Exoskeletons used to be the stuff of sci-fi movies and futuristic research labs, but now they’re actual consumer products you can get your hands on. These wearables strap around your body and use motors to help you move with less effort, allowing you to walk farther, climb easier, and spend longer on your feet without feeling too much. But sometimes they can be big, bulky and uncomfortable. But this is a problem that Hypershell has solved with its latest range.
Hypershell’s latest X series are three models of wearable exoskeletons led by the flagship X Ultra S. A big new addition is HyperIntuition, an AI motion control system designed to make real-world motion support feel more natural and responsive. Hypershell calls them the world’s most intuitive consumer exoskeletons. Here’s what you need to know.
What is the new Hypershell X Series?
The upgraded X series are three models of hip-mounted exoskeletons designed for outdoor and active everyday use, everything from hikes and hill climbs to mixed terrain trails or just spending longer on your feet.
Hypershell X Pro S is an entry model with 800W output and 17.5 km range. Next up is the X Max S, which boosts output to 1,000W and a range of 30km. And finally, the flagship model is the Hypershell X Ultra S, which has the same power and range as the Max S, but features an easily swappable dual-battery setup and comes with a charger in the box.
All three are IP54 rated for water and dust resistance and feature carbon fiber and titanium alloy construction. The Ultra S is made with SpiralTwill 3000 carbon fiber and aerospace-grade 3D printed titanium parts, a first for a consumer exoskeleton.
HyperIntuition™ takes things to the next level
The X Series is built around HyperIntuition™, a motion control algorithm. Basically, the system does it all as one continuous process, instead of working through a sequence of steps like sensing your movement, guessing what you’re doing, and then pushing the motors.
The older approach, rule-based or adaptive motion recognition, worked by matching your gait to a library of known motion patterns. It was fine if you were driving on a continuous or flat, paved road. But adaptation was a concern in dynamic, real-world situations like random rocky sections or sudden slopes.
HyperIntuition™ is being taught more like the systems behind humanoid robots and self-driving cars. It takes raw sensor data and maps it directly to motor torque. This results in faster support and makes it feel less mechanical when your stride, pace or footwork changes.
The X Series is also the first range of consumer exoskeletons to be tested and approved by TÜV Rheinland and SGS. And testing shows impressive performance metrics like a 0.31 second response time, 64% faster than the previous generation, 97.5% gait synchronization across different terrains, and 39.2% lower average oxygen consumption and 42.7% lower average heart rate.
Importantly, HyperIntuition™ is not just a flagship feature. All three models in the X series get the same control system and the same AMR mode underneath. The differences between them are related to hardware power, range and area coverage, but not functionality.
Power and range
The motor system is also updated. The X Ultra S and X Max S use Hypershell’s new M-One Ultra motor, which delivers 1,000 W of peak power and 22 N·m of torque, with a maximum walking speed of 25 km/h. The X Pro S sits a notch lower at 800W, 18N·m and 20km/h, which is still a clear bump compared to the previous generation.
The new motor system achieves 90% energy conversion efficiency compared to the previous generation and cuts heat loss in half, which is one of the reasons for the improved performance. The Pro S provides a standard range of 17.5 km with a single 72Wh battery. The Max S goes up to 30km with the same battery size, while the Ultra S hits the same range but on dual 72Wh batteries.
There’s also a new charging hub integrated with the Ultra S as standard, so you can charge the batteries from the device. The Pro S and Max S aren’t included in the hub, but you can pick up extra batteries separately if you need more endurance.
Comfort and fit
All the power and features in the world won’t make a difference if the exoskeleton isn’t comfortable to wear. This is another area where Hypershell gets it right.
The X Series features a redesigned soft pack wear system, including lumbar pads with a three-zone firmness design and iliac-fitting structure. The back pad is thicker and raised on both sides, while the leg straps use more skin-friendly materials with added slip features.
If you’re looking for an exoskeleton that’s not going to bother you even at the end of a long hike and packs a punch, the Hypershell X series checks all the right boxes. The new wear system covers all three models, so you get the same comfort improvements across the board.
The Ultra S also manages a wider operating temperature range than its siblings: -20°C to 60°C, and -10°C to 60°C on the Pro S and Max S, which makes sense since the Ultra S is designed for snowy terrain.
Who is the new Hypershell X series best for?
The improved HyperShell X series is designed for two main audiences. On the professional side, it’s designed for anyone on the go, such as photographers looking for the perfect shot, couriers, warehouse owners, mountain guides, and search and rescue teams carrying gear over rough terrain. Exoskeletons take some of the load off so you can go longer without burning out.
On the personal side, this is only for outdoor enthusiasts who want that hike to last a little longer, or for anyone with a long commute or regular routine. You’ll enjoy smoother walks in the park, steadier steps on city sidewalks, and steeper trails without feeling the effects the next day.
These devices have multiple modes and the hardware really adapts to where you use it. Low-end models feature 10 assist modes that include walking, running, cycling, uphill and downhill, stairs, gravel and mountain trails. The Ultra S adds two extras for sand and snow conditions.
The new Hypershell X series is now available
Exoskeletons, as a category, have long been more science fiction than practical. The Hypershell X series includes the first consumer models to ship with independent third-party certification of performance claims.
But while important, the main story here isn’t improved engines, better build materials or improved comfort. Instead, it’s a shift from rule-based motion recognition to end-to-end AI motion control. HyperIntuition promises a device that will adapt to how you actually move, completely revamping the experience.
The X series also broadens who such gear is aimed at. The new range is designed for walkers and hikers who want to go the extra mile, people returning to activity who want a little more support, or those who simply want to stay on their feet for longer. Pro S is designed for everyday, accessible, lighter use. The Max S is the primary sweet spot for stronger performance and longer range, while the Ultra S is designed for those looking to cover the widest area.
The new Hypershell X Series is available directly from Hypershell in the US, Canada, China, Australia and Hong Kong SAR starting today, with more markets to follow. Hypershell Pro S, Max S, and Ultra S are priced at $999, $1,499, and $1,999, respectively.
