Due to complications related to being born prematurely, Xiaoyu suffers from cerebral palsy, which has led to difficulties performing simple tasks such as standing up and walking. By Xiaoyu’s side is her loving family, including her doting grandma, who accompanies her every day as she undergoes physical rehabilitation.

Recently, Xiaoyu was introduced to robotic exoskeleton technology, once reserved only for military and industrial use. With a cost of 200 to 300 yuan ($28 to $42) per half-hour session, these exoskeletons are increasingly being employed to help people with physical disabilities in China to improve their mobility, and offer them the prospect of leading independent lives.