An AI-powered hip exoskeleton robot developed by Hangzhou-based Zhiyuan Research Institute won a Gold Medal with Congratulations of the Jury, the highest honor at the 51st Geneva International Exhibition of Inventions 2026.

The award-winning product, an AI hip exoskeleton designed to assist walking, was developed in response to the growing needs of an aging population. Older adults with declining hip function often face unstable gait and a higher risk of falls, while many conventional walking aids on the market still fall short in safety, weight, and battery life.

Hangzhou-based Zhiyuan Research Institute. [Photo provided by the company]

The research team spent two years developing the product by combining AI-based motion intention recognition with human-machine collaborative control technology. The device weighs 2.8 kilograms and can support walking for up to 25 kilometers on a single charge.

The Geneva exhibition is one of the world's longest-running and largest events for inventions. This year's fair drew more than 1,000 invention projects from 35 countries and regions, with the Gold Medal with Congratulations of the Jury awarded to about 2 percent of entries.