In a first for South Africa, a hiker was fitted with a robotic exoskeleton that helped her safely descend a mountain when her own two legs gave in!
Cape Town, South Africa (28 September 2026) – Nope, it’s not science fiction. Just weeks after a drone comforted a stranded hiker high above Newlands, robotic legs were deployed on Platteklip Gorge to assist an exhausted hiker!
“Saturday afternoon began like so many others on Table Mountain, with a family setting out together up Platteklip Gorge, one of the mountain’s most popular routes.” shares Wilderness Search And Rescue Western Cape (WSAR), recounting the rescue mission.
“By the time they reached the top, the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway had closed for the day.”
The family did the right thing by making the emergency call before beginning their descent down the mountain. This gave rescue teams a heads-up that help may be needed along the way down.
Heeding the call, a Western Cape Government Health and Wellness EMS paramedic began the journey up Platteklip Gorge to meet the family, who had run into trouble and couldn’t carry on without assistance.
“After a long and tiring day on the mountain, the family’s 47-year-old mother was exhausted and struggling to continue.”
The WSAR team turned to one of its newest tools, the Hypershell Exoskeleton, fitting it to the hiker to help her down the mountain. It’s the very first time a robotic suit has been deployed in a rescue mission in South Africa!
“Saturday night marked the first deployment of an exoskeleton on a rescue in South Africa.” the WSAR shared.
“The lightweight, battery-operated device is worn around the hips and thighs and is designed to assist the wearer’s natural movement. As the wearer walks, the exoskeleton provides powered assistance with each step, helping to take some of the strain off tired legs and making it easier to keep moving when fatigue sets in.”
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“Once it was fitted, her steps became steadier and her confidence grew. With the rescue team alongside her, she was able to continue the descent on her own two feet, with assistance from the exoskeleton.”
The whole family made it safely off the mountain by 11 pm that evening, with a wild story to tell.
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As funny as it sounds, technology like this is a tool that can assist rescue teams greatly in emergencies. This time, it helped an exhausted hiker regain enough strength and confidence to walk herself off the mountain.
The story could have ended differently, had the family not wisely chosen to call the emergency number the moment they anticipated that help may be needed.
“That gave the team an opportunity to meet them on the mountain and provide the right assistance when it was needed.” the WSAR shares. “Thank you to our team members for giving up their Saturday night to assist, and to the family for making the right call and asking for help early.”
If you’re heading up the mountain, WSAR recommends starting early, checking the cable car times, and carrying water, warm layers and a torch. Hikers should also save the emergency number, 021 937 0300.
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