Wearable Robots Promise to Supercharge Workouts: Do They Deliver?

Wearable robotic exoskeletons, once confined to medical rehabilitation, are now entering the consumer fitness market, offering a futuristic approach to enhancing physical activity. Companies are developing lighter, more accessible versions of these battery-powered devices designed to make movements like running and hiking feel easier or more challenging.

Hypershell is one company bringing these devices to consumers, with prices reaching up to $2,299. They have supplied exoskeletons to the Brazilian soccer club Santos FC to aid player movement, reduce fatigue, and assist in conditioning and recovery. DNSYS offers exoskeletons priced between $1,299 and $2,298, including a limited-edition model created in collaboration with the developers of "Death Stranding 2" that sold out quickly.

Ascentiz launched its $1,199 H Module in August, a robotic hip attachment designed to improve lower-body performance for outdoor activities and daily life. The H Module features a shared waist platform called the Exo-Belt, allowing users to swap different attachments. The device is not intended for superhuman feats but offers several modes to alter movement.

In assist mode, the exoskeleton's motors synchronize with each step to provide a push, aiming to reduce the effort of climbing or walking by 35% to 40%. Training mode adds resistance to increase muscle activation and calorie burn, while cruise control mode adjusts assistance to maintain a steady stride. The H Module weighs approximately 5.5 pounds, folds compactly, and can offset up to 66 pounds of load while boosting leg strength by 35%. An AI-powered motion engine automatically adjusts to the wearer's gait.

Testing the Ascentiz H Module in Central Park revealed varied results. While climbing stairs in assist mode at half power showed minimal difference for a routine activity, descending the stairs highlighted the device's impact on posture, making the wearer more conscious of their back and hip alignment. The device felt lighter and less bulky than anticipated, though its presence was noticeable.

During a running test, the assist mode provided a noticeable boost, making strides feel lighter and forward motion require less effort, at times creating a pronounced sense of propulsion. This mode could appeal to individuals seeking to maintain pace with others or participate in running events with less physical strain. The device remained unobtrusive on the waist during the run.

Conversely, engaging the training mode made running significantly more difficult, akin to trudging through quicksand. This resistance feature could be beneficial for athletes looking to intensify their workouts through everyday movements, effectively turning activities like walking the dog or running errands into resistance training sessions.

Navigating rocky terrain in Central Park with cruise control engaged demonstrated the exoskeleton's adaptability. The assistance was more apparent on the uneven ground than during stair climbing, particularly as fatigue set in, indicating the device's ability to detect and respond to actual need for support. This mode could be valuable for extended hikes with challenging inclines and declines.

While the technology is impressive, its value proposition varies. For those prioritizing convenience and portable resistance, training mode offers an enticing option. The assist function may appeal to athletes wanting to reduce exertion in their preferred activities. The potential for social inclusion, enabling individuals to keep pace with companions, is also a notable benefit. However, for individuals focused on building muscle and strength, the enhanced workout potential of training mode is intriguing, though the author currently prefers traditional gym methods for these goals.

Testing the exoskeleton provided a glimpse into the future of wearable robotics in fitness. For a runner, experiencing a sprint without overwhelming breathlessness was a significant takeaway, suggesting that exoskeletons could redefine the experience of physical activity for various users.