Vigx unveils compact π6 exoskeletons with an AI terrain camera

Vigx has announced the compact π6 exoskeletons that can fold down to the size of an umbrella—the Base, Pro, and Ultra editions. The wearables reduce the effort needed to walk, run, and hike while moving outdoors. Vigx says the powered assistance can lower the heart rate by up to 30% and knee joint pressure by up to 15% while increasing endurance.

The Base exoskeleton weighs 1.9 kg (4.2 lbs.) while delivering up to 10 Nm of torque from its 300 W motor to help move the wearer's legs. Its battery can power the wearable for up to 10 km (6.2 mi.) at 8 Nm or 25 km (15.5 mi.) at 4 Nm, according to the company.

The Pro model uses a 500 W motor that delivers up to 14 Nm of torque and adds a terrain-sensing camera. The Ultra model uses an 800 W motor that delivers up to 16 Nm of torque, with an extended battery that can power the wearable for up to 16 km (9.9 mi.) at 8 Nm or 40 km (24.9 mi.) at 4 Nm, and adds a terrain-sensing camera with a time-of-flight sensor.

The sensors are powered by a quad-core 1.5GHz AI CPU to automatically adjust assistance based on surface conditions with a 30 ms response time, says Vigx. The π6 has also been designed to align the power delivery closer to the wearer's center of gravity to reduce unwanted swaying and twisting.

The Vigx π6 launch is planned for June 2026. Although not stated, one can expect the price to be in the $1,000 range. In the meantime, readers with the itch to try out leading-edge gadgets on their next hikes might try the reviewed Dnsys X1 hip exoskeleton (sold here on Amazon).