Hypershell X Ultra exoskeleton for outdoor adventures launches with more power and 30 km range
Shanghai-based Hypershell may be a new company (as too is the entire consumer exoskeleton segment), but it's already bagged the 'Best of Innovation' CES Innovation Award 2025 in the robotics category with its X Carbon "outdoor powersuit". So far, this was its most premium and pricey model. Enter the Hypershell X Ultra, a new flagship that follows the Apple Watch trend of using ‘Ultra’ as a label for the rugged, top-spec model.
Improved power
Certainly the biggest upgrade is a beefier motor that puts out 1000 W peak power, versus 800 W in previous models. This results in a stronger assist for walking, running and cycling. Here are some of the claimed figures:
- Decrease in muscle load: 63% in hip flexors (which bring your knee upward/forward); 25% in hip extensors (which straighten your hips, as when standing up from a squat or pushing off for a sprint)
- Decrease in oxygen consumption: 39% in cycling, 20% in walking
- Decrease in average heart rate: 42% in cycling, 22% in walking
- Max speed assistance: 25 km/h (15.5 mph)
Battery life and range
What's more impressive is that the new model yields nearly double the walking range—30 km per charge in Eco mode—compared to 17.5 km previously, despite using the same 5000 mAh battery. The so called "anti-cold" battery weighs about 400 g (~0.9 lb) and two are included in the box, so on longer excursions you can just carry a spare.
Durability and build quality
The rigid components of the X Ultra are made of carbon fibre and sintered titanium alloy formed into thin-walled, hollow structures, making them light yet strong enough for the job. The device works over a wide range of temperatures from -20° to 60° C (-4° to 140° F). An IP54 rating lends adequate protection from rain and dust.
The Ultra X weighs 1.8 kg (4 lb), which is only about 200 grams lower than the less-premium models.
New modes and connectivity
The X Ultra uses AI to adapt to your gait. There 12 selectable modes for different activities or surfaces, including two new ones—Dune and Snow—for better support and stability on soft surfaces. The cycling and running modes have been improved too. Also new is the ability to control the device from your Apple Watch.
SGS Certification: a caveat
Hypershell touts the SGS certification of the X Ultra's performance. SGS (Société Générale de Surveillance) is a reputed Swiss organisation that rigorously tests products in both the lab and field to verify that they comply to set standards. However, when we looked into it on SGS' website, the only technical data that’s actually certified turned out to be dimensions, weights, input current and voltage, and software version — hardly the kind of rigorous testing that would bolster buyers' confidence.
That said, on Hypershell's website, footnotes near the bottom of the page mention testing conditions in some detail for all claimed performance and battery figures, which is arguably more than what a lot of companies do.
Pricing and availability
The Hypershell Ultra X is priced at $1999, and will be officially available to order starting September 15. However, you can apply now for an early-bird coupon that gives you $100 off, as well as a 6-month extended warranty. If, understandably, you're unsure whether an exoskeleton would be right for you, there's a 14-day return period. Or you can check out the much lower-priced Hypershell X Go and Hypershell X Pro, which are slightly discounted on Amazon as of this writing.
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