Two smart exoskeleton robots made by Chinese tech company PLANKEXA have drawn the spotlight at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) held in Las Vegas from January 6 to 9, signaling a significant step for Chinese exoskeleton technology's inroad into the global consumer market.
The Consumer Electronics Show is widely regarded as the global benchmark event for consumer electronics. PLANKEXA, an emerging tech company based in Guangdong's capital city, Guangzhou, brought its two latest models: Climber 1 and Walker 1. This also marks the first overseas showcase of PLANKEXA's flagship products, which can reduce the user's walking effort by 50%.
The PLANKEXA exoskeleton is worn around the waist and legs as a motion-assist framework. It utilizes an AI algorithm to synchronize with the wearer's gait. By providing mechanical support to the legs, the robots can reduce knee and leg pressure.
They can adapt to varied terrains such as snowy mountains and deserts. In China, they are widely used for outdoor activities like hiking, mountain patrols, search and rescue, post-surgery rehabilitation, and assisting elderly mobility.
Notably, similar exoskeleton robots have already been deployed in major real-world scenarios. During the five-alarm fire at Hong Kong's Wang Fuk Court on November 26, 2025, exoskeletons donated by companies in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area greatly helped firefighters enhance efficiency in high-rise rescues and reduce physical strain.
A PLANKEXA technical representative explained that the comfort and flexibility of its exoskeleton Walker 1 come from its "AI Adaptive Gait Engine" and lightweight, detachable bionic mechanical design.
"Our AI dynamic perception system uses high-precision sensors to capture the wearer's gait and muscle engagement in real time, while proprietary algorithms adjust the assistive force," the representative stated.
"The aerospace-grade carbon fiber frame and multi-degree-of-freedom joints are designed to align naturally with body movement, eliminating the rigid feel of traditional exoskeletons."
To learn about the real-world experience of using the exoskeleton, click here for previous coverage:
Tech expo unwraps the future: This exoskeleton could be your new "superpower"
Reporter | Huang Xinyi
Photo | PLANKEXA
Editor | Hu Nan, James Campion, Shen He
