Strapping a robot to my legs felt ridiculous until I turned the assist to the maximum

2025 is the year of the exoskeletons. They have been around for a while, and not just in sci-fi novels and movies. I tried Enhanced Robotics’ Sportsmate 5 back in 2022, and even though it was an impressive piece of technology, the Sportsmate 5 was also clunky and provided little noticeable support.

When Hypershell got in touch with me about its X Series Exoskeleton, I was cautious, understandably. The last time I heard the word ‘exoskeleton’, it was regarding Arc’teryx’s incredibly expensive MO/GO pants, and I couldn’t imagine a comparatively affordable model making me feel anything but disappointed.

To my delight, the Hypershell Pro X, the mid-range offering from the brand, proved that AI-powered walking and running aides have come a long way since 2022. This exoskeleton not only recognises 10 exercises automatically (and adjusts the boost accordingly), but it has a maximum speed of 12.4 mph (20 km/h), which is firmly trail running territory.

With that in mind, I strapped on my artificial leg supports and headed for a walk in the nearby hills. Using the Hypershell Pro X was a pleasant surprise, providing noticeable support on the uphill sections. It’s certainly an expensive outdoor gadget, but it’s one of the more exciting outdoor tech launches this year – that’s for sure.

Hypershell X Series Exoskeleton review

Price and availability

The Hypershell X Series was launched in January 2025 and is available to buy now directly from Hypershell with prices from $999 (~£740.51/ AU$ 1,536.11). That’s for the entry-level Hypershell Go X model; the tested Hypershell Pro X costs $1,199 (~£888.86/ AU$ 1,843.55), while the top-of-the-range Hypershell Carbon X will set you back $1,799 (~£1,333.74/ AU$ 2,766.10).

Specifications

• Weight: 2kg
• Materials used: Carbon-fibre reinforced polymer, aluminium alloy, stainless steel
• Peak output: 800 W
• Max. speed assistance: 12.4 mph/ 20 km/h
• Battery capacity: 5,000 mAh (72 Wh)
• Battery range: up to 15.5 mi/ 25km
• Charge time: Approx. 88 minutes

Design and build quality

The Hypershell Pro X looks pretty much exactly like how you imagine an exoskeleton would look. It consists of a lightweight aluminium alloy and stainless steel frame with a carbon-fibre reinforced polymer trim. The adjustable hip section ends in a puck-like motor (leg lever) on both sides, which is connected to the hinged leg bits.

The unit is foldable and is compact when not in use, measuring only 430 x 260 x 125 mm. It comes in its carry case, which is a nice touch – exoskeletons can be quite dangly with all the loose parts. It’s worth noting that it isn’t the smoothest process to store the gadget back in its carry case: you almost have to sit on the case for it to close (please don’t do this).

The areas touching your body, including the hip and thigh straps, are well-padded and fastened with polymer buckles. It’s all adjustable, allowing you to find the least uncomfortable position. The padding around the hips is especially luxurious, which makes sense, as the Hypershell Pro X will press against it the most when applying torque that moves the legs forward.

The 5,000 mAh battery is located at the back. It’s quite compact considering the up to 15.5 mi (25km) range it provides. The Hypershell Pro X comes with two batteries but no charging hub, which means you can only charge one at a time, the one inserted into the exoskeleton. The optional 4-port charging hub accessory is comparatively cheap (only $59), though.

Thankfully, the Hypershell Pro X has the most straightforward user interface, consisting of just one button located on the right leg lever. It turns on and off the same way drones do: a short press followed by a long press until the battery indicator lights, featured right next to the button, all lit up in sequence.

The Hypershell+ app

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The simple user interface on the exoskeleton itself is a blessing and a curse. It’s great that even those not accustomed to tech can turn it on and off; it’s not-so-great that you have to remember how many times and how long you have to press the button to change modes and assist level.

Luckily, the app where you can change the settings, is well designed and just as easy to operate. The dashboard tells you all the essential information, from how much charge is left in the exoskeleton and how fast you’re going, to which assistance mode it’s in and what kind of exercise support you’re currently receiving.

