I tried Hypershell's X-series exoskeleton at CES, and it was a fascinating experience

I'm a content creator first, but I do enjoy the world of consumer technology. Especially when I see tech that moves from the B2B world down to B2C for everyone to enjoy, such as the 2025 CES Innovation winner Hypershell X-series exoskeleton. What a fascinating piece of tech.

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Like many in the media, prior to CES, I was flooded with thousands of emails from various vendors asking me to check out their products. I recall seeing an email from Hypershell and laughing briefly. "Exoskeleton? C'mon, man," I thought. 

I visualized the contraptions we've seen over the last few decades that, although they help many people become more mobile, still make them look like a sidekick to Marvel's Iron Man. Upon opening the email, I saw that this wasn't the case. Not only was the exoskeleton streamlined, but it also had great tech specs and pricing, making it available for more people.

Hypershell X is for weekend warrior athletes

The exoskeleton is designed with weekend warrior athletes in mind. It's built to offer assistance in physical activities such as hiking or biking. This isn't for the hardcore athlete, but if you're someone that enjoys a quiet hike in Yosemite, then this is for you as the motors in the Hypershell will offer subtle assistance to your quadriceps and hips as you pace up or down the trail.

Hypershell is offering three models of its exoskeleton with various price points. The design is simple as it has a small rechargeable battery pack attached to the waistband that gets out of the way of your hike, but quietly powers the dual motors at your hips to assist with leg lift in your gait. The three different models vary in build material, whereas the less expensive model utilizes more plastic and metal construction and the more expensive models utilize aluminum and carbon to help decrease the overall weight of the product. 

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The base model weighs in at a mere 2.4 kg. The carbon model weighs 1.8 kg. All models are IP54 rated for dust and water splash resistance. The X exoskeleton is rated to offer battery life for up to 17 km, but this depends on load. If you're doing a steep climb, that distance and time may decrease. The front clasp reminded me of one of my photography belts I wear for carrying multiple cameras during a shoot. It wasn't a weird or unusual design -- very simple.

The motors inside the Hypershell remind me of those used in camera gimbals. Very quiet and smooth. All controlled by AI and a mobile app. This was one of my initial concerns. I love seeing new tech come to mainstream, but the idea of having to utilize a mobile app for everything is exhausting. The representatives advised that the mobile app is not required for use. It's useful for the initial setup, but afterward, the AI will learn to work more with your physiology.

Hypershell X is for 'most bodies'

My other concern was fit. Some tech just isn't for everyone. In particular, some tech isn't for all body types. The Hypershell team told me the X series exoskeleton is for "most bodies." The representative attached the exoskeleton to me with ease. Her only concern was my muscle tone. 

How would the motors work with someone of my level of fitness? I'm a former athlete but a casual weightlifter. We found that the highest assistance level still worked on the exoskeleton, but it did take a few minutes to calibrate. The team didn't want level 4 assistance to feel like level 1. As I walked around the showroom floor, I could feel the subtlety of the motors attempting to make my gait a little bit easier on my quads and hips. It was great, especially after a long day of walking around CES.

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The X series exoskeleton also offers resistance training to help you get ready for future activities. This was rather alarming when I realized how strong the motors could be, but it's all controllable via the mobile app and on-device dial. Again, the team advises that the exoskeleton is not for the gym rat that's trying to be the best powerlifter on the planet. This is for the average, active person who wants to get a little more time out on the mountain bike trail or hiking trail by having some subtle assistance added to their leg muscles.

The Hypershell X-series is available online, with shipping beginning Jan. 20, starting at $799. I demoed the $999 Pro model and found it to be quite fascinating. If you're someone looking to spend even more time on the hiking trails, this is a great tool. It's lightweight, portable, and flat out works. And best of all, it fits most consumer bodies. Even mine. I would love to use this on a landscape photography walk. But I wish I could move the waistband to better accommodate my camera belt. Perhaps just switching to a camera backpack would work. I'll have to think on this.