Latest news with #exoskeleton
Forbes
3 days ago
- Automotive
- Forbes
Renault Is Now A Strategic Partner And Investor In Wandercraft
Sneak peek of the Calvin-40 The Renault Group has finalized a minority investment in the French self-balancing exoskeleton developer Wandercraft. This agreement unlocks new funding and serves as a vote of confidence in the technology that enables people confined to a wheelchair to stand and walk again without the need for crutches or walkers. Furthermore, the Renault Group will leverage Wandercraft's technical expertise to develop a new line of humanoid robots. This strategic partnership is initially focusing on Calvin, a line of next-generation robots for manufacturing operations (a sneak peek of the Calvin-40 is featured above). The intent is for these robots to perform tasks that require handling of loads in body positions that put too much wear and tear on workers' bodies. Finally, the partnership envisions leveraging Renault's assembly expertise to make robots and exoskeletons more affordable and easier to produce at scale. 'We are proud to continue advancing our mission through this strategic partnership. After millions of steps, and numerous awards recognizing our use of AI for good, this move takes us to the next level. As a world-class manufacturer, Renault Group strengthens our ability to produce at scale while increasing access, which remains critical for our soon-to-be customers walking again in Eve. Renault Group also brings tremendous technological synergies and represents our very first customer in a growing list of clients.' - Matthieu Masselin, CEO and co-founder of Wandercraft. 'This partnership with Wandercraft is a forward-looking move. It will allow us to accelerate on automation and to develop robots for our specific auto industrial use, giving us the opportunity to concentrate our people on more value-adding tasks and alleviate operators from painful and non-ergonomics duties. It will drive productivity through the acceleration of production time and cost reduction. In the end, it makes a lot of sense to combine Wandercraft's unique expertise and technology in exoskeletons and robots, with Renault Group's strong industrial capacity and design-to-cost know-how to bring the production of robots at scale' said Thierry Charvet, Chief Industry and Quality Officer of Renault Group. Indeed, Renault Group's trust in Wandercraft appears to be well placed. Wandercraft's self-balancing exoskeleton won the Artificial Intelligence Innovation Award at SXSW 2025. Wandercraft's use of AI was also highlighted in NVIDIA's CEO Keynote speech at CES 2025, Las Vegas. The company was able to compete by placing a mannequin inside their exoskeleton and still won first place in two disciplines at Humanoids 24. Finally, this isn't even the first time an exoskeleton developer has applied their expertise to the world of humanoid robotics. That honor goes to Fourier, which launched the GR-1 humanoid robot five years after releasing their first walking-assist exoskeleton. The Renault Group has chosen not only to invest in Wandercraft but also to partner with them in creating new and more affordable robotic solutions that improve people's lives.
Gizmodo
4 days ago
- Lifestyle
- Gizmodo
To mark National Trails Day, you can try out a Hypershell X – the outdoor exoskeleton for everyone
You may have seen exoskeletons deployed for military, scientific, or medical use, but the X series from Hypershell is different: It's designed for anyone to use, to go farther and for longer with bionic assistance, on hikes and other outdoor adventures. Our own Kyle Barr has tried the Hypershell Pro X, and was impressed. An X exoskeleton will ordinarily set you back $1,000 or above, but Hypershell is partnering with the American Hiking Society (AHS) to mark National Trails Day on June 7, 2025. For the occasion, 30 Hypershell Pro X devices will be distributed to 10 hiking sites, where they can be tested by volunteers and walkers. Enter Now to Win a Hypershell Exoskeleton 'Hypershell was founded on the belief that technology should expand the boundaries of human movement, especially in the wild,' says Kelvin Sun, the founder and CEO of Hypershell. 