Hypershell X Ultra S Review: The Best Exoskeleton Yet

Source: Wired

Overview

All three models in the Hypershell range share the same major update, HyperIntuition. This replaces the previous basic rule‑based software (you walk, it adds power) with a system that processes movement continuously and adjusts torque in real time. Real‑world movement is irregular—stopping, starting, slowing down, speeding up, climbing, and navigating uneven ground—so the exoskeleton needs to adapt on the fly. Traditional exoskeletons relied on repeatable gait patterns and often felt robotic rather than supportive.

Hypershell claims a response time of 0.31 seconds and a “human‑machine synchronization rate of 97.5 percent” across varied terrain. The aim is not just to add power but to deliver it at the right moment, so assistance engages fluidly, ramps up as you work hard, and backs off as soon as you stop. I’ve been testing this claim over the past couple of weeks.

Setup and Fit

Setting up the Hypershell X Ultra S remains mercifully simple, thanks to step‑by‑step fitting instructions in the app (the pre‑launch iOS version I used is essentially identical to the final release). Getting the fit right is crucial:

• Align the motors properly and avoid overtightening them against the hips.
• Adjust the straps until the system feels balanced and secure.

Design and Comfort

Compared to earlier Hypershell generations, the X Ultra S features far superior padding around the hips, which I appreciated immediately. The straps are easy to adjust, and once clipped in, the system feels balanced. However, the 5.5‑lb weight does not disappear; I never forgot it was there, no matter how many walks I took.

Practical Issues

The exoskeleton shares some common drawbacks with other models:

• Front pant pockets become unusable.
• Backpacks tend to sit on top of the battery, especially when carrying a loaded pack that requires hip‑strap support.
• A smaller, higher‑mounted daypack works better.

Control Interface

You can control the exoskeleton via the app or with the single button on the right‑hip motor. The long‑press/short‑press scheme is familiar but not especially intuitive; accidental activation or shutdown can happen. The app provides a richer control set, allowing you to:

• Select operating modes.
• Adjust power percentages.
• Monitor battery life.

Power Up

Having something else move your legs—or at least help you move them—is not a natural sensation, and it took a few minutes for me to adjust. Compared to previous generations, the X Ultra S feels better in almost every way. Older models jerked the legs unnaturally until a stride was found. Here, assuming you avoid the Hyper Running mode (which can feel chaotic), power assistance progresses smoothly.

Walking does not feel totally natural, but the X Ultra S delivers power more intuitively. Stopping and starting feels smoother, and the system backs off power immediately when you pause. As I found my stride, assistance increased accordingly, giving me a sense of control rather than feeling like a beta‑testing passenger.