Understanding the mechanics of success

Previously, Sun often found that the amputation stump on his left leg would be bleeding after removing his prosthesis following training, or the prosthesis would start to come loose halfway through sprinting.

In 2004, Ji invented a rehabilitative training robot to improve the upper limb functional ability in hemiplegic patients. Since 2010, he has combined neuroscience research findings with his research in exercise rehabilitation.

"The Paralympics show us that technology can empower people with disabilities and help them integrate into society," Ji says, adding that he hopes this year's Winter Paralympics will encourage more people with disabilities to give winter sports a try.

In the following months, the research team will review and summarize the program.

For Ji, however, current achievements are not able to support a clear business case, which is essential for more people with physical challenges to actually be able to-and afford to-take part in winter sport.

China has a large population of people with physical and mental challenges. "We have to form our own technological system in this field and seek a way to turn individualized solutions into something that can be mass-produced," he says.

In a larger sense, the importance of smart assistive devices and rehabilitation equipment in creating a barrier-free environment has been recognized.

Zhang Haidi, chairwoman of the China Disabled Persons' Federation, while addressing a national forum in July, called for related research and development.

"With technological support, we can provide efficient solutions at relatively lower social cost, which will eventually enable a barrier-free environment for all," Ji says.