There are those who climb mountains for a personal challenge, those who enjoy the view, and now there are even those who do it with a pair of robotic legs. On Mount Tai, assisted climbing is no longer a futuristic concept but a reality that is changing the face of mountain tourism. We predicted it some time ago, at the launch of this exoskeleton: the possibility of “lightening” the loads of trekking and walking could have widened the tourist pool. And it seems the facts will prove us right.
Because let's face it: sometimes laziness can be the mother of the most brilliant inventions. Chinese tourism officials must have been thinking exactly this when they decided to offer a robotic exoskeleton visitors less… shall we say… enthusiastic about the prospect of climbing 7.000 steps. Evidently the viral videos of exhausted hikers on TikTok have made an important contribution to this decision.
The assisted climbing we were all waiting for
La Kenqing Technology, a Shenzhen company, in collaboration with the Taishan Cultural Tourism Group, created this little miracle of technology. Think about it: It weighs just 1,8 kilograms and is worn around the waist and thighs. It's like having a robotic personal trainer pushing you up a mountain, but without the annoying motivational exhortations (which those not fluent in Mandarin would have a bit of a hard time understanding anyway).
The price of laziness? Spoiler: it's cheap. For only 70 yuan (about 9 euros) the rental of two bionic legs for assisted climbing is a done deal. On the first day of service, More than 200 people decided that yes, their dignity was worth less than a fast food lunch. And you know what? I don't blame them at all. One tourist said, “It felt like someone was pulling me up the hill.” I assume he meant, “THANK GOD something was pulling me up the hill.”
The Side Effects of Being a Cyborg
Some users have reported feeling a little awkward after removing the exoskeleton. I imagine it's the same feeling you get when you take off roller skates, or when you get off a trampoline. However, for those who persevere, the battery lasts about five hours, which means you have plenty of time to regret your choice halfway through.
Assisted Climbing: The Future Is on (Robotic) Legs
This technology is not just for lazy tourists, though. Ugly Gianluca, enough with these clichés. The exoskeletons, increasingly discreet and lightweight, will change the lives of the elderly or those with mobility problems. When in a few years we see grandparents hopping up Mount Tai like mechanical gazelles, remember the wonder.
I don't know about you, but I like the idea of a future where technology democratizes access to experiences that were previously reserved for the athletic. Sure, hiking purists might turn up their noses, but hey, until they invent a robot that chews for us, we can have a little tolerance. Let's give ourselves, without exaggerating, this little shortcut to the summit. Or let's give it to those who need it more than us.
Who hasn't wished for an extra pair of legs just when the last hundred steps were missing?
