Shanghai in China to subsidize purchases of wearable robots, boosting the Physical AI market

Shanghai will subsidize 20% of purchases of walking-assist devices such as exoskeleton robots and electric wheelchairs, up to 2,000 yuan.

The city aims to create early demand for elder-friendly home and care products, including wearable robots and smart caregiving devices.

The policy is meant to turn physical AI from an industrial technology into a consumer market, generating real usage data and service opportunities.

Researchers say the move could accelerate commercialization of robotics while expanding the aging-friendly market in China.