Latest news with #exoskeleton
Forbes
2 days ago
- Science
- Forbes
Hiking Exoskeletons: Like E-Bikes For Your Legs
Hypershell Hiking Exoskeleton at National Trails Day, Lake Tahoe 2025 Is this the time when wearable robotics takes off? For decades, researchers and entrepreneurs alike have been seeking the ideal application domain for wearable human augmentation, including medical, military, industrial, and even first responder settings. For the first time, exoskeleton technology is gaining traction and finding a strong foothold among individuals who want to walk and hike more, but could use that extra little push. Americans are bombarded with messages that suggest moving, such as walking, jogging, bicycling, and simply being more active, can lead to longer, healthier lives. The market has been flooded with wearables that track, beep, vibrate, play music, and try to encourage their users to move, but they will not do anything to physically help one move. This is where consumer exoskeletons and wearable robotics come into play: these devices exert force against one or more joints on the body to facilitate movement (or resistive training). Exoskeletons for hiking are closely following the classical Gartner Hype Cycle. They emerged on the scene between 2021 and 2023 as crowdfunding campaigns that easily met and exceeded initial minimum requirements. These new hiking consumer exos joined the already existing sports exoskeletons for skiing and STEM education. Just as companies follow the hype cycle, they have experienced delays and cancellations to date. With the technical hurdles resolved, hiking exoskeletons are hitting the market and gaining popularity quickly. The companies leading the charge on hiking exoskeletons are Hypershell, Dnsys, Skip, and WIRobotics, with companies like VIGX and Decathlon also developing their versions. These hiking physical human augmentation wearables are exiting the Trough of Disillusionment, led by three factors that work in their favor: low price, influencer content, and public demonstrations. Powered exoskeletons have always been expensive. They require motors, controllers, batteries, and motion control that is error-free and intuitive. Typically, they cost in the many thousands of dollars, yet consumer hiking exoskeletons are vastly more affordable, retailing for as low as $990. So does one get one 1/1oth of an exoskeleton for 1/10th of the price? I have been lucky enough to wear and try out over 100 exoskeletons in the last decade, and hiking exos so far appear to be both sufficiently durable and robust. Influencers have been responding positively to this new family of wearables, with videos featuring them reaching millions of views and garnering more publicity than anything that came before them. Consumer wearables have an obvious edge over those designed for hospitals or warehouses, as they can be seen in public places like parking lots and hiking trails. Finally, hiking exoskeletons have the advantage of being easier to show off to the public. There have already been public demonstrations in China, South Korea, and the U.S. These events allow people with no prior knowledge of wearable robotics to clip on an exo and take it out for a spin. The National Trails Day is an event that happens at 200 hiking paths simultaneously. It is designed to introduce volunteers to carrying heavy tools and making repairs and modifications to popular paths. The Lake Tahoe event was sponsored by Hypershell, which donated 30 units. When asked by onlookers what they were wearing, the volunteers began to refer to the Hypershell as 'e-bikes for your legs.' While it is still early to tell, it appears that consumer exoskeletons for walking, bicycling, and hiking may be the application domain in which powered exoskeletons see significant sales and adoption.
