By Levina

PLA soldiers started utilizing exoskeletons as early as 2020. The latest images show them employing BES-HV exoskeletons and drones to transport fuel canisters during a training exercise.

Based on publicly available details, the BES-HV is an electric hip exoskeleton designed to offer lower-back support. It is produced and distributed by the Chinese company ULS Robotics, which specializes in exoskeleton technology. The company states that the exoskeleton is lightweight and durable, ostensibly capable of carrying up to 30 kg, with a battery life ranging from 5 to 8 hours.

In December 2020, PLA border troops stationed in Ngari (Tibet), which is a place close to Uttrakhand (India) were shown using exoskeleton suits in a video published by Chinese state media. Ngari is located over 5,000 meters above sea level. “These suits enable soldiers to carry supplies as heavy as an adult, while reducing the risk of injuries to the waist or legs” was the claim put forward by China Central Television (CCTV).

In 2019, the Chinese military had tested exoskeleton suits through a competition called “Super Warriors” in 2019, where over 50 exoskeleton prototypes from 25 developers nationwide competed in seven categories, including lightweight mobility, heavy-load marching, supply transport, and munitions handling.