BodyFriend’s Rovo Walking Technology gains attention at China exhibition

[Photo by Yang Yeon-ho]

BodyFriend Inc., a South Korean manufacturer of massage chairs, gained traction at a trade exhibition in China, with its Rovo Walking Technology, one of its healthcare robot technologies.

“Rovo Walking Technology … stimulates core muscles that were previously difficult to reach, while driving two legs independently,” said Hong Kook-pyo, head of Bodyfriend’s China entity. “It can implement stretching because it can move the body dynamically.”

He noted that it provides a new massage sensation that cannot be felt in conventional massage chairs.

The technology stole the spotlight at China Import and Export Fair, known as Canton Fair 2024, in Guangzhou. Buyers from around the world, including Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and Southeast Asia, showed interest in the healthcare tech as they explored the latest offerings from massage chair manufacturers.

BodyFriend said the company has entered licensing agreements with global massage chair manufacturers, including in China. The company has been in talks with 10 major manufacturers in China, with several contracts already completed.

Industry observers say BodyFriend has made a strategic investment in research and development before the recent technology export.

Over the past five years, the company has spent an unprecedented 100 billion won ($73.1 million) on R&D projects to foster development of robotics technology pivotal to healthcare robots.