Globe and Mail
12-06-2025
- Health
- Globe and Mail
‘I forgot how tall I was': Former Humboldt Bronco Ryan Straschnitzki walks using exoskeleton
It's been a while since Ryan Straschnitzki looked at the world from a different perspective. The former Humboldt Broncos hockey player has been using a wheelchair since 2018, when he was paralyzed from the chest down in a bus crash in rural Saskatchewan that killed 16 people and injured 13 others. On Thursday, he demonstrated an exoskeleton that allowed him to walk along a 12-metre track in Calgary. 'I forgot how tall I was. I'm usually sitting really low, so I don't see people above their heads. Now being here, I get to see everybody's head. It's cool,' Straschnitzki said while standing in the wearable device. 'I feel like Iron Man in this thing. Just missing the helmet,' he added with a laugh. Vancouver-based Human in Motion Robotic's XoMotion system enables people with spinal cord injuries and in neurological rehabilitation to stand and walk with robotic support. Straschnitzki had been in the device before but got to control it Thursday. He used a small remote to move the device forward, backward and turn sideways. It also helped him handle a hockey stick and throw a football to staff at the rehab centre. 'It's pretty cool. I'm glad I played video games growing up,' he said. 'I got to learn how to two-step in this thing. Someone here's got to teach me, and I'll bring it to Stampede.' Straschnitzki said the technology wasn't even an option when he was injured. 'It was more so, is my body going to heal? Am I going to walk again on my own?' he said. 'Over time, you come to terms with the extent of your injuries. And then you realize that science is expanding every day, and there's technology like this one that will allow people with spinal cord injuries to walk again. It's super incredible and I'm very fortunate to try it.' The cost of the exoskeleton is about $400,000. Uyen Nguyen, executive director of Calgary's Synaptic Spinal Cord Injury and Neuro Rehabilitation Centre, said the exoskeleton mimics human motions. 'I never thought this was going to be possible. It's almost a Cinderella story that's come to life,' Nguyen said. 'It is one of the most advanced, because it is the most human-like in movement. Biomechanically, it is smooth. So when Ryan gets into it, it feels great, it feels natural.' The device will be offered to other patients at the centre, including those with spinal injuries or health problems like Parkinson's disease. Siamak Arzanpour, CEO of Human in Motion Robotics Inc., said the goal has always been to help those dealing with injuries have more independence. He said the long-term goal is to have exoskeletons deployed in real life activities, but there needs to be a controlled environment to prove they're safe first. He said Straschnitzki was the inspiration for developing the device. 'In 2018, Ryan probably didn't think about us. But from the beginning, we were thinking about him,' Arzanpour said. 'We wanted to use this device, helping him to walk again.'
Forbes
06-06-2025
- Automotive
- Forbes
Renault Is Now A Strategic Partner And Investor In Wandercraft
Sneak peek of the Calvin-40 The Renault Group has finalized a minority investment in the French self-balancing exoskeleton developer Wandercraft. This agreement unlocks new funding and serves as a vote of confidence in the technology that enables people confined to a wheelchair to stand and walk again without the need for crutches or walkers. Furthermore, the Renault Group will leverage Wandercraft's technical expertise to develop a new line of humanoid robots. This strategic partnership is initially focusing on Calvin, a line of next-generation robots for manufacturing operations (a sneak peek of the Calvin-40 is featured above). The intent is for these robots to perform tasks that require handling of loads in body positions that put too much wear and tear on workers' bodies. Finally, the partnership envisions leveraging Renault's assembly expertise to make robots and exoskeletons more affordable and easier to produce at scale. 'We are proud to continue advancing our mission through this strategic partnership. After millions of steps, and numerous awards recognizing our use of AI for good, this move takes us to the next level. As a world-class manufacturer, Renault Group strengthens our ability to produce at scale while increasing access, which remains critical for our soon-to-be customers walking again in Eve. Renault Group also brings tremendous technological synergies and represents our very first customer in a growing list of clients.' - Matthieu Masselin, CEO and co-founder of Wandercraft. 'This partnership with Wandercraft is a forward-looking move. It will allow us to accelerate on automation and to develop robots for our specific auto industrial use, giving us the opportunity to concentrate our people on more value-adding tasks and alleviate operators from painful and non-ergonomics duties. It will drive productivity through the acceleration of production time and cost reduction. In the end, it makes a lot of sense to combine Wandercraft's unique expertise and technology in exoskeletons and robots, with Renault Group's strong industrial capacity and design-to-cost know-how to bring the production of robots at scale' said Thierry Charvet, Chief Industry and Quality Officer of Renault Group. Indeed, Renault Group's trust in Wandercraft appears to be well placed. Wandercraft's self-balancing exoskeleton won the Artificial Intelligence Innovation Award at SXSW 2025. Wandercraft's use of AI was also highlighted in NVIDIA's CEO Keynote speech at CES 2025, Las Vegas. The company was able to compete by placing a mannequin inside their exoskeleton and still won first place in two disciplines at Humanoids 24. Finally, this isn't even the first time an exoskeleton developer has applied their expertise to the world of humanoid robotics. That honor goes to Fourier, which launched the GR-1 humanoid robot five years after releasing their first walking-assist exoskeleton. The Renault Group has chosen not only to invest in Wandercraft but also to partner with them in creating new and more affordable robotic solutions that improve people's lives.
