This article is sponsored by Hypershell. Product choices and opinions expressed are from the sponsor and do not reflect the views of MakeUseOf editorial staff.
We all already use numerous devices to make us smarter, healthier, and more informed, but what about stronger? The outside world can be harsh, and thanks to the Hypershell X—the world’s first outdoor exoskeleton—you can explore our beautiful planet longer and farther than ever before.
It might sound like science fiction or a plot device from a comic book, but exoskeleton technology is here, and you can have it today. As an industry leader in exoskeleton technology, Hypershell is literally changing the game for outdoor activity.
It’s Time to Touch Grass in Style
Exoskeleton technology first made headlines with military projects and medical science, but in recent years, these devices have been put to use in businesses where people have to work long hours, adopt stressful poses, and repeatedly lift heavy objects. With an exoskeleton, you can reduce fatigue and prevent both short and long-term injuries that commonly happen in these professions.
Now, however, Hypershell has brought exoskeleton technology to daily life, and to those who enjoy the outdoors in particular. The Hypershell X is the world’s first exoskeleton designed for outdoor adventuring, sports, and everyday life.
The Hypershell is not intended for military, medical, industrial, or commercial uses.
Are You Go, Pro, or Carbon?
There are three variants of the Hypershell X built for different budgets and applications. However, all Hypershell X models will make you as strong as a horse. Well, the entire peak output of the device is one horsepower, but you know what we mean.
With that much juice, you’ll enjoy 40% more leg strength and experience 30% less physical exertion. The Hypershell offsets just a touch more than 66lbs (30KG), which means you can bring more stuff on your hike, or feel like your normal load isn’t there at all.
The Go, Pro, and Carbon models offer different service lives, with typical normal use resulting in projected lifespans of:
- Hypershell X Go: 3,000 km
- Hypershell X Pro: 3,000 km
- Hypershell X Carbon: 4,000 km
The Go and Pro models weigh an astounding 4.4lbs (2KG), and the Carbon, thanks to its carbon construction, weighs 10% less. Even better, each battery weighs less than a pound. So, with the load offset, you can pack several extras and have more range than you’ll know what to do with. Speaking of range, on a full charge, you can enjoy the assistance of your Hypershell X for up to 10.87 miles.
Built for Outdoor Adventure
Calling this the first exoskeleton for outdoor use isn’t just clever marketing. The Hypershell X is designed to operate between -4° and 140° F. It’s IP54 dust & water resistant, and has a foldable design, so you can take it everywhere. Even with several batteries, you’re looking at an addition to your gear that will literally pay for itself in utility.
Of course, no matter how many batteries you pack, you’ll need to recharge them eventually. Luckily, Hypershell X batteries are quick to top up, and go from 0-50% in 35 min and 0-100% in 88 min with 65 W PD fast charging.
Smart in All the Right Ways
Like all modern smart devices, the exoskeleton has a companion smart app called Hypershell+ that you can use to find out what’s happening with your exoskeleton and to adjust its features and settings. However, unlike so many modern smart devices,the Hypershell+ app is completely optional.
You can operate all the core functions of your exoskeleton without ever using the app. So there’s no danger of being left high and dry because your phone is lost or isn’t working.
Made Possible by the Power of AI
Artificial Intelligence (AI) has been in the news a lot in recent years, but it’s such a broad field that you probably use “AI” in your daily life without even knowing about it. It turns out that a key reason exoskeletons have been so hard to make a reality comes down to a lack of intelligence.
There’s an incredible amount of intelligence built into every fiber of your body, and to work perfectly in sync with your biology, Hypershell’s exoskeleton needs a formidable brain.
So, it’s the AI MotionEngine that’s the real secret sauce here. You’ll never even know it’s there, because it’s so good at its job. Using data from myriad onboard sensors, such as gyros, accelerometers, and even a barometer, the Hypershell’s AI brain predicts your next move and smoothly provides just the right level of assistance.
It’s literally operating at the speed of thought, which is why it might feel like it was all you from the start.
This intelligence also drives numerous activity modes, which let the system adapt to your needs. The Hypershell X Go has six modes:Down Stairs, Downhill, Uphill, Up Stairs, Race Walking, and Walking. The Pro and Carbon models offer 10: Down Stairs, Downhill, Uphill, Up Stairs, Mountain, Cycling, Running, Gravel, Speed Walking, Walking.
Who Should Buy a Hypershell X?
The Hypershell X is suitable for just about anyone, but does that mean it’s for you? The truth is that this device isn’t just for extreme outdoor athletes and adventure lovers. It’s perfect for everyday endurance, injury recovery, and even for people with some mild forms of mobility impairment.
For the most part, it’s a great solution for hikers, photographers, and people who do lots of daily commuting on foot. There’s no end to the testimonials of people who have used the Hypershell X and say that they can “really feel the support”, especially when you turn it off! We’ve seen it used to great effect on ski tours, serious trekking, cycling, and even trail running.
Starting at only $999, you can have the power of robotic assistance for the price of a nice laptop, but instead of sitting in a coffee shop and scrolling through memes, you’ll be out in nature, where the Hypershell X will empower you to explore further, further, and faster.