Hypershell X Ultra S Review: The Best Exoskeleton Yet

Exoskeletons have been edging toward the consumer space for a few years, helped along by lighter batteries, smaller motors, and a steady stream of startups trying to turn wearable robotics into something you might actually buy. At CES 2026, WIRED counted 19 companies showing exoskeletons and related systems, which is certainly a momentum of sorts.

But the sticking point with the early exoskeleton designs has been how they feel. Having tested models like the Hypershell Pro X and Dnsys X1, the issue has rarely been about power. It’s how and when that power is delivered. Assistance tends to arrive a fraction too early or too late, leaving you constantly aware of the machine. Less natural extension of your movement, more Woody from Toy Story.

Hypershell’s new X Series is built around the idea that fixing this unnatural movement comes down to timing rather than strength. Three new models are launching today that will replace the existing lineup. You get the choice of the Hypershell X Pro S ($999), X Max S ($1,499), and X Ultra S ($1,999), and crucially, they all feature the same new AI-based control system, HyperIntuition. The unit I tested is the flagship X Ultra S, which combines the new software algorithm with a few key hardware refinements.

What’s New

Photograph: Chris Haslam

The X Ultra S is made from carbon fiber and titanium alloy, weighs 5.5 pounds, and is powered by a dual-battery setup with a claimed range of roughly 18 miles. The motor delivers up to 1,000 watts and 22 Newton-meters of torque, with a maximum assisted pace of 15.5 miles per hour. There are 12 assist modes (10 on the other models), covering everything from stairs and road walking through to gravel, dunes, and even schlepping through the snow.