Between January and June, online retail sales of intelligent exoskeletons surged by 458.4%, signaling a dramatic boom in this “wearable power assist” technology. Companies within Sichuan province are now rolling out products tailored for diverse applications, including healthcare and wellness, as well as cultural tourism. A notable example is a project at Mount Emei, which has already hosted over 8,000 visitors for rental and trial experiences, providing them with walking and climbing support.

The sector remains in its infancy, facing hurdles such as heavy device weights and limited adaptability to various user needs. Industry experts predict a major growth spurt will occur after 2027, with medical rehabilitation becoming the central arena for development. In the future, pricing for consumer-grade models could fall to roughly 5,000 yuan, making the technology more accessible.

In related news, the West China Autumn Rains have arrived later than usual this year, presenting a mix of advantages and challenges for Sichuan’s harvest season. While the earlier sunny spells aided crop grain-filling and accelerated harvesting efforts, persistent rainfall increases the risk of rice lodging, grain mildew, and greater mechanical harvesting losses. To counter this, Sichuan has activated 347 post-harvest grain service centers and is capitalizing on clear weather windows to expedite harvesting and drying processes, ensuring the autumn grain yield is secured in full.

For a closer look at the evolution of Sichuan’s exoskeleton industry, refer to today’s second edition, and for complete coverage of the autumn harvest preparations, see the sixth edition.