'Our mission aligns deeply with that of the American Hiking Society, which has been the national voice for America's hikers for nearly 50 years. We're honored to stand with them in promoting access, adventure, and stewardship on the trails.' The Hypershell X The Hypershell X is a piece of outdoor gear quite unlike any other: The exoskeleton fits to your back, around your waist, and attaches to your legs. It then puts you on cheat mode as far as hiking goes, giving you faster speeds and extending your stamina—you can use it to complete walks you might not otherwise attempt, or to finish routes you can tackle in a faster time. For the hiking beginner, it gives you the confidence to get out on the trail. For the hiking expert, it levels up what you're capable of. For younger walkers, it can add years on, and for older walkers, it can take years off. The exoskeleton is there to help you move farther, stronger, and smarter, and it's designed to fit seamlessly into the way you move. You've got three models to choose from: The Go X, the Pro X, and the Carbon X. They offer increasing levels of performance and power, with Hypershell promising they'll give you up to 40 percent more leg strength and equal up to 30 percent less physical exertion. It can offset up to 30 kilograms or 66 pounds of weight, while battery range is good for up to 17.5 kilometers or almost 11 miles. The weight of the Hypershell X exoskeleton itself is a mere 2 kilograms or 4.4 pounds, or a little less if you go for the carbon fiber and titanium option—so it's definitely not going to weigh you down. As well as walking, because of its lightweight and unobtrusive nature, it's also suitable for running and cycling. Enter Now to Win a Hypershell Exoskeleton Underpinning everything is an AI MotionEngine, programmed to adapt in real time to your movement. Based on inputs from more than a dozen sensors, it figures out your next step, and then provides assistance to propel you forward. It's personalized too, so it learns your walking gait over time, and should feel more natural the more you use it. You wear the battery on your back, rucksack style, and when you're not using your Hypershell X it folds right down too for easy transport. With the battery weighing in at 400 grams or 0.88 pounds, you can easily pack spares too—giving you even more range across several hikes or several days. The exoskeleton offers quite a bit of control over how much assistance it actually gives you, and you've got three different modes of operation to choose between, to balance battery life and performance. What's more, it's IP54 rated, and can work in conditions as cold as -10 degrees Celsius (that's 14 degrees Fahrenheit). In our review, Kyle described the Pro X model as being easy to use, comfortable to wear, and effective at helping you to walk further with less effort. There are 'plenty of people who can benefit from this device' he concluded—including not just experienced hikers but those who are less likely to go walking due to inability, injury, or age. Enter Now to Win a Hypershell Exoskeleton The Hypershell X is an award-winner too: It picked up an Innovation Award as part of CES 2025, with its 'revolutionary and ultra-light ergonomic design' singled out for special praise. Exoskeletons are no longer the stuff of science fiction, the super-rich, or the army—and you might start to see them much more often on your hiking trails. National Trails Day Hypershell's partnership with the AHS is about making hiking more accessible, to everyone—people of any age, of all abilities. Those who might otherwise have considered getting out on the trail beyond them can take on the challenge, while experienced walkers can get a synthetic boost to their natural abilities. National Trails Day is the signature annual event of the AHS, and this year it falls on Saturday, June 7. The idea behind the event is to encourage people to get active outdoors, to connect with other members of their community, and perhaps to give something back to the trails in terms of tidying up a route and leaving it in a better condition than when you found it. You can find out more about National Trails Day here, and look up events happening in your local area. Typically, tens of thousands of people across the US get together for the day, advocating for public lands and trails, and enjoying some of the majestic splendor offered by the natural landscape all around us. These goals and passions fit in neatly with Hypershell and its X exoskeleton of course, and as part of National Trails Day this year, Hypershell will be at the Tahoe Rim Trail project near Big Meadow Trailhead in Lake Tahoe, California. The aim of the day is to introduce a new highway crossing reroute, which will improve hiker safety and mean a better overall experience for anyone using the route. Anyone attending the project event will have the chance to try on the Hypershell Pro X and take advantage of all the benefits it brings: Reducing strain and extending endurance, and from there supporting the admirable work being put into trail maintenance during this special day of outdoor gatherings. Enter Now to Win a Hypershell Exoskeleton Just turn up on the day to get involved and see if an exoskeleton could be the upgrade for you. You can get more information on all of this from the official Hypershell website, or the official American Hiking Society website—both have plenty of resources and plenty of information for you to check out, and there are gear giveaways you can take part in too.
