A growing number of assistive technologies are coming to market to address challenges in rehabilitation, safety and daily care for older adults and people with disabilities, using technology to improve their quality of life.

At the Care & Rehabilitation Expo China 2026, held recently in Beijing, a distinctive exoskeleton robot drew considerable attention. Unlike conventional exoskeletons, which tend to be bulky and are typically used in hospitals or rehabilitation centers, this device was lightweight and could be worn discreetly under everyday clothing. It earned the nickname "invisible robot."

Developed by Hunan Yijiang Medical Technology Co., Ltd., the device is designed for people with mobility impairments, including those with paraplegia, hemiplegia or lower-limb weakness. Duan Rongqiong, the company's deputy general manager, said the "invisible robot" is just two centimeters thick and conforms closely to the body, making it easy to wear beneath ordinary clothes. For older users, its lightweight design makes it easier to use, while its discreet size helps avoid unwanted attention and ease the psychological burden of wearing an assistive device.

The robot's innovation goes beyond its compact design. Its key breakthrough lies in its ability to accurately interpret users' movement intentions. Duan said the device uses proprietary intelligent algorithms to anticipate a user's walking rhythm in real time. It delivers power assistance as soon as the user begins to move, provides gentle support when walking slowly, and increases assistance as the user picks up speed.

A woman from Yuxi, Yunnan province, identified only by her surname Long, is among the robot's users. She had polio as a child and used crutches to walk ever since.

"With the invisible robot, I can not only stand steadily but also walk independently for the first time in more than 40 years," Long said. "My hands are free and I can straighten my back." She acknowledged that the device could not restore full physical abilities but the experience of taking a step and feeling her body move in response to her own intentions brought her to tears.