Weifang Gaomi: High-end healthcare advances with innovation

In Gaomi, Weifang, exoskeleton robots have moved from sci-fi to practical use in rehabilitation, thanks to Shandong Zep Medical Technology Co Ltd. This company has turned cinematic technology into reality.

Zep Medical's rehabilitation robot "spacewalks" on a treadmill. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Zep Medical's rehabilitation robot, which "spacewalks" on a treadmill, uses advanced mirror gait learning and haptic feedback to assist leg movements and restore walking function. It is the world's only robot with five-axis linkage and full synchronization, breaking international monopolies in gait training.

The company's focus is on sports rehabilitation, utilizing an AI-driven smart hub to offer efficient, personalized training programs based on a patient's condition. These smart rehabilitation devices cater to stroke and orthopedic patients by adjusting training intensity and modes based on individual needs. For stroke patients, they help restore muscle memory, while for orthopedic patients, they control joints to prevent injuries and shorten recovery time.

Photo of Zep Medical in Gaomi, Weifang, Shandong province. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

With over 200 products in four major categories, the company's revenue grew over 220 percent in 2024, exporting to 27 countries including Russia, Ukraine, Dubai, Vietnam, and Singapore. The company has signed agency agreements with nine nations, marking significant global expansion.

In the future, the company plans to invest in R&D to enhance its technology, focusing on smarter devices and expanding into specialized fields like kidney disease rehabilitation, with the goal of becoming a globally influential medical technology brand. (Edited by Lin Li)