Gizmodo
05-06-2025
- Lifestyle
- Gizmodo
To mark National Trails Day, you can try out a Hypershell X – the outdoor exoskeleton for everyone
You may have seen exoskeletons deployed for military, scientific, or medical use, but the X series from Hypershell is different: It's designed for anyone to use, to go farther and for longer with bionic assistance, on hikes and other outdoor adventures. Our own Kyle Barr has tried the Hypershell Pro X, and was impressed. An X exoskeleton will ordinarily set you back $1,000 or above, but Hypershell is partnering with the American Hiking Society (AHS) to mark National Trails Day on June 7, 2025. For the occasion, 30 Hypershell Pro X devices will be distributed to 10 hiking sites, where they can be tested by volunteers and walkers. Enter Now to Win a Hypershell Exoskeleton 'Hypershell was founded on the belief that technology should expand the boundaries of human movement, especially in the wild,' says Kelvin Sun, the founder and CEO of Hypershell. 'Our mission aligns deeply with that of the American Hiking Society, which has been the national voice for America's hikers for nearly 50 years. We're honored to stand with them in promoting access, adventure, and stewardship on the trails.' The Hypershell X The Hypershell X is a piece of outdoor gear quite unlike any other: The exoskeleton fits to your back, around your waist, and attaches to your legs. It then puts you on cheat mode as far as hiking goes, giving you faster speeds and extending your stamina—you can use it to complete walks you might not otherwise attempt, or to finish routes you can tackle in a faster time. For the hiking beginner, it gives you the confidence to get out on the trail. For the hiking expert, it levels up what you're capable of. For younger walkers, it can add years on, and for older walkers, it can take years off. The exoskeleton is there to help you move farther, stronger, and smarter, and it's designed to fit seamlessly into the way you move. You've got three models to choose from: The Go X, the Pro X, and the Carbon X. They offer increasing levels of performance and power, with Hypershell promising they'll give you up to 40 percent more leg strength and equal up to 30 percent less physical exertion. It can offset up to 30 kilograms or 66 pounds of weight, while battery range is good for up to 17.5 kilometers or almost 11 miles. The weight of the Hypershell X exoskeleton itself is a mere 2 kilograms or 4.4 pounds, or a little less if you go for the carbon fiber and titanium option—so it's definitely not going to weigh you down. As well as walking, because of its lightweight and unobtrusive nature, it's also suitable for running and cycling. Enter Now to Win a Hypershell Exoskeleton Underpinning everything is an AI MotionEngine, programmed to adapt in real time to your movement. Based on inputs from more than a dozen sensors, it figures out your next step, and then provides assistance to propel you forward. It's personalized too, so it learns your walking gait over time, and should feel more natural the more you use it. You wear the battery on your back, rucksack style, and when you're not using your Hypershell X it folds right down too for easy transport. With the battery weighing in at 400 grams or 0.88 pounds, you can easily pack spares too—giving you even more range across several hikes or several days. The exoskeleton offers quite a bit of control over how much assistance it actually gives you, and you've got three different modes of operation to choose between, to balance battery life and performance. What's more, it's IP54 rated, and can work in conditions as cold as -10 degrees Celsius (that's 14 degrees Fahrenheit). In our review, Kyle described the Pro X model as being easy to use, comfortable to wear, and effective at helping you to walk further with less effort. There are 'plenty of people who can benefit from this device' he concluded—including not just experienced hikers but those who are less likely to go walking due to inability, injury, or age. Enter Now to Win a Hypershell Exoskeleton The Hypershell X is an award-winner too: It picked up an Innovation Award as part of CES 2025, with its 'revolutionary and ultra-light ergonomic design' singled out for special praise. Exoskeletons are no longer the stuff of science fiction, the super-rich, or the army—and you might start to see them much more often on your hiking trails. National Trails Day Hypershell's partnership with the AHS is about making hiking more accessible, to everyone—people of any age, of all abilities. Those who might otherwise have considered getting out on the trail beyond them can take on the challenge, while experienced walkers can get a synthetic boost to their natural abilities. National Trails Day is the signature annual event of the AHS, and this year it falls on Saturday, June 7. The idea behind the event is to encourage people to get active outdoors, to connect with other members of their community, and perhaps to give