Hypershell's new S-series exoskeletons promise better motion tracking — but still aren't for bad knees

At a glance:

• Hypershell launches three new "S"-series exoskeletons — the $1,000 X Pro S, $1,500 Max S, and $2,000 Ultra S — targeting hikers and runners who want extra leg support.
• The Ultra S and Max S deliver up to 1,000W of power, 22N of torque, and a top speed of 15 mph (25 kph), with the Ultra S offering an 18-mile (30 km) range per battery and swappable packs.
• Improved AI motion detection cuts the delay between the wearer's movement and motor response, but Hypershell stresses the devices are not medical devices and won't fix knee injuries or arthritis.

Three new models, three price tiers

Hypershell is rolling out a refreshed lineup of wearable exoskeletons aimed at outdoor athletes and serious hikers. The company introduced three models under its new "S" series: the Hypershell X Pro S priced at $1,000, the Max S at $1,500, and the Ultra S at $2,000. Each is built around an armature of carbon fiber bars that hug the tailbone and legs just above the knees, though the non-Ultra models use aluminum instead. Motors in the back portion of the exoskeleton follow the wearer's movements — if you lift your leg, the device pushes or pulls to aid each step.

The Ultra S and Max S are the high-output siblings. They share a maximum power output of 1,000W and 22N of torque, with a top speed of 15 mph (25 kph). The Ultra S differentiates itself with the largest battery in the lineup, promising an 18-mile (30-kilometer) range per charge. The package ships with multiple batteries that can be swapped out on the trail. The Pro S, by contrast, is positioned for "lighter" outdoor activity and targets users who want modest assistance without the heft of the bigger packs.

Smarter motion tracking and a slimmer fit

The most noticeable upgrade in the S series is the improved AI motion-detection system. Hypershell told Gizmodo that the new model cuts down on the delay between when the wearer moves their leg and when the motors kick in. In practice, the difference is subtle but real — the device adapted to the author's body faster and felt a bit more seamless than previous generations.

The hardware also got a trim. Each bar that connects to the legs now fits closer to the limbs, giving the exoskeleton a slightly slimmer silhouette. The author noted that you still look "like a cyborg who forgot their upper limbs," but the form factor is measurably less bulky. The Hypershell X Ultra S adds an automatic mode that uses AI to detect the type of activity and the terrain the wearer is running on. Wearers can also manually select whether they're on a flat plane or tackling a steep incline via a companion app. During testing, the S-model exoskeleton quickly guessed when the author was walking versus facing an incline.

Built for athletes, not patients

Hypershell markets its exoskeletons as "range extenders" — devices that let already-athletic people push further than their body would normally allow. The pitch is straightforward: instead of a 15-mile hike, why not do 30 miles? But that framing comes with an important caveat. Hypershell does not claim any of the new S models are medical devices. Multiple company spokespeople reiterated to Gizmodo that while the suit may help with specific struggles related to leg fatigue or load, it won't fix a knee injury or let a person with arthritis return to mountain climbing "like a spry youth."

The trade-off is one of fitness philosophy. Because the exoskeleton assists your limbs, you lose some of the burn you'd get from the workout alone. For backpackers considering a multi-day wilderness trek, the appeal is clear — but remember that you'll need to carry extra batteries. As the old trail saying goes, ounces become pounds, and dead batteries mean you're lugging several extra pounds of dead weight. The company is explicit that it is not making therapeutic claims, and buyers should manage expectations accordingly.

What to watch next

The S series keeps Hypershell's core proposition intact: affordable, wearable power assistance for people who are already in shape and looking to go farther. The jump to AI-driven automatic mode on the Ultra S hints at where the product could evolve — smarter terrain awareness and activity classification could make the device feel less like a gadget strapped to your legs and more like a natural extension of your movement. For now, the lineup gives hikers and runners three clear tiers to choose from, with the Ultra S offering the longest range and most features for those willing to spend $2,000.

At the same time, the exoskeleton market remains niche. Hypershell's devices are built for a very specific user: someone who is already athletic, has the budget for a premium wearable, and is comfortable looking like a cybernetic trail hiker. Whether that audience expands as battery density improves and AI tracking gets sharper will determine if the S series is a stepping stone to mainstream adoption or stays a enthusiast's toy.