Beyond the Exoskeleton: How HKU’s Exynergy Is Humanising Healthcare Robotics

Traditional exoskeletons brace the body from the outside — but can wearable robotics learn to move seamlessly with us?

In Professor Ning Xi’s laboratory at The University of Hong Kong, HKU start-up Exynergy is pioneering lightweight, soft, wearable robots powered by artificial muscles made from Shear Thickening Gel. Engineered to fit like ordinary clothing, the system reads real-time neuro signals to provide personalized muscle support without delay, functioning just like natural muscles.

Recently awarded funding in the second round of the HKSAR Government’s RAISe+ Scheme, as well as support from the RGC General Research Fund (GRF) and Theme-based Research Scheme (TRS), Exynergy marks a vital step in accelerating deep-tech research from laboratory development to commercial deployment — first for seniors and later expanding into the global rehabilitation market.

“Active and healthy ageing is the ultimate objective,” notes Prof. Xi, Chair Professor of Robotics and Automation in the Department of Data and Systems Engineering and Director of the Emerging Technologies Institute at HKU. “Robotics is not about replacing human capacity, but offering an intelligent layer of support when it matters most.”

Exynergy will be featured at HKU Innovation Week on 14 October 2026.

Read the full story on The HKU Lead: https://lead.hku.hk/en/article/2026/10/professor-xi-ning-mobility/