Forbes
7 days ago
- Health
- Forbes
Robotics, Ergonomics, AI: A New Exoskeleton Powering Your Outdoor Adventures
Hypershell X enables you to go further and explore more through their state-of-the-art robotics, ergonomics, and AI. Exoskeleton technology, which helps to power hikes and adventures in the outdoors, isn't entirely newfangled. Skip magically partnered with Arc'teryx to create MO/GO, which integrates the special technology into a line of slick pants that they're calling 'movewear'. For MO/GO, which stands for 'mountain goat', the pants use sensors and AI to detect movement in real-time. The cost to consumers for this technology? $5,000. Another brand, however, offers parallel help for everyday explorers who want to adventure in the outdoors, but need a little support, at a more affordable cost. Like an e-bike for hikers and walkers, Hypershell X, which begins at $999 for the Hypershell GO X and goes up to $1,799 for the Hypershell Carbon X, has made innovation a part of their ethos in the field of exoskeletons with the goal of enriching people's experiences in the outdoors. While Hypershell X was founded in 2021, it wouldn't be until 2024 when the company would successfully kick off mass production and delivery. Earning the Best of Innovation award in the robotics category at CES Innovation Awards 2025 would come next. Partnering with global nonprofits and rescue organizations, Hypershell X has made it a priority to keep sustainability and equity at the forefront. Minimizing environmental impact is a direct part of the company's philosophy. 'With expertise in mechanical design, motion algorithms, AI, and embedded systems, Hypershell X is redefining exoskeleton technology. By combining innovation with human-centered design, Hypershell X strives to enhance mobility, amplify human potential, and integrate exoskeletons into everyday life for a more sustainable future,' an official report says. The sleek and lightweight design is easy to wear and move in. Unlike MO/GO, a pair of pants with the technology inserted on the inside, Hypershell X has two cuffs that go around the thighs and one brace that attaches at the waist, all to be worn on the outside of your hiking pants or tights. Lightweight, ergonomic, relatively quiet, and easy to wear, the Hypershell X will have you up and out quickly no matter where your adventures take you. Adapting to your every movement, precision sensors perform smart calculations as you move in real time. The good part: the more you wear it, the better it learns and works for your specific body and gait. The rechargeable battery lasts for an elongated time and functions even in colder temperatures. Utilize the Hypershell X when you go on walks or hikes, especially if there is incline or decline involved. You could also use this tech for walking up and down stairs or while exploring various destinations on vacation. The technology will give you a little boost, helping you on your way. Adjustable to work for various sizes and shapes, the Hypershell X is appropriate for most bodies. When you're finished, you can collapse the pieces and store away in its handy case until you're ready to use it the next time. Join American Hiking Society for National Trails Day on June 7, where volunteers will hit the trails to maintain and clean up the outdoor spaces that are important to so many. Hypershell is offering each person who registers a $20 coupon and a chance to win a free Hypershell Pro X.