The Hypershell Pro X can recognise 10 different types of motion. These are:

• Walking
• Race walking
• Uphill (walking)
• Downhill (walking)
• Up stairs (i.e. walking up the stairs)
• Down stairs (i.e. walking down the stairs)
• Gravel (walking)
• Cycling
• Running
• Mountain (walking)

You can switch between the different sports modes manually and also turn off the automatic exercise recognition in the app.

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You can choose between four assist modes: Eco, Hyper, Transparent and Fitness. Eco is the battery-saving mode and provides only moderate support. Hyper mode cranks up the assistance but also eats more battery power. Transparent mode provides no support, which, admittedly, is best for prolonging battery life.

Fitness mode is the odd one out in the sense that you can’t select it via the power button (the other three can be cycled by pressing the on/off button). As the name suggests, this mode is for exercise (e.g. squats, lunges, etc.) and provides specific movement support to reduce fatigue.

One inconvenient thing about the app is that you can’t seem to update the exoskeleton’s firmware without wearing it. The app will recognise if the Hypershell Pro X is on the charge, but it won’t allow you to update it, meaning you need to strap yourself in for updates even if you aren’t planning on using the thing at that moment.

Performance and comfort

At just under two kilos, I found the Hypershell Pro X lightweight enough to carry. The main load-bearing body part in this situation is your hips, which should be able to handle the heft. That said, the exoskeleton is noticeable, especially in transparency mode with no assistance.

That’s one of the reasons why I feel funny recommending the Hypershell Pro X. It’s true when it’s working, it provides noticeable support, but I also imagine people using it might have mobility issues (even though the company don’t advertise the Hypershell Pro X as a mobility aid).

And those people will find it harder to carry around the exoskeleton with a (potentially) dead battery. Again, it’s not a huge weight, but you’d be surprised how quickly you can burn through the 5,000 mAh battery, especially in higher assist modes. As such, it’s hard to recommend the Hypershell Pro X for trips longer than 6-8 miles (~10-13km) on uneven terrain with the assist cranked up more than 30%.

On a more positive note, the level of support offered is commendable. The Hypershell Pro X can even aid you on your trail runs, albeit only over shorter distances (up to 3 miles/ 5 km). If you think about it, that 12.4 mph (20 km/h) maximum speed assistance is quite impressive. If only the battery would last long enough for longer expeditions.

I quite enjoyed wearing the Hypershell Pro X on my test hikes, and so did my wife, although she mentioned the weight of the exoskeletons as soon as she put it on. If you have strong leg and core muscles, you shouldn’t have an issue carrying the Hypershell Pro X. But then again, do you need one if you have strong legs?

In my experience, AI-assisted exercise recognition works well. The Hypershell Pro X successfully identified uphill and downhill walks, as well as runs (although the latter might be obvious, as it’s quite a different movement from walking). I haven’t tried it for cycling yet, though. You do wonder if Hypershell will add more exercise modes (via firmware updates) at a later date.

Verdict

The Hypershell Pro X is one of the more exciting – and unusual – gadgets I’ve tested this year. It proves that exoskeletons are no longer just lab curiosities or sci-fi props. With AI-powered motion detection, four assistance modes, and a design light enough to wear comfortably on moderate treks, it genuinely adds a boost to hiking and short-distance running, particularly on hills. It even makes exercise feel a little more bionic.

But there are trade-offs. The battery life, while decent, limits you to shorter outings, especially in high-assist modes. And because the batteries can't be charged independently, you’re forced to rotate them one at a time, unless you shell out for the optional charging hub. If it runs out of juice mid-hike, you're stuck lugging it back manually, which takes the shine off the experience. It’s also a bit fiddly to store, and at over $1,000, this is far from a casual buy.

Still, for tech adventurers, early adopters, or those looking for a lightweight push on the trail, the Hypershell Pro X is a fun and surprisingly effective way to experience the outdoors in a whole new way. It’s not essential, but it is undeniably cool.