I felt like a superhuman

The idea of machines stretching the limits of our humanity is both awe-inspiring and slightly terrifying.

Growing up, I used to think that future tech was just for the movies. I watched my favorite superheroes strapped up in bionic suits that made them stronger, faster, and maybe even more resilient. What was somewhat less apparent to the younger me was that we’re already living in a world where robotics are becoming not only available but accessible and already integrating into daily life.

Take the Hypershell X, for instance. A new piece of wearable performance technology that claims to have the ability to transform motion and mobility. When I was given the opportunity to try it out myself, I simply had to find out — could this new device unlock human potential?

As a health and wellness writer, I like to think there’s almost nothing fitness-related I haven’t put to the test, from fancy workout programs designed for A-listers and new anti-aging supplements to recovery tools, sauna blankets, LED masks, and many more products that dare to push the limits of nature. But, never have I imagined myself strapping on an exoskeleton in the middle of Times Square.

The contraption, designed by the brand Hypershell, looks and sounds like something out of a sci-fi movie — and while doing my research, I discovered that it was actually inspired by one. 

Like a real-life Ironman suit, metal armor wraps around the waist and legs, wired with artificial intelligence and a battery that charges your every step. It offers all sorts of remarkable abilities, such as increased endurance, enhanced mobility, and reduced fatigue.

It was almost impossible for me to comprehend that it was real. But when the box arrived on my desk on a Thursday afternoon, I was reminded that it is 2025 and we’ve advanced enough to create consumer-grade technology that could make us stronger, faster, and maybe even healthier.

Before I tell you all about my time with the Hypershell Pro X, let me tell you what exactly it does, and who it’s made for.

Inspired by the Japanese cyberpunk show “Ghost in the Shell”, the Hypershell X launched in 2024 with one goal — to revolutionize human mobility with wearable, AI-powered technology. The horsepower-backed exoskeleton fuses durable carbon fiber and torque construction with a brain (i.e., an AI-based motion engine) that tells it exactly what to do in order to amplify the body’s range and mobility.

How does Hypershell technology work?

Electrical assist technology and smart sensors read and react to the body’s movements in real time to enhance movement and deliver precise support when and where you need it. The more you use it, the better it adapts to your walking, running, and climbing styles. It’s built for everyday use; it’s surprisingly lightweight (roughly 4.5 pounds), ultra-portable, ergonomic, and slim enough that it doesn’t get in the way of your natural gate. 

What are the Hypershell’s benefits?

Hypershell assists the legs during movement by generating a peak vertical force of up to 66 pounds, consequently reducing muscle strain, making movement feel near effortless, and potentially helping prevent injuries. The numbers speak for themselves: According to Hypershell, the exoskeleton vessel can potentially increase leg strength by 40% and reduce physical exertion by 30%. It’s not doing the work for you, but it’s certainly assisting.

Who is the Hypershell best for?

The Hypershell X is for everyone: people who are looking to amplify their speed or endurance, mountaineers aspiring to reach new peaks with greater ease, or anyone interested in trying out cutting-edge technology. Reviewers have also suggested that the exoskeleton has helped assist people with conditions like muscle atrophy, weak knees, spinal cord injuries, and even fatigue that developed from long COVID.

What is the Hypershell+ app?

One of the best features of the Hypershell exoskeleton is the fact that it automatically syncs with the Hypershell+ app. The device easily pairs through Bluetooth so you can follow all of your adventures, access data, and dive into multi-parameter insights to track your movement. The app also helps users set up the exoskeleton, learn how to operate different modes, and increase power.

Hypershell Pro X Review

Now for the real experiment: Taking my new pair of bionic legs for a test run in Times Square.

Let’s begin with the unboxing. I had zero expectations as to what to expect when my exoskeleton arrived. I’ve never used this type of equipment before, and I’m a novice as far as technology goes. It took me hours to turn on a smartwatch, so my expectations for putting together the exoskeleton were pretty low, at best. To my relief, the package that arrived was just a touch bigger than a shoe box.

As I pulled the contraption out of its convenient carry-case, I realized the entire device was fully assembled. Not a single piece missing. There was a collective sigh of relief, both for me and my coworkers, that I’d likely have needed to enlist for help. The foam briefcase that it was packed in also came with a user manual, a charging kit, and a battery. I had it all laid out in less than a minute. The design is almost painfully intuitive. I felt like a fool for fearing the setup in the first place.

I spent some time familiarizing myself with the bits and pieces. There’s a buckle waistband, adjustable hip levers, leg straps, and two tough metal bars that hover over the femurs. An on and off button is placed conveniently on the hip. As I first slipped into the suit and found my footing, I thought I looked a bit awkward — and to any passerby, I may have —  but it’s not really about how it makes you look. It’s about how it makes you feel.

After a couple of minutes of syncing it up with my Hypershell+ app, I pressed and held the hip button and felt it wake up; a pulse of energy jolted up my legs, and my feet wanted to levitate. I was still in full control of my body, but I had the urge to march, and when I did, I felt like I was walking in zero gravity. That was only ECO mode.

I discovered that the vessel offers three different modes with unique levels of speed assistance and support. Transparent mode provides minimal physical exertion reduction, ECO mode adds moderate assistance, and Hyper Mode provides the highest level of speed assistance. 

Experiencing Hyper Mode, I felt like a child again; energized, efficient, and almost weightless. It’s not like it’s picking up your feet for you, but it’s pretty close.

Somewhat less surprising was the amount of interest in my new look. People stopped and stared. Others sneakily snapped pictures. A few asked how it worked, and many just looked in amusement as I enjoyed my new footing. 

One person approached me to ask me if I was the “Black Widow,” and to that I said, “I guess I am now.”

Final Thoughts

The Hypershell Pro X is relatively new to the market, but the product is already much more refined than I’d expected. No assembly is required, the start-stop process is seamless, and it took me less than five minutes to learn how to skip between modes.

While I wasn’t ashamed to strut around in my metal skeletal suit, I would love for future renditions of the exoskeleton to come in an even sleeker package. Perhaps something that could be worn discreetly beneath clothing. I see the potential this device holds, and I’m hopeful that more people will see it for what it could be: life-changing.

Sure, dropping $1,000 on a new piece of tech feels rather lavish, but my time with the exoskeleton taught me something else. This is a highly functional piece of equipment, and it has the ability to transform people’s lives, especially those with injuries and underlying conditions that might limit their movement.

One reviewer who suffered a spinal cord surgery and experiences chronic spasticity, as well as severe balance issues, explained how the exoskeleton has transformed their life: “While I don’t anticipate walking normally again, this device may allow me to hit trails — and maybe even try snowshoeing one day!”

It’s not just for marathoners or mountaineers but for individuals who want to feel empowered to move again, elders who wish to spend time outdoors with loved ones, those recovering from accidents or injuries, and others who may just need a bit of support to stay active on their own.

In this sense, my exoskeleton experiment has helped me realize how often I take being able-bodied for granted. I can only imagine the magnificence of this device for someone who is not.

This article was written by Miska Salemann, New York Post Commerce Writer/Reporter. As a health-forward member of Gen Z, Miska seeks out experts to weigh in on the benefits, safety and designs of both trending and tried-and-true fitness equipment, workout clothing, dietary supplements and more. Taking matters into her own hands, Miska intrepidly tests wellness products, ranging from Bryan Johnson’s Blueprint Longevity Mix to home gym elliptical machines to Jennifer Aniston’s favorite workout platform – often with her adorable one-year old daughter by her side. Before joining The Post, Miska covered lifestyle and consumer topics for the U.S. Sun and The Cannon Beach Gazette.