Hypershell Halo Lower-Body Exoskeleton Tested

Thanks to science fiction, people had long assumed that exoskeletons would eventually exist; what’s new is that they’re actually feasible and that prototypes already exist. Until the IFA, we knew nothing about the manufacturer Hypershell, so we were all the more surprised to find a finished product at their booth that we could try out.

Technical Background

The exoskeleton is based on a load-bearing carbon-fiber structure that extends from the hip to the lower leg. It uses four motorized joints that function as a coordinated system. To ensure natural movements, the system features an adaptive “Fish-Spine” joint that allows for lateral movements of 198 degrees as well as forward and backward movements of 167 degrees. In addition, the “AeroFlex V Thigh Strap” ensures even pressure distribution on the leg and adapts to the user’s posture, whether standing, sitting, or squatting.

Control is handled by the “HyperIntuition 2.0” algorithm, which is based on a “mixture-of-experts” architecture. This system uses over 30 high-precision sensors and the “HyperCore Pro” AI chip to analyze movements and terrain in real time. The system is capable of predicting the user’s intentions about 200 milliseconds in advance and can adjust the levels of assistance up to 2,500 times per second. Through reinforcement learning, the exoskeleton adapts over time to the specific gait, strength, and preferences of each individual user.

The hardware is powered by the HyperDrive Pro system, which delivers a peak power output of 1,490 watts. This allows the user to reach speeds of up to 17 kilometers per hour without increasing physical exertion. To keep the device portable, the knee drive units each weigh 170 grams, and the overall frame is made of a magnesium alloy, carbon fiber, and aerospace-grade titanium. The total weight of the system is 2.6 kilograms.

The Halo is designed for outdoor use and features an IP54 rating for protection against dust and splashing water. It is compatible with backpacks up to 85 liters and can be folded down to a volume of less than 8 liters for transport. A five-buckle system with QuickFit levers allows the device to be put on in about 20 seconds and taken off again in 5 seconds.

Our Impressions of the Exoskeleton

The first time you put on the exoskeleton, it takes a while because you have to attach and adjust it step by step until it feels right and the joints are properly positioned. The second time through, however, takes only a fraction of the time. You work your way from the hips to the knees and then down to the calves. Finally, you insert the battery, which lasts about 2 hours but is easy to replace.

Using the app, you can switch between modes, each of which provides a different level of assistive power. The highest mode, in particular, feels “overpowered” because the exoskeleton pushes you forward. This makes climbing stairs or jumping over hurdles immensely easier and requires very little effort. Jumping is also made easier, and you can jump higher.

There’s also a mode that makes you feel sluggish, with the machine working against you—which serves more as a workout. However, the exoskeleton isn’t intended for medical purposes but is rather designed for recreational activities. We quickly got used to the Adaptive mode, and it ended up feeling surprisingly “natural.” The product struck us as very well-developed and ready for use.

Price and Availability

The manufacturer appears ready for widespread distribution, and the first 200 units will be released as the “Origin Edition” with unique serial numbers. Pre-orders are being accepted for $2,299/€2,299. General sales and shipping are scheduled to begin as early as November.