Prakhar Khanna/ZDNET
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The Ultra X is a high-performance exoskeleton capable of generating an extraordinary 1000 watts of mechanical power, representing the peak output currently available within the Hypershell lineup. Designed intentionally for individuals who maintain an active, movement-oriented lifestyle, the Hypershell X Ultra merges wearable robotics with athletic ergonomics to enhance endurance and reduce fatigue. The device is now available to consumers for $1,999.
Earlier this year, during the IFA 2025 exhibition in Berlin—an event celebrated for unveiling cutting-edge smart home innovations—I encountered a technology that profoundly reshaped how I viewed wearable augmentation. Amid the bustling environment of the tradeshow, surrounded by futuristic gadgets, I participated in a unique live demonstration: testing the Hypershell X Ultra exoskeleton first-hand. With curiosity overtaking any preconceived expectations, I strapped myself in, uncertain of what sensations awaited or how visibly the device would alter my natural gait. The intrigue stemmed from one fundamental question—what would it feel like to have my own legs momentarily assisted and powered by an external mechanical force?
To satisfy that curiosity, I spent six continuous hours wearing the Hypershell X Ultra, strolling across the expansive show floor to evaluate its real-world usability. The experience turned out to be far more revealing than any short demo could have conveyed.
Setting up the Hypershell X Ultra
Donning the exoskeleton involves careful manual adjustments. The process begins with aligning its structural frame to one’s waist and thighs, followed by securing multiple straps to ensure a snug yet flexible fit. The integrated belt that stabilizes the system felt particularly stiff—a reminder that this was a prototype unit still under refinement. According to Hypershell representatives, future commercial iterations would feature a more user-friendly mechanism for tightening or loosening the belt. Once properly configured, the unit remained securely attached for essentially an entire workday, requiring only minimal readjustments every few hours.
Despite its intricate machinery, the complete setup weighs only 2 kilograms, including the battery pack. Initially, I was skeptical that prolonged wear might cause discomfort or fatigue, but those concerns quickly faded. The distribution of mass was impressively balanced, allowing the exoskeleton to feel much lighter than expected. Throughout several hours of movement, I experienced no strain, thanks to precise engineering and thoughtful design. The X Ultra’s technical superiority is substantiated through the inclusion of over a dozen intelligent sensors and two advanced M-One Ultra Motors that collectively deliver 1000 watts of output power—an unprecedented threshold for any Hypershell model to date. To provide perspective, the entry-level $900 Hypershell X Go offers 400 watts, while the slightly upgraded $1,200 X Pro model peaks at 800 watts. This surge in energy capacity directly translates into measurable performance gains: Hypershell claims up to a 20% reduction in muscle exertion while walking, a 39% drop during cycling, and a 63% boost to hip flexor endurance, numbers that highlight its biomechanical efficiency.
When I first heard those figures, they sounded more like lab statistics than something one could physically perceive. Yet, as soon as I initiated my first strides with the system engaged, I felt my legs come alive with assistance. Each movement required little more than the intention to walk—the exoskeleton amplified my natural rhythm, subtly propelling me forward with every step, delivering a buoyant sensation that bordered on weightlessness.
Control and adjustment features amplify the personalization potential of the device. The X Ultra offers two primary means of regulation: a tactile physical control panel positioned conveniently on the user’s right side and a mobile application that synchronizes with the exoskeleton via Bluetooth. The app facilitates a comprehensive setup process, allowing one to calibrate fit, pair the device, monitor battery levels, and switch between modes. Altering the intensity of assistance leads to an instantly perceivable change—the greater the level you select, the more pronounced and mechanical the propulsion feels, as if muscle power were being externally supplemented by a seamless cybernetic extension.
The system provides three distinct operational modes. Eco Mode, signified by green lights on the control interface, serves as the balanced, energy-efficient configuration for daily use. Hyper Mode, identified by red indicators, channels maximum motor power and delivers a dramatically enhanced leg response—a noticeable spring in each step that can feel almost surreal, as though the ground itself rebounds beneath you. Finally, Transparent Mode, marked by blue LEDs, completely deactivates the assistive function, allowing the wearer to rely purely on natural body movement. My experimentation with this third setting unexpectedly reminded me of how much the exoskeleton had been contributing; switching to Transparent Mode mid-stride made my legs feel abruptly heavier, as though a hidden gravity switch had been thrown. Even then, the 2kg frame itself felt almost imperceptible, a testament to its excellent design.
Another standout engineering achievement is Hypershell’s meticulous approach to weight distribution and energy management. The primary battery module, mounted comfortably along the lower back, powers the device through extended sessions. Its endurance is impressive—rated for approximately 42,000 steps or nearly 60 kilometers of assisted walking per charge, marking a tremendous improvement over the previous generation’s 17.5-kilometer limit. After half a day of constant walking during my trial, the system still retained roughly 70% battery life, underlining both efficiency and reliability.
Why the Hypershell makes sense
The Hypershell X Ultra is not positioned as a medical rehabilitation tool meant to restore lost mobility. Instead, it targets a different demographic: physically active users who want endurance aid or performance enhancement during demanding activities such as hiking, long-distance trekking, or camping. However, it can subtly assist those experiencing mild mobility challenges, helping them conserve strength without undermining natural movement. In addition to basic supportive functions, Hypershell programmed a suite of intelligent motion modes to tailor performance for various terrains and exercises. Cycling+ leverages torque assistance to increase pedaling power; Descent Assist offers controlled resistance to safeguard knees on downhill slopes; Running+ enhances acceleration and stride efficiency during sprints; Dune Mode stabilizes gait over soft, sandy environments; and Snow Mode provides traction-oriented support suitable for winter terrain. A dedicated Fitness Mode introduces deliberate resistance to aid in warm-ups, simulating an external load for progressive training.
Although I could only test the device on flat, indoor surfaces, even that limited exposure revealed its potential. For athletes, explorers, or anyone desiring prolonged stamina, the Hypershell X Ultra represents an impressive leap in the evolution of wearable robotics. It delivers precisely what it promises: augmented human motion through intelligent engineering. The key, however, lies in moderation—use it as an enhancer, not a crutch, or you’ll quickly become aware of how ordinary human motion feels in its absence.
The Hypershell X Ultra exoskeleton is officially retailing at $1,999 and is now available for purchase.
Sourse: https://www.zdnet.com/article/i-tried-the-viral-2000-exoskeleton-that-boosts-your-strength-and-it-actually-works/
