Khaberni - When hearing the word "robots," one likely thinks of factory machines or human-like robots running on a test track. This stereotype has long confined the use of robots to laboratories and industrial environments.
However, a quieter transformation is occurring, particularly around ankles, knees, and hips. Wearable robots are moving out of research labs and into daily human life. From energy-boosting shoes to lightweight exoskeletons, this new generation of assistive motion technologies has become a genuine commercial category.
The purpose of this technology is not to replace your effort, but to support it—a shift greater than any single brand can make on its own, according to a report by Fox News.
For years, sports innovations focused on speed, targeting improvements mostly at the elite competitors. But now, the scope of focus has widened beyond just racing.
The "Amplify" project, developed by Nike in collaboration with Dephy, a robotics company, exemplifies this.
This system combines a carbon plate inside the shoe and a robotic cuff worn over the ankle. Sensors track gait patterns in real-time, and the cuff offers slight anterior support designed to provide a feeling of smoothness and natural motion. Instead of imposing movement, the device learns it.
Previous attempts at energy-boosting shoes struggled with the heavy weight of batteries and motors, making the experience uncomfortable and unbalanced. Modern designs resolve this issue by relocating energy storage to above the ankle or to the hips. By shifting the weight higher up the leg, engineers reduce foot pressure and improve balance.
Battery improvements and smart motion sensors play a significant role, as today's systems adapt to the user's immediate step, making the supported movement feel like an extension of your body rather than a separate apparatus. The company announced it targets a commercial launch around 2028. However, Nike is not alone in this field.
Robotic exoskeletons reach the consumer market
If you've ever felt heaviness in your legs in the middle of a long walk, you'll understand the reason for this product category. It might be a journey through an airport, a neighborhood walk, or climbing a few more steps that feel steeper than before. Most people aren't looking to run faster; they simply want to move without feeling exhausted.
And here, wearable robots have begun to emerge; companies are making products designed for everyday use, not just for professional athletes or lab experiments.
The "Hypershell X," for instance, is a lightweight exoskeleton designed for hiking and long-distance walking. It wraps around the waist and legs, using small motors to reduce fatigue when climbing or walking on uneven terrain, with a clear and simple goal of helping the user walk longer distances without feeling exhausted midway.
In addition to this, there is the "X Ultra" version, a stronger version of the same device, designed for steep terrains and long journeys, offering stronger levels of assistance while remaining small enough to be worn under regular clothing and outdoor gear. Both models are designed for users who want to enhance endurance, not for medical treatment.
Dnsys also launched the "X1" exoskeleton designed for all terrains. This system, which is mounted on the hip, is marketed to hikers and outdoor enthusiasts who want to reduce fatigue during climbing and long journeys.
Unlike prototype models in laboratories, the "X1" has been sold through crowdfunding and direct online orders, making it among the first products available to consumers in this field.
Another example is "WIM" from "WIRobotics", a wearable robot weighing about 3.5 pounds that supports natural hip movement while walking. It's aimed at seniors, active adults, and people recovering from minor injuries who want additional assistance without wearing something bulky or medically looking.
In addition to this, companies like "Ekso Bionics" and "ReWalk" develop powered exoskeletons that help individuals with spinal cord injuries or strokes to stand and walk.
These systems are used in rehabilitation clinics and selected programs to improve individuals’ movements. These products show how wearable robots first proved their worth in the medical field before gradually impacting consumer designs.
These products vary in capability, price, and purpose, but what unites them is a common trajectory: wearable robots are now providing effective movement assistance, not just tracking it.
