E-bikes have really changed the game for cyclists. Now, there’s this new gadget—a wearable robot—that’s aiming to do something similar for our legs.
This robotic exoskeleton is a battery-operated device that you strap onto your body, designed to make activities like running and hiking feel different—possibly even easier or harder, depending on your workout goals.
For some time, these exoskeletons have been used in medical rehab, helping folks relearn how to walk after an illness or an injury. But now, companies are bringing lighter versions into the consumer fitness space, aiming to not just restore mobility but to help fit, active individuals move farther and with less effort.
Take Hypershell, for instance. They’re delivering these advanced devices to everyone from casual adventurers to elite athletes, and they’re priced at around $2,299 each. Recently, they provided several exoskeletons to Brazilian soccer club Santos FC to help with player movement and lessen physical strain during training and recovery.
Another company, DNSYS, has their models priced between $1,299 and $2,298. They even partnered with the creators of the video game “Death Stranding 2” to create a limited-edition version of their leg gear, which sold out in less than an hour.
This August, Ascentiz introduced its $1,199 H Module, which is a robotic hip attachment aimed at improving lower-body performance. It’s supposed to support outdoor activities and make normal movement easier.
What’s interesting about the H Module is its Exo-Belt—a waist platform that lets users switch out attachments according to their needs, rather than needing separate units for the hips and knees.
Now don’t expect to be leaping over tall buildings with this thing. While it doesn’t offer superhuman feats, it does have several modes to adjust how you move.
In assist mode, for instance, the exoskeleton’s motors give your hips a nudge with each step, which can decrease the physical effort involved in walking or climbing by around 35% to 40%.
If you’re looking to push yourself harder, training mode adds resistance to help activate muscles and increase calorie burn.
Cruise control, another feature, adjusts assistance to keep your stride steady.
This device weighs about 5.5 pounds and can fold down to roughly the size of a laptop, and Ascentiz claims it can help offset as much as 66 pounds of weight and improve leg strength by 35%.
Plus, it has an AI-powered motion engine that instantly adapts to the wearer’s stride.
Strapping on this robot and heading out for a run felt like a lot of work just to avoid, well, effort. But, for the sake of exploration, I decided to give it a try in Central Park to see if it could truly make me feel like a bionic woman.
Trying Out the Exoskeleton
First stop: the stairs at Bethesda Terrace, famous for its iconic fountain.
I buckled on the Exo-Belt and attached the module above my knees. Surprisingly, setting it up was easy, and the device was lighter and less awkward than I’d expected—though, I certainly felt the presence of a robot on my body.
A few curious onlookers glanced over, but it didn’t seem to cause any alarm. In a city like this, a robotic hip attachment probably didn’t hold a candle to other oddities people might encounter.
With assist mode activated at around half power, I began my ascent.
I thought the device would propel me up the stairs with ease, but I noticed only a subtle change. Perhaps that was the point—since climbing stairs isn’t particularly strenuous for me, there wasn’t much effort for the exoskeleton to alleviate. Coming down the stairs, however, I did feel the device encouraging me to maintain a more upright position, making me more aware of my posture.
Getting Ready to Run
Next on my agenda was running, a pastime I’ve previously struggled with.
I’ve attempted to embrace running before, but the breathlessness and lack of the much-talked-about runner’s high never really hooked me. Could this robotic assist make running more enjoyable?
As I approached a running path, I cranked up the assist mode and took off.
Suddenly, I understood the appeal. Unlike my experience with the stairs, the H Module made a noticeable difference right away. My strides felt lighter, and I barely had to exert myself to keep moving. At times, the propulsion felt so strong that I felt like I was being pushed forward.
Another pleasant surprise was how unobtrusive the device was on my waist. The last thing I wanted was extra gear weighing me down.
I could see how this module might be enticing for people anxious about keeping pace with a running group or competing in a race.
Of course, some traditional fitness enthusiasts might view assisted movement as… well, a bit of a cheat. But it’s important to remember we’re talking about personal fitness here, not a competition.
There’s also the training mode, which adds an element of resistance. I switched to that and found my legs working harder, almost as though I was trying to run through thick mud. That added challenge could benefit anyone—from casual gym-goers to serious athletes—who want to incorporate training into daily activity without needing weights or machines. Walking the dog or running errands could transform into mini workouts.
Exploring More Challenging Terrain
Finally, I ventured onto some of Central Park’s rougher terrain, scrambling over rocks and navigating uneven pathways.
Being more of a hiker than a runner, I was curious to see if this device might enhance my experience without diminishing the challenge. With cruise control engaged, the H Module adjusted its assistance as I moved.
I felt its effects more than I did on the stairs, although not as dramatically as during my run. That made sense since I had pushed myself pretty hard while running, so the exoskeleton could tell I genuinely needed a bit of help.
For longer hikes with lots of ups and downs, I could see the H Module being quite useful—particularly for anyone eager to keep exploring without getting worn out.
Considering the Value of a Robotic Exoskeleton
The technology was undeniably fascinating to try out, but that doesn’t mean it’s a must-have for every fitness enthusiast.
For those who place a premium on convenience and want an easy way to add resistance to their daily movements, the training mode may be appealing. The assist function could attract dedicated runners, cyclists, walkers, and hikers who wish to enjoy their activities with less physical strain.
There’s even a potential social perk; someone who struggles to keep pace with a more athletic friend might feel more comfortable joining them on a walk or hike with a bit of assistance.
For me, the biggest attraction was resistance mode, as I’m focused on building muscle and strength. The idea of making everyday movements feel more like a workout is interesting. Still, for now, I’ll stick with my fancy gym membership and personal training sessions rather than invest in a robotic suit.
While I didn’t walk away from Central Park with superhuman abilities, I did experience a glimpse of how wearable robotics could reshape fitness.
And honestly, for someone who typically dreads running, sprinting effortlessly down a park path felt nothing short of impressive.
