Forget sports drinks and energy goose. Hypershell has more tangible and powerful ways to improve performance in the mountains and trails. A Shanghai start-up is trying to take exoskeleton technology out of the workplace and on the battlefield, making it widely available.
The company’s new line of exoskeletons transfers the power of a horse to the feet of human adventurers, allowing them to explore farther, run faster, climb higher and enjoy more of the outdoors they want to experience. Joe becomes a brave explorer.
Hypershell thinks of Omega’s exoskeleton platform like a human power bank, keeping your legs fresh and allowing you to venture far without getting tired. Unlike the fuller-bodied exoskeletons on the market, the 4.4 lb (2 kg) Omega is designed for portability, collapsing into a 6.5 L shape and securing to a backpack or carry it in your backpack. In this way, the user can choose to wear it for the entire trip, or pack and suit for a particularly difficult leg of the trip.
hyper shell
4.4 pounds is a lot to add to your backpack (many backpacking tents are lightweight), but the Hypershell Omega more than makes up for it. The lower body device is sized to fit the user’s hips and legs and uses an integrated 1 hp (800 W) permanent magnet synchronous motor to assist offsetting up to 66 lbs (30 kg) of weight provide support. Users can walk, run, and scramble more easily with less weight on their backs, saving energy and adventuring longer. (12 miles) driving speed and provides a range of up to 25 km (16 miles) on a single charge.
Hypershell Omega has 1 active joint and 8 passive joints for smooth, unrestricted movement. It relies on a multi-sensor architecture to track torque, position and force, monitor leg movements and model gait in milliseconds via two onboard 2 processors. The device regulates motor power in 9 different modes such as walking, running, hill climbing and cycling. “Hyper Mode” gives instant access to maximum system output at the push of a button. The AI engine intelligently predicts the user’s next move, seamlessly matches assistive outputs, and learns and adapts the user over time for more intuitive operation.
hyper shell
This form of exoskeleton seems most useful for multi-day backpacking trips as opposed to short afternoon hikes, but its limited range can drain the battery quickly. Hypershell tries to get around this by giving the exoskeleton two hot-swappable lithium battery packs integrated into the sides of its aluminum-magnesium chassis. Users can carry spare batteries and replace them as needed. But only if you are prepared to pack an additional 14 oz (400 g) per battery pair.
In addition to hikers and backpackers, Hypershell envisions its exoskeletons being used by mountaineers, cyclists, trail runners, and even outdoor professionals such as photographers and search and rescue teams. Back in civilization, Hypershell Omega could be as useful as walking the streets of a city or visiting a theme park.
hyper shell
Hypershell is about to go into production now, offering three different exoskeleton models on Kickstarter based on the same Omega platform. Starting at a pledge level of HK$2,339 (around US$299), his base Hypershell Go features a small 400W motor for a top speed of 7.5 mph (12 km/h). The standard Pro model starts at HK$3,129 (US$399) with the specs above, but the lightweight 4-pound (1.8 kg) carbon model jumps up to HK$6,189 (US$790) for him. If all goes according to plan, deliveries will begin in September.
The video below explains Hypershell in more detail.
1 hp AI exoskeleton to support your daily adventures
Source: Hypershell
