Science fiction is full of exosuits, but we’re now at a point where technology has not only made them possible but also surprisingly affordable.
That’s mostly thanks to tech company Hypershell, which has launched a trio of exoskeleton models designed to help during everyday life and recreational use. The clever gadget attaches to a user’s waist and legs, improving their physical attributes and making things easier on their joints and muscles.
Here’s what you can expect from the Hypershell X series.
Now a reality
Hypershell's X range of exoskeletons offer up to 800W of peak power output (1 horsepower) which manifests itself as up to 40% increased leg strength and 30% less physical exertion. It helps offset a carrying load of around 30kg by generating vertical force of up to that weight while the user walks.
This is all achieved via a lightweight construction, made of aluminum alloy, stainless steel and reinforced polymer (the Pro X and Carbon X models add carbon fiber, too), and what the company calls its AI MotionEngine.
We’ve seen the letters ‘AI’ all too often with little merit, but here the Hypershell’s ‘brain’ takes in information from a variety of sensors in the exoskeleton to adjust the power it pushes to the motors.
With gyroscopes, accelerometers, a barometer and more, there’s plenty of data being sent at all times, and this AI MotionEngine ensures none of it slips through the cracks. In fact, once you’ve worn the Hypershell for a time, it’ll adapt to match your stride more accurately, ensuring it understands your own gait.
Always wanted to run uphill or go on long trail hikes? Now, it’s closer than ever to being a reality, regardless of your level of fitness.
Picking the Hypershell for you
The Hypershell comes in a trio of options, starting at just $999 for the Hypershell Go X.
This model weighs 2kg, and offers 18 N·m of torque, with a peak output of 400W and Max Speed Assistance of 12km/h.
The Hypershell Pro X increases the exertion reduction (30% up from 20%), doubles the peak output (800W), and hits a speed assistance of a huge 20km/h, while also finding room for additional Motion Postures (think of them loosely as sports modes you’d find on a fitness tracker), so it can cover Gravel, Mountain, Cycling, and Running.
That model will set you back $1,199, but you can opt for the $1,799 Carbon X model, which is even lighter than its siblings at 1.8kg, making it an ideal option for outdoor athletes.
If all of this sounds intimidating, you might be surprised to know that Hypershell X can be hooked up and ready to go within a minute, and has a single button for changing the assistance level and powering it on or off.
The rest of the operation, you simply don’t need to think about. Those aforementioned sensors monitor your movement and position in 3D space, and then the AI MotionEngine adjusts the power output of the exoskeleton’s two motors accordingly.
Doing so not only prevents juddering movements or uncomfortable movement, but also ensures the battery isn’t worn down by giving you a whole host of power when you don’t need it. You can even remove the battery, which only weighs 400g, and swap it for a fully-charged one, and since they’re rated at 5000mAh you can take them on a plane, too.
Why use an exoskeleton?
While Hypershell is keen to stress its models aren’t for medical usage (or turning you into a superhero) there’s still plenty you can do with them.
Reviewers have expressed their joy that elderly relatives can now walk farther, enjoying more time outdoors, while it can be a huge help when shouldering heavy weight across extended distances.
It could also be ideal for anyone needing to scale steep hills or mountains in a hurry, such as park rangers, since it can propel a user upward over tricky terrain. And for anyone lost in the woods; what better sight is there than an exoskeleton-clad ranger emerging from the trees to help guide them to safety?
