Until recently, robotic aids designed to facilitate walking in the mountains and on flat terrain were prohibitively expensive. Hypershell has now made these types of products accessible to everyone, with prices ranging from €999 to €1799.
This isn’t a medical device but rather equipment that enhances performance during excursions, making ascents easier for those less physically prepared and extending the possibility of walking on flat ground.
Models and features
The Hypershell Pro X, available at €1,199 with an additional battery, weighs 2 kg and offers a maximum range of 10 km, which varies based on usage and operating modes. However, with moderate device activation and the use of a dual battery, you can extend the range up to 30 km.
For those seeking maximum lightness and performance, the Hypershell Carbon X is the more expensive option, distinguished by its weight of just 1.8 kg, thanks to the use of carbon in its main structure. Its operational lifespan extends up to an impressive 40,000 total hours, also due to the waterproof membrane used for the soft parts.
The Hypershell exoskeleton is designed not to be an obstacle, but a genuine support that facilitates physical activity, lightening the wearer by a full 30 kg. This not only makes walking easier but also contributes to more regular breathing and a significant reduction in muscle pain.
It’s extremely easy and simple to wear, ensuring comfort and complete freedom of movement. Thanks to its adjustments, Hypershell perfectly adapts to any adult, regardless of height or width, making it accessible to anyone who wishes to experience its benefits.
The exoskeleton as a medical device
While Hypershell is designed as a robotic aid for hiking, Twin is an alternative created by IIT for individuals with partial or complete motor deficits.
Twin is an external structure applied to the legs, just like Hypershell, but its goal is to provide daily assistance for those who struggle to walk or stand up. This device is also used in rehabilitation clinics as an aid to physiotherapy for people with both absent and partial motor function.
Twin is remotely controlled with an Android app installed on a tablet, which allows you to command the exoskeleton to perform motor activities. Along with the application, crutches or a walker are necessary because this device isn’t self-balancing; it only imposes a specific movement on the joints.
In summary, the Hypershell exoskeleton is making this type of device accessible to everyone, enhancing hikes and walks with significant support. This progress, alongside medical solutions like IIT’s Twin, demonstrates how technology is increasingly improving the quality of life and freedom of movement for a wide range of people.
