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From The Desk Of Clarence Bass
By Clarence and Carol Bass
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Technology
Exoskeletons at the Consumer Electronic Show
If you were intrigued by electric bikes with their lithium batteries which may allow you to bike further, you'll be interested in the article by Beth Skwarecki, the Senior Health Editor at Lifehacker, after she attended the Consumer Electronic Show in Las Vegas and tried on six models of exoskeletons. The exoskeletons are being marketed in the fitness industry to help you walk/run further and climb higher without fatigue.
So what are they? Devices that attach over clothing at the hip (most common kind) or alternately at the knee or the ankle. The devices that attach at the hip use a frame that powers the device down attachments to the upper leg.
Hip-based exoskeletons help the glutes "in straightening your hip or assist your hip flexors in raising your leg." Beth tried them climbing steps, walking and jogging, and the movements felt natural and smooth with the power coming in at the right time.
Another type was built into pants and operated at the knee, an extra "quad muscle" helping to straighten the knee.
She had questions about whether exoskeleton technology was mature enough to be "safe and reliable" and "convenient enough to use." And lastly, what about the cost and current availability?
Her conclusions after trying the six models: "They do, in fact, work," "giving assistance that felt helpful and useful." But cost is a problem, with a range of $1,000 to $5,000. Some are available now.
She also investigated their use in rehabilitation where medical grade exoskeletons have been used for about 10 years (at an approximate cost to the rehab facility of $250,000.)
Commercially because of the cost, she could see exoskeletons marketed in the rental market to help with long vacation hikes or theme park walking. She is looking forward to developments in this technology in coming years.
You will want to see the devices and read her article at https://lifehacker.com/health/trying-on-every-exoskeleton-ces-2026
February 1, 2026
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