Tourists Can Now Climb Mount Tai With AI Robotic Legs

Mount Tai in Shandong, China, is known for its incredible set of stairs and a summit around 5,000 feet high. Thousands of pilgrims go to this sacred mountain each year, but many lose stamina along the way. Clips of weary climbers on social media have intensified the mountain’s image as a tough test.

Local planners decided to bring in mechanical leg frames that help with the strain. Short clips on TikTok and Douyin have shown older travellers and less fit visitors strapping on these gadgets to ascend with less effort. This concept appeals to anyone keen on enjoying the peak scenery without total fatigue.

Officials tested these devices during the festive period when holiday crowds were high. Around 200 people tried them on the first day alone. The charge for each rental is close to 70 yuan, which translates to about nine dollars. Many said the contraption felt like an invisible helper pulling them uphill.

How Does This AI-Powered Device Assist Hikers?

Engineers from Kenqing Technology partnered with Taishan Cultural Tourism Group to design a four-pound device worn around the hips and thighs. An onboard battery runs for up to five hours, giving hikers an extra push when climbing. Sensors gauge each movement and trigger small bursts of power, easing leg pressure.

It assists the user’s lower body through gentle assistance, which makes trekking less of a mission. It weighs a little under 2kg, so it’s not heavy to walk with. People describe the sensation as if someone else is helping them move uphill, letting them go farther than they might on their own.

Designers tested different shapes so the product would feel natural. Feedback from testers revealed that it can feel awkward at first. Some struggled to walk normally once they took it off because they got used to the powered lift. That temporary oddity did not stop many from praising the boost.

What Reactions Have Climbers Reported?

Many older visitors praised the convenience. One user in his late sixties said it felt like being gently pulled upward. He credited the gadget for helping him tackle areas that would have been too difficult otherwise. He even joked that he could finish the climb faster than people half his age.

Some noticed their legs felt weak once they tried to walk on their own again. A young traveller said the machine took so much pressure away that normal movement was strangely tiring afterward. This period of readjustment was short-lived, and it showed how quickly the body can adapt to mechanical aid.

Others brought up practical issues like bathroom breaks and shoe-tying while wearing the device. They had to remove or adjust the straps if they wanted to squat. Users said they appreciated the lift but hoped that future models might have a more flexible design and a stronger battery.

Could These Devices Help More Apart From On The Mountain?

The mechanical frames on Mount Tai are in a testing phase. Kenqing Technology indicates they may reach greater availability soon. They also produce a model aimed at older adults, which weighs slightly more but is intended for daily walking. It carries a steeper price tag, at around 17,000 yuan (about £1,858).

Beyond tourism, mechanical support can assist those in physically demanding jobs. People who spend hours on their feet might find relief in this powered lift. Some see it as a way to keep working or staying active, even when the body starts to tire. Others view it as a milestone toward advanced wearables.

Many people who see this trend believe mechanical leg frames can make daily tasks less draining for those who struggle with mobility. Developers say there is interest from older individuals who want to maintain an independent lifestyle. These gadgets could pave the way for new ideas in personal mobility technology. Some in Shandong hope that expanded production will drive costs down and make mechanical leg frames more accessible.