Centaur-style robot adds two legs to help humans carry loads with 35% less effort

Chinese researchers created a wearable robot with two mechanical legs that attaches to a person's back, forming a human-robot hybrid that walks like a four-legged centaur. Unlike traditional exoskeletons, the robotic legs operate independently while staying synchronized with the user's movement through an elastic connection. Testing showed the system reduced energy use by 35% and foot pressure by 52% when carrying 44-pound loads, as the robot handles weight support and propulsion while humans maintain balance and navigation.