I used to love walking. In my youth, an ideal afternoon meant venturing into the woods, letting my feet lead the way. Now, as I near 40, I’ve realized my knees aren’t what they once were and emit an “umm” sound whenever I stand.
So when I had the chance to test an exoskeleton to ease my aching joints, I felt intrigued, especially since I’d be using it to hike the rugged Snowdonia area, home to Wales’ highest mountain.
This adventure offered a chance to reclaim hobbies lost to city life and aging, not to mention the excitement of living out my sci-fi fantasy of becoming a cyborg!
Your Legs Are Stronger
The term “exoskeleton” often brings to mind images of clunky robotic suits, similar to Ripley’s Power Loader from Alien. Yet, despite being marketed as an exoskeleton, the Hyper Shell X Ultra feels more akin to a climbing harness.
This lightweight device weighs just 1.8 kg (3.9 lbs) and can be strapped to your waist or thigh. Equipped with sensors, the £1,599 gadget monitors my movements while AI algorithms learn my walking patterns, predicting when I’ll take a step. Once it senses motion, an electric motor assists in lifting my leg, making movement easier.
The app guided me through setup, taking only about 15 minutes to learn how to use the device. Initially, my legs felt like a marionette controlled by an unseen puppeteer, but I quickly acclimated.
The Idea Behind the Hypershell
On its lowest setting, this exoskeleton assists in covering up to 30 km (18.6 miles) on a single battery charge. For tougher terrains, like steep inclines, the “Hyper” setting offers significant aid, though at the cost of range.
For this reason, each exoskeleton is equipped with an additional battery pack, weighing only 400g (0.8lb) for easy transport.
With 12 different modes for varied activities, including running, cycling, and uphill hiking, there’s even a workout mode that allows for resistance training against leg movement.
Full Power
As we started our hike in beautiful sunshine (rare for an autumn day in North Wales), I realized my main challenge as a walker is climbing. I can walk for hours on flat terrain, but even a slight incline can cause discomfort in my calves.
However, today, I ascended the first long uphill path cheerfully, chatting with companions without losing my breath.
Although this route was meant to challenge us and the X Ultra, we soon encountered loose rocks and nearly vertical scree.
As panic set in, I switched to full power and geared up for the climb. Despite the assistance, it was still demanding, and I broke a sweat without feeling the usual burn in my thighs.
Reaching the Elidir Faur Plateau, we were rewarded with breathtaking views of sunlight dancing on the lake below. The serene breeze and warm sun made me feel one with nature until the X Ultra began jerking my leg unexpectedly.
Even on full power, every time I shifted my weight, the device anticipated my next step. The sensation was akin to Wallace and Gromit: The Wrong Trousers. Once I adjusted the power, my legs regained control.
Without the exoskeleton, that climb would have been insurmountable, or it would’ve taken me significantly longer. Instead, I was able to explore the plateau and bask in the beauty of endless mountains and grazing sheep.
However, an hour later, during the next steep ascent, I felt fatigue despite not feeling tired or experiencing burning legs.
The X Ultra exosuit, while empowering, led to overconfidence. I neglected to rest and fuel my body when I should have. I quickly regretted this decision.
Fortunately, I had a chocolate bar to replenish my energy until the next rest stop. In similar situations, hikers can become so fatigued that they may require rescue. Fortunately, exoskeletons are being utilized by various search and rescue teams across the U.S. and China to assist weary hikers back to safety.
Exoskeletons are also beneficial for individuals facing mobility challenges. One fellow hiker had a knee injury, yet with device adjustments, she hoped her weakened leg could keep pace with her robust knee (although she was cautious about overexertion).
Supports Your Legs
One zone where the Hypershell fell short was during the final descent through a section known as Devil’s Kitchen. At times, the exoskeleton hindered movement; I found myself stuck on a narrow path and had to slide down.
Ultimately, we completed the hike just as the sun set. We spent nine hours on the trail, utilizing the Hypershell the entire duration. Without this exoskeleton, reaching the top in time for the golden light cascading over the mountain would have been nearly impossible.
While our hike aimed to explore the capabilities of the X Ultra, I am truly hopeful for its future potential.
Living in a walkable city, my main modes of transport and exercise revolve around foot travel. However, navigating the hilly terrain, characterized by some of Britain’s steepest roads, means I often face a challenging climb on my way home.
After my experience with the Hypershell, I’ve managed to make it home on foot until now, but my joints are becoming increasingly creaky. It’s comforting to know that options like this exist for when that day inevitably arrives.
And let’s be honest—becoming a cyborg is pretty remarkable.
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Source: www.sciencefocus.com