Fox News
24-05-2025
- Health
- Fox News
AI exoskeleton gives wheelchair users the freedom to walk again
For Caroline Laubach, being a Wandercraft test pilot is about more than just trying out new technology. It's about reclaiming a sense of freedom and connection that many wheelchair users miss. Laubach, a spinal stroke survivor and full-time wheelchair user, has played a key role in demonstrating the personal AI-powered prototype exoskeleton's development, and her experience highlights just how life-changing this device can be. "When I'm in the exoskeleton, I feel more free than I do in my daily life," said Laubach. "It gives me the opportunity to walk around and talk to people at eye level. I don't have to look up at people all the time. "It makes me feel more visible and able to connect with others. One thing I noticed right away, was how inclusive the exoskeleton would be to a wide variety of disabilities. The goal is to have disabled people able to use this exoskeleton to live their daily life out in the world; I can definitely see that happening in the future." Laubach's story is at the heart of Wandercraft's mission: to help people move through the world with greater walking independence and upright mobility. Wandercraft's journey began with a personal challenge. Nicolas Simon, the company's co-founder, saw his own family members struggle with mobility due to Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, a genetic condition. As a student and robotics enthusiast, Simon wanted to create something that could help his brother and others like him walk again. Alongside Matthieu Masselin and Jean-Louis Constanza, who also had a personal connection to the cause, Simon founded Wandercraft in 2012. Their goal was simple but ambitious: to bring advanced mobility solutions to the estimated 80 million people worldwide who rely on wheelchairs. Wandercraft's first exoskeleton, Atalante X, is already making a difference in over 100 clinics and research centers worldwide. This device, cleared by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and approved in Europe, helps patients take over a million steps each month as part of their rehabilitation. It has already helped hundreds regain some mobility and independence. But Wandercraft wanted to go further. The new Personal Exoskeleton protoype, now in clinical trials in New York and New Jersey, is designed for daily life, at home, at work, and out in the community. It uses NVIDIA AI to adapt instantly to each user's movements, providing smooth, stable walking on all sorts of surfaces, from sidewalks to carpets. Users control the exoskeleton with a joystick, making it accessible to people with a wide range of abilities. A big part of Wandercraft's progress comes from its partnership with Nvidia. The team uses Nvidia Isaac Sim, a powerful simulation tool, to test and improve the exoskeleton in virtual environments before real-world trials. They're also exploring Nvidia's healthcare robotics and edge computing platforms to make the device smarter and more responsive. This technology means the exoskeleton can someday keep up with everyday life, walking at a normal pace, crossing streets, and even handling stairs. As Simon puts it, "It's essential for the exoskeleton to be fast enough that it can be used in the real world. By integrating NVIDIA AI into the device, we can someday enable users to walk at an average pace, cross the road, and go up and down stairs." Wandercraft's commitment to improving lives goes beyond just building exoskeletons. In the heart of Manhattan, the company has opened Walk in New York by Wandercraft, a state-of-the-art physical therapy practice and Atalante X walk center located at 345 Park Avenue South. This groundbreaking center is the first of its kind in the U.S. and represents a partnership between Wandercraft and licensed physical therapy professionals to help individuals with neurological conditions move more, move better and move again. At Walk in New York, movement is truly seen as medicine. The center offers personalized screenings with licensed physical therapists, hands-free walking sessions using the Atalante X exoskeleton, and comprehensive neurorehabilitation services. Patients can experience walking again in a safe, professional environment, regardless of their trunk or upper body strength. Each therapy plan is tailored to the individual, and progress is tracked objectively to ensure the best possible outcomes. The technology at Walk in New York goes beyond exoskeletons. The center features virtual reality systems for real-time movement feedback, mirror therapy to promote motor recovery, advanced gait analysis, and immersive environments that make rehabilitation more engaging and effective. Walk in New York is also set to become the hub for Wandercraft's Personal Exoskeleton, where individuals will be able to receive their own devices, undergo training, and access ongoing support as this technology becomes available for everyday use. The center's focus on personalized care and innovation makes it a welcoming space for anyone interested in rediscovering mobility, whether for themselves or a loved one. At Walk in New York, the belief is simple: movement is medicine, and everyone deserves the chance to move through life with confidence and independence. Wandercraft is working toward FDA approval for the Personal Exoskeleton, with hopes of making it available to millions of wheelchair users in the U.S. and beyond. The company is actively recruiting participants for its clinical trials and is committed to making this technology accessible, with plans for Medicare coverage in the future. Are you an adult 18 or older with a complete or incomplete motor SCI at or above the T6 vertebra? If so, you might be eligible for our clinical trial. To participate, you'll need a physically able companion to assist you during sessions. If you don't have someone in mind, don't worry, Wandercraft is creating a volunteer network to help connect trial participants with companions. Both patients and companions should be able to speak English or communicate well with a translator. If you meet these criteria, or if you're interested in volunteering as a companion, you can reach out to Wandercraft by emailing them at clinicaltrials@ Despite all the advances in technology over the past few decades, tens of millions of people still rely on wheelchairs. Wandercraft's Personal Exoskeleton, shaped by the real-life experiences of test pilots like Laubach, is offering a new way forward, one that brings freedom, independence and a renewed sense of possibility. Laubach's story really shows how powerful this technology can be when it is designed with real people in mind. Wandercraft's Personal Exoskeleton isn't just about robotics or AI; it's about helping people stand tall, connect with others, and live life on their own terms. Every step taken with this device brings that vision closer to reality, making the future of mobility feel more hopeful and within reach than ever before. In what ways could AI-driven wearable robotics reshape how we think about disability and independence? Let us know by writing us at For more of my tech tips and security alerts, subscribe to my free CyberGuy Report Newsletter by heading to Follow Kurt on his social channels: Answers to the most-asked CyberGuy questions: New from Kurt: Copyright 2025 All rights reserved.
