Summary
- The Hypershell X Ultra: waist-worn exoskeleton (1000W) assists hiking, running, cycling, cuts effort up to 40%.
- It feels odd at first — weight on waist and knee push, but AI adapts; Transparent mode reveals unseen support.
- It’s priced from $2,000, ships Sept 15 and is useful for hikers, mobility needs, or older users.
Whenever you are at trade shows like IFA and MWC, you usually get to see the latest tech that’s ready for shipping, while some companies showcase early prototypes ahead of their launch. Some of it is truly amazing, while other things may hold little to no interest.
This year’s IFA felt a little different. Yes, there were new smartphones, gaming handhelds, and some fascinating accessories on display, but I also got to try a completely different kind of wearable, unlike anything I’d seen before.
At IFA 2025, Hypershell unveiled the Hypershell X Ultra. This isn’t another smartwatch or smart ring you wear on your wrist — it’s a different kind of wearable for your lower body. The company calls it an exoskeleton, though not quite the kind Tony Stark wore in Iron Man.
I went hands-on with the Hypershell X Ultra, and while I’m not entirely sold on the idea just yet, it does seem like a gadget that could be genuinely useful for a particular niche of users.
- Brand
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Hypershell
- Material
-
Carbon-fiber + Titanium
- Battery
-
Up to 30km
- Weight
-
2.4 kg
- Power
-
1000W
Hypershell X Ultra is a lightweight outdoor exoskeleton delivering up to 1000W of assistance for walking, hiking, and cycling. It features a carbon fiber-titanium frame and offers up to 18 mile (30km) of battery range. The main aim of the Hypershell X Ultra is to reduce fatigue, support joints, and adapt to different terrains for adventurers of all levels.
What exactly is the Hypershell X Ultra, and what can it do?
An exoskeleton designed to assist you on hikes, runs, and workouts
Well, the main aim of the Hypershell X Ultra is to help you move more with less effort. The exoskeleton generates up to 1000W of power using two motors, and its purpose is to provide assistance while walking, running, or even cycling, reducing physical exertion significantly. The company claims users can cut exertion by up to 40%.
In terms of build and design, you wear the Hypershell X Ultra on your waist with two straps tied around your knees. The two motors on each side of your leg generate power, so walking feels easier with less effort.
The device has multiple sensors and the company’s proprietary AI MotionEngine Ultra that continuously monitors your movement and adapts to the terrain in real time to deliver optimal support.
The Hypershell X Ultra is built from aerospace-grade materials such as titanium and carbon fiber to keep it lightweight yet durable. It weighs about 1.8 kg and is powered by a 5,000 mAh battery pack that attaches to the back, providing up to 30 km on a single charge in ‘Eco’ mode.
Thankfully, the rear battery is user-replaceable, so you can carry a spare pack and swap it out when needed. It also charges via USB-C, so you can use your phone’s charger (or a battery bank) to charge while you hike.
Hypershell also offers a companion phone app to switch between modes like Eco, which balances power with battery life, Hyper mode for maximum intensity, and Transparent mode with no power assist. The device can auto-switch between modes, but you can also change them manually in the app.
The app displays stats like remaining battery, steps taken, elevation gain, and more. The company also announced it’s working on an Apple Watch app so you’ll be able to see data and switch modes without pulling out your phone during a hike or run.
What’s it really like to walk around in an exoskeleton?
It’s surprisingly comfortable, but you do feel the weight
Well, all of this sounds fun in theory, but how is it to actually wear an exoskeleton like the Hypershell X Ultra and walk around in it? The company took me on a one-hour hike in Berlin during IFA, where we were asked to wear the Hypershell and explore all the available features.
It definitely feels strange the first time you put it on. For someone who hasn’t used any leg support or carried anything on their waist during a hike, wearing the Hypershell X Ultra definitely felt weird for once.
I could feel the weight of the Hypershell on my waist as I walked, but once you turn it on and let the AI engine adapt to your movement and terrain, you begin to sense what the device can really do.
At first, it feels slightly odd because you can sense something pushing your leg just above the back of the knee. But after enough steps, you start to notice how it reduces your effort, boosts your movement, and gradually becomes comfortable.
To be completely honest, the product didn’t “wow” me at first, but you do notice the assistance it provides. You can feel the push it gives and how it may help you move more than you normally would.
And even though it didn’t seem very helpful at first, the moment you switch to Transparent mode, you get that “Oh” moment and realize just how much support the device had been giving without you noticing.
Hypershell might have a promising product here
All said, I can see how a device like the Hypershell X Ultra could be a game-changer for some people. Whether it’s hikers, those with mobility challenges, or older users who need extra support while walking, the idea of getting a push from an exoskeleton definitely makes sense.
It’s not something for me, or even something Hypershell buyers would use regularly, but I can see how useful this device might be for my mom or dad on days when they have a lot of walking to do or just need some extra support.
The Hypershell X Ultra starts at $2,000 and will be available beginning September 15, 2025. You can get a $100 discount if you lock in a unit right now.
