Shenzhen accelerates robotics development and makes exoskeletons affordable
Technology ceases to be the preserve of a select few when it leaves laboratories and becomes part of everyday life. Exoskeletons, which not long ago seemed like science fiction, are now becoming a real tool capable of easing labour and daily movements. When a city's ecosystem works like a single mechanism, and the supply chain closes within hours, even the boldest ideas have a chance to come to life. Shenzhen, the heart of the Greater Bay Area, proves that the future of robotics is being created not in the quiet of research centres but in the vibrant interaction of startups, investors and engineers.
Thanks to its well‑developed supply chain and favourable policies in the Guangdong‑Hong Kong‑Macao Greater Bay Area cluster, the southern Chinese tech hub Shenzhen is accelerating the development of robotics, enabling local startups to turn their ideas for robotic devices into reality. At Hypershell Technology (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd., an exoskeleton manufacturer in Nanshan District, testers walk in exoskeletons while adjusting data. The device is easy to put on, instantly recognises the user's movement intentions when lifting and lowering the leg, and provides hip support. Users reported no pain or fatigue even after prolonged use.
The company's founder, Sun Kuan, is a post‑90s entrepreneur who specialised in exoskeleton modelling during his graduate studies. He and his team set out to transform expensive medical exoskeletons into affordable equipment for everyday use. "Developing exoskeletons is an interdisciplinary project. In Shenzhen, we can bring together experts from various fields and find all the necessary raw materials and suppliers in the shortest possible time. We can send out component samples in the morning and receive them by evening," said Sun.
The complete supply chain in the Greater Bay Area has significantly accelerated hardware development. Local authorities provide startups with comprehensive services – production space, investment, application scenarios and human resources. Wang Xiaomei, head of key industries at the Nanshan District Industry and Information Technology Bureau, noted: "In the new arena of humanoid robots, Nanshan has already gathered more than 25 companies just for finished robot production. The overall entrepreneurial environment encourages companies to share experience and cooperate. The 'Robot Valley' also hosts many universities and research institutes. From blueprint development to prototyping and testing, companies can find partners at every stage of the chain, making synergy very efficient."
The Guangdong‑Hong Kong‑Macao Greater Bay Area cluster is one of China's most dynamic economic zones, combining advanced manufacturing, research and favourable policy conditions. Shenzhen, as the technological core of the region, is actively attracting talent and investment in robotics, artificial intelligence and related fields. As CCTV+ reports. The accelerating growth of robotics startups in Shenzhen demonstrates how effective collaboration between business, science and government turns innovative ideas into ready‑to‑use products accessible to the wider consumer.
