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[EN VIDÉO] The Hercules exoskeleton, which gives the demigod strength. The Hercules exoskeleton is featured in the demonstration. It mechanically supports the load carried on the back and…
Here is the return of Hypershell, an exoskeleton project intended not for transporting heavy loads for workers or for the needs of armies, but for leisure. The idea is far-fetched, but certainly attractive, as the project was funded with a million dollars by numerous contributors on Kikstarter. In the following article, Futura explained the functionality and characteristics of the Omega model presented in March last year. Three models were also scheduled to come onto the market as of September last year, but the company had not yet completed prototype development. In all its versions, the lightweight and compact equipment controlled by the IAIA promised to give human legs the strength of a horse to climb mountains with a heavy backpack.
The Chinese company behind the project is now preparing to unveil its two latest features at the next CES 2024 in Las VegasVegas. These two models are called ProX and GoX. If the characteristics of the second are not yet known, the first will be quite close to the Omega prototype. It is therefore designed for runners, long-distance hikers and other outdoor enthusiasts. It transfers the equivalent of 1 HP or 800 watts of motor power to the legs in order to accompany and support them via a motorized joint and eight other passive joints.
Video presentation of the exoskeleton in use in the mountains. © Hypershell
Official presentation at CES 2024
The accessories compensate for up to 30 kilos of load, so you can carry a large and heavy backpack on long and steep hikes without tiring. The ProX improves anticipation and adaptation to its user's movements thanks to its integrated AI. It can be operated at temperatures down to -20° and is splash-proof. In contrast to exoskeletons used in other industries, the ProX only weighs two kilos despite its performance. It folds completely and can be carried on a backpack when not in use. The other major improvement comes from the battery. It has a larger capacity, which can extend the range up to 35 kilometers. The brand's models, which were originally supposed to start at less than 300 euros, are announced at significantly higher prices, ranging between 600 and 1,300 dollars.
With this lightweight and discreet exoskeleton, your hikes will be more efficient and less tiring
Article by Sylvain BigetSylvain Biget, published on March 8, 2023
How can you walk 25 kilometers in the mountains with a large backpack without exerting yourself or getting tired? Walking support is exactly what Hypershell offers with its lightweight and discreet Omega exoskeleton.
In the 1970s, “The Three Billion Man” was an American series starring Steve Austin. After the crash, this test pilot was fitted with bionic prostheses. They came to increase his physical strength tenfold, to run faster and lift very heavy loads… It was fifty years ago and it was science fiction.
Today it is no longer three billion dollars, but a few hundred, with which almost anyone can increase their performance thanks to an exoskeleton. The Hypershell One was specially developed to increase your performance in the mountains and on trails, i.e. during leisure activities. Because exoskeletons are often serious.
They are generally limited to the professional world or to warfare. Therefore, for leisure and the general public, the Chinese company Hexoshell offers its Omega exoskeleton at an affordable price. Weighing just two kilos, it is lightweight and designed for easy transport. This makes it possible, for example, to use it even for the most demanding stages of a mountain climb. When folded, the Omega fits into a backpack that weighs less than 7 liters. In contrast to imposing exoskeletons, it is rather discreet.
Video presentation of Hypershell's Omega exoskeleton. One of the different support modes allows you to sprint. © Hypershell
Hiking assistance
The accessory adjusts to the size of the wearer's legs and runs down the outside of the thigh to fasten at the top of the knees. The belt that carries the electronics, motor and batteries features a magnesium chassis. It ensures robustness and lightness of the whole thing. It is an active joint that provides input to the eight other passive joints to exercise the legs. To support, the power of the magnetic synchronous motor is only 1 HP. This is enough to provide support of up to 33 kilos of thrust. With this Omega, the user will experience less fatigue when carrying equipment or climbing a steep slope. He can even run like an athlete at speeds of up to 20 km/h.
Its range is 25 kilometers and if this is not enough, it is possible to extend it by carrying additional batteries weighing 400 grams each. To ensure smooth movements, a combination of sensors with artificial intelligence is used. The assembly enables monitoring of torque, position and force to model and support walking. All of this happens in milliseconds via two integrated processors.
As for the price, the brand currently offers three models. The first is announced on Kickstarter for less than $300. Its power is limited and its speed is limited to 12 km/h. The standard model is the model whose top speed is 20 km/h. It costs $100 more. Finally, the carbon model, which is a few hundred grams lighter, sells for $790. The marketing of these exoskeletons is planned from September next year.