"This is my newly designed lightweight tactical vest, featuring portability, rapid sling adjustment, infrared-resistant and flame-removedant properties..." In the laboratory of Chongqing Jiaotong University's School of Mechanical, Electrical and Vehicle Engineering, Huang Yanjun, a sophomore majoring in mechanical design and automation, introduced his innovation to reporters.
Born in 2004 and just turning 20, Huang has already participated in four national-level key research projects and holds two personal patents. Recently, as a tactical equipment developer, he showcased his military gear at the 12th China Command and Control Conference and the 9th Beijing Military Intelligent Technology Equipment Expo. After the event, he rushed back to campus by 8 a.m. the next morning to attend class. A short video documenting this experience, titled "Post-00s Student Creates Tactical Gear," went viral on social media, with netizens joking in the comments: "You’d never guess the sleepyhead next to you in morning classes might be a ‘weapons master’ fresh from an expo."
"I’ve loved sci-fi movies since childhood, especially those with advanced gadgets. I always wondered if I could build them myself," Huang shared. Fueled by curiosity, he began dismantling circuit boards from junkyards in middle school to experiment with electronics. His innovation teacher, Zhang Zhirong, recognized his talent and encouraged him to join tech competitions. Huang later won top awards such as the National Youth Scientific Literacy Competition first prize and the Chongqing gold medal at the 16th Soong Ching Ling Children’s Invention Awards, while also being selected for Chongqing’s Youth Innovation Talent Development Program.
"Actions speak louder than daydreams," Huang remarked. Beyond coursework, he self-studied robotics and electromechanics to create a wearable lower-limb exoskeleton assistive robot, now patented. "I’ve always admired pioneers like Qian Xuesen and Deng Jiaxian. I want to contribute to national defense with my skills," he said.
Huang’s online posts about his inventions, including a viral "Fursuit Controller" modeled after wolves and tigers, have garnered a massive following. The high-tech headgear features eye-tracking movement, sound-responsive ears, brainwave-based blinking algorithms, and a ventilation system. "From 3D modeling to processor board design, I did it all myself," he explained proudly.
Even his parents initially questioned his path. "Last year, my mom reminded me to ‘focus on my main studies’," Huang recalled. But after he appeared on a national defense TV program this April as a tactical equipment developer, their skepticism turned to support: "Stay true to your passion and serve the country."
Reflecting on his journey, Huang recently posted: *"For the sake of passion, I know how relentlessly I’ve strived. Beyond the thorns and boulders, the light boat has passed endless mountains."* He added, "This is my way of cheering myself on."
