News JVTech Man becomes half robot: exoskeletons come onto the market
What if you wore an exoskeleton to reduce fatigue while hiking in the forest? This is what Hypershell offers with its Omega, a model for individuals.
When we hear about exoskeletons, it’s usually in a professional setting : This type of device is designed to relieve workers, particularly by helping them carry heavy loads that tend to injure joints. Other way of use: in the army to equip the soldiers. It happens less often a model for individuals. And yet the idea caught on with Hypershell.
The Omega, an exoskeleton for trail running
The Hong Kong company Hypershell has developed the Omega, a new type of exoskeleton. There can be no talk of a model that supports the whole body: only the legs are supported by the device. The Omega stands above everything intended for hikers and trail or trekking enthusiasts Find a solution to get less tired.
When folded, the exoskeleton weighs only two kilograms, it easily fits in a backpack. It is designed to clip at the wearer’s waist as well as above the knees. The lightness of the whole explains itself its aluminium-magnesium chassis.
An active joint controls eight other passive joints designed to support the user’s movements. A one horse power synchronous magnet motor for the most advanced modelis there to provide assistance that can rise up to 33 kg thrust. Which makes the toughest climbs easier and even allows you to climb while running.
A device cheaper than you might think
The autonomy of the Omega exoskeleton is up to 25 km. This may seem fair for the most hardcore hikers, so Hypershell has thought of everything: the company offers additional batteries, rather light (200 grams) that allow increasing the autonomy of the set. The battery recovers 20% autonomy in 10 minutes of charging, making it functional for 5 km.
You are probably wondering how much such a device can cost. The answer may surprise you! As a matter of fact, Hypershell has decided to put the Omega up for sale via a Kickstarter campaign. Three versions of the exoskeleton are available:
- L’Hypershell Gowhich starts at 282 dollars, is limited to a speed of 12 km/h and has a range of 15 km.
- L’Hypershell Proavailable from 377 dollars, goes up to 20 km/h and has a range of 25 km.
- L’Hypershell Carbon, which starts at 659 dollars, has the same characteristics as the Pro model but is made of carbon fiber and covered with a Gore-Tex layer that makes it water-repellent. It’s easier too.
Already funded on the platform, this project remains accessible until the beginning of April. The delivery of the different models is planned from Sep 2023, indicating that Hypershell has already completed its project. The only unknown on the table remains that of the true interest of this exoskeleton: if it has been successfully handled by many media outlets, It is clearly used by hiking enthusiasts to reveal the potential of developing Hypershell.
