Chinese scenic spots embrace exoskeletons, robots for better tourist experience
(ECNS) -- Exoskeletons and robots are being used at some Chinese scenic spots to reshape the country's tourism industry.
At scenic areas like Mount Tai, Shenzhen Safari Park, and Wugong Mountain, robotic exoskeletons -- once the stuff of sci-fi films -- are now available for rent, offering tourists motorized assistance for steep climbs.
"It is so cool! It's like the mechanic armor from a sci-fi movie," said Li Ke, a tourist from Shanghai who tested the gear on Mount Tai.
Li said that at first, she was worried that operating the equipment would be complicated and heavy, and that it would be difficult to control. "I didn't expect it to be simple and light, like a personal climbing assistant which offers help along every step," she noted.
These devices are mainly composed of waist control equipment and exoskeletons that attach to the legs. They have multiple gears and can be adjusted by pressing keys at the waist. This kind of equipment weighs about two kilograms, the same as a schoolbag.
Wang Houzhe, executive director and general manager of Taishan Cultural Tourism Group, said after in-depth learning, these devices can automatically adjust based on the size of an individual user.
Mountaineering assistance equipment is designed according to ergonomics, equipped with a multi-modal sensing system, which can intelligently identify various human states of motion including walking, navigating stairs, and automatically provide assistance, while battery life can reach 3 hours, according to Wang.
At Shenzhen Safari Park, 70-year-old visitor Shao Zeren walked up a slope wearing an exoskeleton suit. "Walking with this on feels incredibly light and easy," Shao said.
According to Liu Hui, assistant manager of the planning department at the park, hundreds of visitors have tried the exoskeleton devices since the free trial program was launched over a month ago.
Currently, most of the exoskeletons are developed by Shenzhen-based Kenqing Technology. There are more than 100 scenic spots all over the country that want to use the device, and now dozens of them have entered the actual testing stage, according to the company.
In addition to exoskeletons, quadruped robots delivering materials, unmanned aerial vehicles dispatching takeout, and robot tour guides have also frequently appeared in many scenic spots in China, providing various services for tourists.
"Previously, goods transportation at Mount Tai scenic area primarily relied on manual labor, which was inefficient and limited by terrain," said Wang. The use of robotic dogs has significantly improved this situation, he said.
These "couriers" can navigate complex terrain and deliver supplies promptly to every corner, meeting visitors' needs, Wang added.
(By Zhang Dongfang)