This article synthesizes insights from industry leaders, policy documents, and market data to provide a comprehensive overview of exoskeleton robots’ role in the silver economy, emphasizing their transformative potential and the collaborative efforts needed to realize it.