The National
22-05-2025
- Automotive
- The National
Gitex Europe: The exoskeleton suits that give wearer 'the strength of a robot'
Robotic exoskeleton suits that give manual labourers extra strength could be about to transform the workplace. The power suits, designed by the European firm German Bionic, were among the main attractions on the second day of the technology exhibition Gitex Europe in Berlin. The Apogee wearable tool, which has the appearance of a robotic vest, is already being used in factories, hospitals and production lines, where it is being used for a variety of tasks including changing tyres in car garages and easing the load of baggage handlers at Stuttgart Airport. The company behind the device hopes that its success in Europe will soon be replicated in the UAE. The firm is looking to build new partnerships with Dubai investors and take the robotic vests into the Middle East. Devices lift up to 36kg, providing "an intelligent link between humans and machines", as it learns each wearer's behaviours and walking patterns to improve performance. The Apogee is the sixth generation of the vest, with German Bionic's chief product officer Norma Steller expecting the device to continue to improve. 'The purpose of the device is that it augments the human body in a way that gives you additional strength and power when you're lifting, when you're walking, or also when you're forward bending,' Ms Steller told The National in Berlin. 'In most cases, it is compensating the whole weight of anything that has to be handled. In Europe, most cargo is still moved on the road by lorries and the unloading and loading is still manual work. The exoskeleton will help and compensate those stress moments.' Initial prototypes weighed 12kg, but the latest model on show at Gitex had its weight cut to just 7kg. The strength is provided by two electric robotic weight engines, with rechargeable power banks providing around four hours of battery life. Devices cost around Dh290,000, but can be rented for around D1,250 a month. Rather than robots replacing workers, the devices allow an existing workforce to maximise their output, Ms Steller added. 'You still have a human worker with the creativity, problem-solving skills and technical experience, but with the strength of a robot,' she said. Company investors include Storm Ventures, Benhamou Global Ventures and MIG Capital, an early investor into BioNTech that developed a vaccine for Covid-19. In 2023, the device won a German Entrepreneur Award for innovation in an industry that has grown considerably in the last decade. Driven by an increasing need for rehabilitation technology and workplace safety, manufacturing and health care have been the industries to see the greatest expansion. That looks set to continue, with a forecast by industry analysts at Fortune Business Insights suggesting the global market for wearable robotic exoskeletons will reach $30.56 billion by 2032. In 2023, the US army trialled a robotic exoskeleton to help soldiers carry heavy loads into the battlefield, and to help load howitzer shells. Troops from the 1-78 Field Artillery Battalion tested the futuristic suits to improve strength and endurance during combat. At a Gitex panel on humanoid and human-centric robots, Pawel Mroczkowski, executive director of DBR77 Robotics said Europe was currently lagging behind the US in bringing robots into industry. 'In Europe, we need a new way of approaching the development speed for humanoids and human-centred robotics,' he said. 'We know how robots and their applications will impact our companies for the next two or three years, but investors need to take a deeper jump into this industry.' Since its inaugural event in Dubai in 1981, Gitex has expanded to host events in technology, business and health care in Africa, Asia and now Europe. On the opening day of the event on Wednesday, Alia Al Mazrouei, Minister of State for Entrepreneurship, hoped the three-day show would attract further investment into UAE tech companies.
