Fire editor Amit Katwala has traveled far for a practical look at the future of robotic artificial members, and the technological progress he witnessed is beyond the impressive. But in truth, his quest to become superhuman is still stuck in the prototype phase. Me, on the other hand, I galavant in the English countryside bearing the hypershell pro X, the first exoskeleton of mud in the slide of the leg easily available, eater of miles.
As a wider product category, exoskeletons have the potential to improve the mobility of disabled people, helping them resume independence and improve their quality of life. They can also reduce physical tension in the workplace, minimizing the chances of injury and increasing productivity. But the tastes of hypershell produces non -medical portable exoskeletons which promise a power of muscle strengthening for medium JOES.
The majority of these conceptions, however, seem to be constantly on the pre -order, or the ambitious pursuit of the big dollars on Kickstarter, so it is refreshing to be able to test something that is available on Amazon.
Last year, I reviewed a preliminary version of the similar DNSYS X1 (cable 5/10) and I found that it was Glitchy, heavy and generally disappointing, but it was promising. However, it remains stuck in the pre -order, as is the very published pair of $ 5,000 Arc’Teryx Mo / Go Pants.
So can Hypershell do better? There are currently three versions of the hypershell exoskeleton: the 400 watts hypershell go x basic, $ 900, the $ 1 199 Pro X which has an 800 Watts outing, a range of 10.8 miles and improved capacities for running and even cycling. And then there is the Hypershell Carbon X, which uses a titanium alloy instead of carbon fiber and costs $ 1,500.
The Go X offers maximum speed assistance of 7.5 miles per hour while the 800 Watts engine of the Pro X can help at speeds of 12.4 miles per hour. Each model collapses at 16.9 × 10.2 × 4.9 inches, and the Go and Pro X weighs 4.41 pounds, while the carbon version is lighter.
My hypershell pro X sample has a 5000 mAh battery of 72 WH, with an assisted range cited of 10.8 miles (17.5 kilometers) and 10 modes, including the stairs top to bottom, bottom and climb, bicycle, running, running and regular walking. I have been carrying the exoskeleton for a few months by testing various exterior equipment, including hiking boots and rain jackets, and a few seconds after turning it on, I knew it was much more useful than DNSYS X1, giving my legs a nice power on the trails. Did I feel an idiot wearing him in public? Absolutely. Did my wife ask me “why are you walking like Woody de Toy Story?” Yes. But for many people in need, the benefit of help should prevail over the slight embarrassment.
Adjustment and features
Photography: Chris Haslam
I fought for the first time, I am impressed by the quality of construction, the ergonomic adjustment and the adjustment. The lower back and the cushioning of the hip are particularly good. I have 5 ′ 11 ′ high, and most adults – Hypershell estimates 80% – will have no adjustment problem. The excellent application takes you throughout the process, with video instructions step by step on adjustment, then once you are full -bodied, it demos the different power modes and controls. When you turn on for the first time, the inert machine comes to life and tightens, and once you have chosen a power mode, it instantly starts to work while you walk.
