This futuristic wearable exoskeleton makes me feel like RoboCop

Published Nov 7, 2026, 6:00 AM EST Tim has been covering technology for almost 20 years, in that time spanning a broad range of topics from security to product reviews. He is especially focused on the Apple ecosystem, productivity, and consumer advice. Over the years Tim has written thousands of articles, reviews, and round-ups in addition to producing video content and original photography. A graduate of journalism, he found his footing as a freelancer with a laptop and loves how he is able to work from practically anywhere. Now a Senior Editor for iPhone, Mac, and Smart Home at How-To Geek, Tim still loves to write. He can also be found crafting round-ups and productivity posts for the Zapier blog. Earlier in his career Tim spent nearly a decade as a writer and eventually Apple section editor for MakeUseOf. Tim currently lives in Brisbane, Australia. Outside of work he loves to hike and work out, play video games, and spend quality time with his wonderful partner and two cats Inka and Roger. I’ve had an exoskeleton under my desk for several months now. That’s not a sentence I ever expected to type, but 2026 is weird like that. It was sent to me by a company called Hypershell, and it’s quite the conversation starter. Even after owning it for this long, I’m still trying to figure out who this thing is for. We got wearable exoskeletons before GTA VI Less Alien, more Deus Ex When I first heard that a company wanted to send over an “exoskeleton,” I immediately pictured the big loader mechs from Alien, but the reality is a bit more mundane. In the end, the Hypershell X Ultra S that I received (which is modeled here by my partner) ended up looking a lot more like man-meets-machine augment from Deus Ex. Rather than turning you into a truck on legs, the exoskeleton instead adds a bit of pep to your step. First, you have to unload it from its sturdy carrying case, adjust it to fit your waist (every time, using two lockable clips), and strap what I’ve come to think of as the “thrusters” to your thighs. This is a lot less hassle than it sounds. The device then sits predominantly on your hips like a padded hiking rucksack, with the swappable battery pack in the small of your back. It’s comfortable enough to wear for hours at a time, with around 18 miles (30 kilometers) of range or around 7.5 hours of walking from a single charge in the most power-efficient mode. In that power efficient mode the Hypershell provides a small boost to performance. It’s an odd sensation, but it feels a bit like someone is giving you an extra push as you walk. You can control the level of assistance using the button on the side of the unit, or using a mobile app. In addition to Eco mode, there’s a far more powerful Hyper mode that delivers considerably more assistance at the cost of battery life. It’s comical how much more powerful Hyper mode is. Rather than a gentle push, Hyper mode jolts you into action and is designed for vigorous exercise or anywhere you find yourself needing the additional help. The Hypershell X Ultra S that I’ve currently got strapped to me as I write this costs a cool $1,999, and that’s a price you’re going to want to mull over as you ask yourself… What do you do with it? It’s a good question Hypershell is very clear what it designed these exoskeletons for: active individuals who want to run, hike, and cycle in all terrains. The product description covers the full gamut, from trail running, to gravel cycling, hiking through the snow, coming down mountains with lots of weight strapped to your back, or simply walking along flat terrain with a gentle boost. I’ve tried all but the gnarliest of these activities, and I can say that it works. Hiking up hills with the Hypershell strapped to your waist is considerably easier, especially if you’re loaded up with supplies. Though the exoskeleton adds weight, the help you get while cycling more than makes up for it. I imagine if you were recovering from injury or found walking for extended periods difficult, a device like this would provide immediate support. I’m no elite athlete, though I consider myself fit and enthusiastic about exercise. I go to the gym four days out of the week, I do extras on the side like pilates and running, and I cycle as often as possible instead of driving. For me, a device like the Hypershell doesn’t make a lot of sense. I want that added challenge, it’s the reason I’m going the long way around when I hop on my bike. In that sense, you really need to know that you want a helping hand in order to drop a nice bike’s worth of money on this thing. You also need to be able to swallow your pride and not feel too self-conscious if you want to wear it in public. On a bike or a hiking trail, it’s not such a big deal. Walking through town is another matter, and you’re going to get some looks. My favorite mode isn’t an augment at all It actually makes things harder Funnily enough, the most use I have gotten out of the Hypershell X so far has been in the experimental Fitness mode. Rather than assisting you, this mode adds resistance. It’s like walking through water and somewhat resembles a band workout. Since resistance training is my main activity, I’ve found myself grabbing the Hypershell X and wearing it while walking around the house or the yard in order to add a bit more resistance to my normal movement. My only complaint is that there’s not quite enough resistance—I want this thing to really make me sweat. Unfortunately, this is the only mode that works in any meaningful way for strength-related tasks. I had hoped that the Hypershell X would have some additional mode that helps you lift more weight or something, but the more I think about it the more dangerous that sounds. I’ve had a blast trying out the Hypershell X, and I intend to keep using it where I can fit it in. It’s incredibly fun to see the look on people’s faces when you knock it into Hyper mode and watch them walk around the room like some sort of half-person-half-robot. Do you love hiking? Learn why I never leave home without this app.