This is the groundbreaking moment a new robotic suit developed in China helped a disabled woman to walk again.

The elderly patient had suffered from muscle atrophy across her entire body for three years but was able to stand and walk once more in Shaanxi province.

Heartwarming footage shows the pensioner strapped into a black robotic exoskeleton, seated on a bench with a doctor behind her for support.

The medical team can be seen assisting her as she stands upright for the first time in years.

She then carefully ambles forward, bending her knees and stepping onto the floor with her face showing a mix of pain and joy.

Doctors said the patient's knees had been deformed at a 90-degree angle, and she was unable to straighten them. The robotic device also helped relax her ligaments.

They added: 'This is the first time in three years that a person who had been unable to stand straight has finally stood up. It carries so much pain but also hope.'

China has been integrating robotics across various sectors, including healthcare, to address challenges such as an ageing population and the demand for advanced medical services.

The country has developed several robotic systems to enhance medical procedures and patient care.

In 2025, the Longwood Valley MedTech introduced the ROPA orthopaedic smart surgical robot at the China Medical Equipment Exhibition. This AI-powered device assists in joint replacement and spinal surgeries by creating 3D models from CT scans, aiding surgeons in preoperative planning and reducing surgical time by approximately 30 per cent.

China's commitment to robotic innovation is evident in its efforts to address elderly care.

In Shandong province, a lightweight exoskeleton robot was introduced to assist elderly individuals in climbing Mount Tai, demonstrating the country's focus on enhancing mobility and quality of life for its aging population.