This high-tech exoskeleton lets you hike longer and run faster (uses AI to adapt to your movements)

mashable.com ^ | Staff

[RoosterRedux]

Every weekend warrior knows the drill — you sit in front of a computer all week, and when the weekend hits, you bike, hike, and run yourself ragged. Your body feels destroyed on Monday. Repeat.

If this sounds like you — or even if you’re a casual exerciser who wants to walk and bike longer distances without getting tired — the future has arrived. The world’s first-ever outdoor exoskeleton, Hypershell X, can help max out your physical abilities with minimal effort.

Hypershell X is causing a buzz among both outdoorsy types and robotics enthusiasts, and it won the Best of Innovation in Robotics award at CES 2025.

The cyborg-looking device fits like a second skin over your legs and provides up to 800 watts of power, helping you raise your legs and increasing strength up to 40 percent. Whether you’re walking, running, cycling, climbing stairs, or mountaineering, the device’s motor utilizes AI to adapt to your movements in real time, intuitively.

Basically, you feel like yourself, only stronger.

The Hypershell X may look like a sci-fi fantasy device, but you’ll barely feel it while you’re wearing it. Just buckle on the "fanny pack", which also houses the removable and rechargeable battery, and the ergonomic hip levers fit down your legs and are secured by soft straps above your knees. Power the device up via the exoskeleton’s one-touch button, and the M-One motor kicks in, reducing your leg’s physical exertion by up to 30 percent.

[Magnum44]

You beat me to it.

I can see this having application in everyday life for most of us.

Yep, crushing democrats.

[Seruzawa]

Does it make a t-t-t-t-t sound? Will it rebuild the user?

[Billthedrill]

Exercise isn't the first application I'd be thinking of; aid for disabled and elderly certainly is. But what is more likely to happen first is application within military and law enforcement. A 100-pound female cop isn't likely to prevail in a tussle (evidence to that abounds) but one who can bench-press a bus will, unless the arrestee has a suit as well.

As for exercise, though, I'd go whole hog and purchase an entire robot to go out and hit the gym for me. Far more efficient.

[Organic Panic]

Looks great. Especially for older outdoors types.

I love hiking and backpacking. If this thing can make walking down hill easier I want it... way harder on the legs hiking down steep grades.

[Organic Panic]

Just backpack with a solar panel array........

Yes I know...

[RoosterRedux]

If I understand it correctly, the Hypershell Pro could be adapted to support elderly or moderately disabled users with balance—not just provide extra power.

It already has the necessary sensors and powered actuators. With some software tweaks, it could detect instability and respond by gently stiffening joints or assisting movement.

It wouldn’t become a self-balancer, but a smart mobility aid—helping prevent falls through subtle, supportive actions. It could boost both mobility and confidence.

And here’s another benefit: increasing mobility encourages more frequent movement, which naturally improves muscle strength, coordination, and balance over time. A smart assist like this wouldn’t just support the user—it could help restore their strength and independence.

[Vermont Lt]

That’s just cruel…,in a diabolically funny way.

[oldasrocks]

Is the battery made in china? I see a potential problem.

[SisterK]

super soldiers

[BiteYourSelf]

We have the technology.🤔