The device, originally developed in a Google lab, can increase walking power by up to 40%.
THE exoskeletons are technologies that many may be unaware of, but which could bring several benefits to the daily routine.
These are mechanical structures used in the body to improve movement. Currently it is possible to find different models, including those that serve as assistance to people with disabilities and those that help them play sports without much effort.
In this last group is the MON/GB , an exoskeleton integrated into pants that promises to put an end to physical barriers when exercising outdoors, as it makes it easier for the knees and legs to work when walking.
The device was created by Jump a mobility startup born in X, Google’s experimental projects division, and which recently partnered with clothing company Arc’teryx to make it a reality.
What does Google’s exoskeleton look like with pants?
The MO/GO – an abbreviation of “mountain” and “goat” in English – are pants designed specifically for outdoor activities and equipped with a flexible/rigid hybrid exoskeleton incorporated at the knees. This system can be easily put on and taken off the pants, so the user can use it or put it away whenever they want.
The purpose of the robotic motor is increase the power of a step which also helps absorb the impact of steps on the joints and feel up to 14 kilos lighter, as described by the startup Skip.
According to the media New Atlas , Using the MO/GO can give up to a 40% boost to your quads and hamstrings.
The technology also detects how users are moving in real time and can adapt to any terrain and walking style. If you want to change the power, you must select “more assistance” or “less assistance”.
“Our goal was for MO/GO to be the ultimate hiking guide: giving you the confidence to push your limits because you have peace of mind knowing you will return safely. Designed to look like your favorite hiking pants, but with a powerful boost when you need it most,” the company says on its official website.
The product weighs about three kilos if we consider the module for changing the power supply and rechargeable batteries. The module is equipped with carbon fiber straps attached to each leg and hidden under the pants.
Users do not need to worry about the battery of the MO/GO. It lasts for three hours, which is plenty on the way up the hike, and is capable of recharging on the way down. . “Weighing less than two pounds per leg, the system has hours of battery life so you can adventure without limits,” describes Skip.
According to New Atlas, it should be considered that these exoskeleton pants are not a device for medical use, but rather a product that can improve the comfort of a hiker by reducing pain or discomfort in their joints during a hike. outdoor hiking.
According to Skip, however, they are not closed to MO/GO being classified as a medical device in the future: have conducted clinical trials on diseases such as Parkinson’s disease . However, it may be several years before it enters this category.
What is the origin of the exoskeleton with pants
The MO/GO model is the result of a collaboration between Skip, from the Google X division, and Arc’teryx, a company specializing in clothing and items intended for outdoor activities.
The history of the creation of the product is a bit curious. According to the media Fast business While Skip was at Google, the team was dedicated to finding ways for older adults to get around to maintain their health and independence.
In 2020, they arrived at the project Smart pants which was a robotic system to help people walk. Some time later, Google partnered with Arc’teryx for other reasons.
Skip’s team managed to make several breakthroughs in the project and also tested various joints of the human body, technologies and algorithms, before developing the electric motor.
However, in 2023 there was a massive layoff at Alphabet – Google’s parent company – and Division X’s budget was cut in half.
Kathryn Zealand, CEO of Skip and who led the exoskeleton project, realized that the product would probably not see the light of day if it remained under X. He then decided to recruit former members of Skip’s team at Google and partnered with Arc’teryx to launch it, so as not to lose its potential.
“We’ve heard from a lot of people who feel embarrassed, who don’t want an orthotic or a cane, but they like hiking poles and things that look like (outdoor) equipment,” Zealand told the media Americans. .
How much does the exoskeleton with pants cost?
MO/GO pants are only sold in countries like the United States and Canada, at an approximate price of $5,000 .
Skip offers a cheaper alternative for those who want to try them. During an afternoon outdoor excursion, it is possible to rent the exoskeleton with pants for $80 . Of course, they require requirements such as being able to do easy to moderate level walks and having experienced a decrease in the intensity or frequency of excursions due to knee pain, muscle weakness or fatigue.
Source: Latercera
I am David Jack and I have been working in the news industry for over 10 years. As an experienced journalist, I specialize in covering sports news with a focus on golf. My articles have been published by some of the most respected publications in the world including The New York Times and Sports Illustrated.
