Hypershell has introduced a portable exoskeleton for tourists

Hypershell has developed the Omega exoskeletal platform, a kind of Power Bank for humans. Unlike competitors on the market, a portable exoskeleton weighing 2 kg can be folded and fastened to a backpack. Thus, users can wear it throughout the journey and equip themselves at particularly difficult stages of the journey.

Although an extra 2 kg is a lot for a hike, the startup claims that Omega compensates for this. The device for the lower body is adjusted in size to match the user's parameters, and then with the help of a built-in 1 hp (800 W) synchronous motor with permanent magnets provides auxiliary support that compensates for up to 30 kg of weight. The user feels less weight from any load he is carrying and can walk, run or climb more easily, helping to save energy. The exoskeleton supports a running speed of up to 20 km/h, providing a power reserve of up to 25 km on a single battery charge.

Hypershell Omega has one active and eight passive joints for smooth, unrestricted movement. To track torque, position and force, it uses a multi-sensor architecture that tracks the movement of the legs and simulates the user's gait in milliseconds using two built-in processors. The device then adjusts the engine power in nine different modes, including walking, running, hill climbing and cycling. "Hyper Mode" provides instant access to the maximum power of the system at the touch of a button. The artificial intelligence system predicts a person's next step and smoothly selects the auxiliary mode, eventually learning and adapting to the user for more intuitive control.

This exoskeleton seems to be most useful for multi-day backpacking trips, as opposed to short day hikes, but it is limited by the rapid discharge of batteries. Hypershell is trying to work around this problem by equipping the exoskeleton with two lithium batteries with the possibility of quick replacement. Users can carry additional batteries with them and change them as needed, as long as they are willing to carry an additional 400 g for each pair of batteries.

In addition to hikers, Hypershell suggests that its exoskeleton will be used by climbers, cyclists, as well as outdoor professionals such as photographers and search and rescue teams. In everyday life, Omega can be equally useful for walking along city streets or visiting theme parks.

Hypershell company is trying to establish production by offering on Kickstarter three different exoskeleton models based on the same Omega platform. The base model of the Hypershell Go, which costs 2339 Hong Kong dollars ($299), is equipped with a less powerful 400-watt engine. The standard Pro model has the characteristics described above and starts at HK$3,129 ($399), while the lighter 1.8 kg Carbon model costs HK$6,189 ($790). Deliveries will begin in September if the crowdfunding company goes according to plan.