Image: Hypershell
From sci-fi and into reality – robotic exoskeletons are wearable devices that work in tandem with the human body to enhance physical capabilities. Historically, the technology has been used medically for rehabilitation. Now, however, exoskeletons are used recreationally, for trekking all-terrain easily.
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Unlike its purely mechanical counterparts that existed before, the robotic exoskeleton incorporates technology including AI algorithms, motion sensors, and powerful motors to augment human movement. These devices typically attach to the waist and legs, providing supplemental power to assist with walking, climbing, and other physical activities.
At Mount Tai in China, for example, the Taishan Cultural Tourism Group has recently trialled the public use of robotic exoskeletons designed by Kenqing Technology. Tourists are able to rent out the devices to assist them in reaching the top of the 7000-step odd mountain.
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Why was the exoskeleton first invented?
The concept of exoskeletons has deep-reaching roots—we humans have long dreamed of devices that could enhance our natural physical abilities.
However, the modern powered exoskeleton traces its origins to the mid-20th century. In the 1960s, General Electric developed the “Hardiman,” one of the first powered exoskeletons, primarily for military and industrial applications. This bulky hydraulic system aimed to increase a worker’s strength by a factor of 25, though it was never fully operational.
The true pioneers of practical exoskeletons emerged in medical and rehabilitation fields. In the 1970s and 1980s, researchers at various institutions developed early walking assistance devices for people with mobility impairments. These systems were heavy, tethered to external power sources, and primarily confined to laboratory settings.
A significant breakthrough came in the early 2000s when researchers like Homayoon Kazerooni at the University of California, Berkeley, developed more practical exoskeletons like the BLEEX (Berkeley Lower Extremity Exoskeleton) and later founded Ekso Bionics, one of the first companies to commercialize exoskeleton technology for medical rehabilitation.
How the exoskeleton is used to help people with disabilities
For people with disabilities, exoskeletons offer independence, mobility, and in many cases, a rekindled connection with activities that were previously inaccessible. Medical exoskeletons have positively impacted rehabilitation and daily living for individuals with spinal cord injuries, stroke, multiple sclerosis, and other conditions affecting mobility. Devices like the Ekso GT and ReWalk have enabled people with paraplegia to stand and walk again, but at a price.
Exoskeletons for all-terrain adventure?
The transition from medical to recreational use of robotic exoskeletons is not sci-fi but reality. Just as e-bikes have democratised cycling by making it accessible to people of various fitness levels, all-terrain exoskeletons are doing the same for hiking, climbing, and other outdoor activities.
Models like the Dnsys X1 and Hypershell Omega are specifically designed for outdoor adventure.
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These devices can reduce the energy expended during hiking significantly, allowing users to travel farther with less fatigue.
They’re equipped with features tailored to outdoor environments: descent control to protect knees on downhill sections, boost modes for tackling particularly challenging terrain, and battery ranges sufficient for day-long excursions.
Beyond making existing activities more accessible, these devices are creating entirely new recreational possibilities. With assisted running speeds, users can experience forms of movement previously beyond human capability without mechanical assistance. The integration of AI means these devices learn and adapt to individual movement patterns, becoming more personalised over time.
Several innovative companies are leading the charge in developing recreational exoskeletons.
Dnsys has made waves with its X1 model, while Hypershell pioneered the recreationa market with its Omega lineup, which became one of the first widely available consumer models. Their exoskeletons claim to focus on intuitive control systems that quickly adapt to the user’s walking style.
Kenqing Technology, a Shenzhen-based company founded in 2015, has partnered with tourism organizations to introduce exoskeletons at popular hiking destinations, including Mount Tai.
As remarkable as this stride in technology is, it is worth considering the broader implications of using these exoskeletons recreationally. Questions remain about regulation, trail impact, and the long-term effects on the body.
