Researchers in China have tested a soft robotic exosuit designed to help people walk with less effort, using thin artificial muscles instead of the bulky motors and gearboxes found in conventional exoskeletons. The device targets the hips and could eventually assist older adults or others who tire easily during activities such as walking through airports or large shops, offering a lighter and less intrusive alternative to existing powered mobility aids.

The prototype, described in a study published in the peer-reviewed journal Science Advances, weighs 4.2 pounds and fits around the waist and thighs like a lightweight harness. In a treadmill trial involving six healthy adults, wearers used an average of 13.9% less energy while the suit's powered assistance was active, and sensors indicated their leg muscles also worked less. The research remains at an early experimental stage, with further development needed before such a device could become widely wearable.