For grey nomads who are increasingly finding that that 10-kilometre hilly bushwalk isn’t quite as fun as it used to be, or that it’s simply not ‘do-able’ any more, help may be at hand.
Technology continues to take giant leaps forward, and it might just help those ageing caravanners and motorhomers with their creaking joints to do the same.
Start-up company, Hypershell, has developed a portable and lightweight exoskeleton that might transform those ‘horrible hikes’ into a veritable walk in the park.
The Omega exoskeleton weight just two kilograms and can be folded up when not in use, and thus easily stored in the van. It’s basically a robotic-looking device that gives users a lift … literally.
The Omega can be adjusted to fit around a user’s waist and legs, and its motor then offers assistive support that offsets up to 30kg of weight. It has a peak output of one horsepower, the battery has a 25-kilometre range, and the device can help wearers reach a maximum speed of 20km/h.
“Equipped with Hypershell Omega you can go further, climb higher mountains, run faster, and carry more along the way, or simply walk with less effort,” the company said.
The exoskeleton uses a unique sensor architecture incorporating torque, position and force sensors to understand a user’s movement.
“With Hypershell you can seamlessly shift gears between different terrain, conditions, and paces because it understands how you move and calculates your optimum output,” the company said. “Easily move through the day with an AI Motion Engine that adapts over nine sports modes, including walking, race walking, running, riding, climbing up/ down stairs, gravel road and auto hold.”
Hypershell is currently fundraising before going into full production, hopefully in September.
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