something back to the trails in terms of tidying up a route and leaving it in a better condition than when you found it. You can find out more about National Trails Day here, and look up events happening in your local area. Typically, tens of thousands of people across the US get together for the day, advocating for public lands and trails, and enjoying some of the majestic splendor offered by the natural landscape all around us. These goals and passions fit in neatly with Hypershell and its X exoskeleton of course, and as part of National Trails Day this year, Hypershell will be at the Tahoe Rim Trail project near Big Meadow Trailhead in Lake Tahoe, California. The aim of the day is to introduce a new highway crossing reroute, which will improve hiker safety and mean a better overall experience for anyone using the route. Anyone attending the project event will have the chance to try on the Hypershell Pro X and take advantage of all the benefits it brings: Reducing strain and extending endurance, and from there supporting the admirable work being put into trail maintenance during this special day of outdoor gatherings. Enter Now to Win a Hypershell Exoskeleton Just turn up on the day to get involved and see if an exoskeleton could be the upgrade for you. You can get more information on all of this from the official Hypershell website, or the official American Hiking Society website—both have plenty of resources and plenty of information for you to check out, and there are gear giveaways you can take part in too.
Forbes
02-06-2025
- Health
- Forbes
Robotics, Ergonomics, AI: A New Exoskeleton Powering Your Outdoor Adventures
Hypershell X enables you to go further and explore more through their state-of-the-art robotics, ergonomics, and AI. Exoskeleton technology, which helps to power hikes and adventures in the outdoors, isn't entirely newfangled. Skip magically partnered with Arc'teryx to create MO/GO, which integrates the special technology into a line of slick pants that they're calling 'movewear'. For MO/GO, which stands for 'mountain goat', the pants use sensors and AI to detect movement in real-time. The cost to consumers for this technology? $5,000. Another brand, however, offers parallel help for everyday explorers who want to adventure in the outdoors, but need a little support, at a more affordable cost. Like an e-bike for hikers and walkers, Hypershell X, which begins at $999 for the Hypershell GO X and goes up to $1,799 for the Hypershell Carbon X, has made innovation a part of their ethos in the field of exoskeletons with the goal of enriching people's experiences in the outdoors. While Hypershell X was founded in 2021, it wouldn't be until 2024 when the company would successfully kick off mass production and delivery. Earning the Best of Innovation award in the robotics category at CES Innovation Awards 2025 would come next. Partnering with global nonprofits and rescue organizations, Hypershell X has made it a priority to keep sustainability and equity at the forefront. Minimizing environmental impact is a direct part of the company's philosophy. 'With expertise in mechanical design, motion algorithms, AI, and embedded systems, Hypershell X is redefining exoskeleton technology. By combining innovation with human-centered design, Hypershell X strives to enhance mobility, amplify human potential, and integrate exoskeletons into everyday life for a more sustainable future,' an official report says. The sleek and lightweight design is easy to wear and move in. Unlike MO/GO, a pair of pants with the technology inserted on the inside, Hypershell X has two cuffs that go around the thighs and one brace that attaches at the waist, all to be worn on the outside of your hiking pants or tights. Lightweight, ergonomic, relatively quiet, and easy to wear, the Hypershell X will have you up and out quickly no matter where your adventures take you. Adapting to your every movement, precision sensors perform smart calculations as you move in real time. The good part: the more you wear it, the better it learns and works for your specific body and gait. The rechargeable battery lasts for an elongated time and functions even in colder temperatures. Utilize the Hypershell X when you go on walks or hikes, especially if there is incline or decline involved. You could also use this tech for walking up and down stairs or while exploring various destinations on vacation. The technology will give you a little boost, helping you on your way. Adjustable to work for various sizes and shapes, the Hypershell X is appropriate for most bodies. When you're finished, you can collapse the pieces and store away in its handy case until you're ready to use it the next time. Join American Hiking Society for National Trails Day on June 7, where volunteers will hit the trails to maintain and clean up the outdoor spaces that are important to so many. Hypershell is offering each person who registers a $20 coupon and a chance to win a free Hypershell Pro X.
