Scale a Mountain with Powered Pants from Google’s X Labs

According to Skip, a Google X Labs spinout, a new set of “powered pants” can enhance leg strength by up to 40% or make you feel 30 lb (14 kg) lighter. This “mountain goat” exoskeleton aims to remove physical barriers to outdoor hiking.

Skip has partnered with Arc’teryx, a high-end outdoor clothing company, to create the MO/GO pant, which stands for MOuntain/GOat. These rugged outdoor trousers feature a built-in hybrid soft/rigid exoskeleton. The knee joint servo motors assist the quads and hamstrings, providing a 40% power boost during walks or hikes.

MO/GO System’s Battery and Regenerative Support

Reducing muscle strain can significantly enhance your endurance on trails. The MO/GO system’s battery lasts over three hours, aiding you on uphill climbs and recharging itself while supporting your knees on descents, similar to how an electric car uses regenerative braking.

Arc’teryx, with over 30 years of experience in climbing, skiing, and alpine apparel and equipment, is an ideal partner for Skip’s technology.

From Alphabet’s “Moonshot” Division to Independent Innovation

Skip’s story is intriguing. As reported by TechCrunch, it originated in Alphabet’s “moonshot” division before stalling, as many ideas do in Alphabet X Labs. Innovations like Waymo self-driving cars, Gmail, and the early stages of ChatGPT also emerged from X Labs.

In late 2023, Alphabet began significant layoffs to cut costs. In fact, the 2024 X Labs budget was reduced to less than half of the previous year’s, casting doubt on the future of projects like Skip.

Kathryn Zealand led the exoskeleton technology project and, after demonstrating significant potential with her prototypes, was encouraged to pursue a different, more profitable direction, such as developing immersive video game controllers.

From X Labs to Independence

Zealand quickly realized that her passionate project would not flourish within Alphabet’s X Labs. She secured US$6 million in external funding and grants. Although Alphabet retained the intellectual property rights, she successfully spun off the company, becoming the founder and CEO of the now independent Skip Innovations Inc.

Zealand noted that the technology has already made a difference, such as helping a woman who hadn’t climbed stairs in 25 years do so twice in a row with the powered-leg-assist technology, and enabling an aging mountaineer to return to summiting peaks with mechanical assistance.

The MO/GO is marketed as a mobility device rather than a medical one, aiming to reduce muscle fatigue and joint discomfort. It provides a 40% boost on ascents and supports the knees on descents, cushioning the impact of footfalls.

From X Labs to Independence

Zealand plans to pursue Flexible Spending Account (FSA) coverage for the MO/GO and is conducting clinical trials for conditions like Parkinson’s. However, it could be years before the device is qualified as a medical device, if it ever is.

Currently, Skip offers rentals in the western United States and Canada, with product shipments expected to start later this year at $2,250 per leg. The rentals are a more affordable option at US$80 for an afternoon.

There are cheaper alternatives available, particularly from Chinese manufacturers. For example, the Dnsys X1 exoskeleton offers more than twice the power, with hip joint assistance and a carbon/titanium build covering both legs, including a spare battery, for less than US$1000. A ‘Lite‘ version is available with less power and speed for under US$500.

Skip has just released a teaser video, which you can check out.

Read the original article on: New Atlas

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