Another positive week for the world of exoskeletons and wearable robotics! We continue our relentless march forward toward ushering in a physical revolution that mirrors the digital revolution of years past. This week, there are more awards, applications, studies, and the introduction of a more complex and sophisticated class of consumer walking assist wearables.

Text Only Version:

Vastnaut One – Consumer Hip&Knee Exoskeleton

ExR’s Point of View: I always thought that DNSYS would be the first to announce a hip-knee-powered consumer exoskeleton by combining its existing X1 and Z1 platforms. What is featured here is a prototype, not a production model, and is more of a price reservation than a crowdfunding campaign. None of the images show suspenders or over-the-shoulder straps, which is worrisome for fit and comfort, as the knees are unforgiving to any misalignment that can occur from wearing the device over time. Curiously, you can choose to have the battery in the back as a Hypershell, or if you think it would interfere with a backpack, you can have it on the side like a Dnsys. Definitely a bold new step forward for the entire field of consumer exoskeletons.

“We were excited. We thought we’d just refine the design, scale up production, and deliver,” Sun said.

However, reality hit hard. “When we actually tested it, we were stunned — it just didn’t perform the way we’d envisioned,” Sun recalled. “The device was limited in where it could be used, uncomfortable to wear, and far from the smooth user experience we had originally envisioned.”

After a prolonged internal debate, the team made a difficult decision: cancel the first-generation pre-orders entirely and start over. The redesign took a full year and nearly tripled their costs.

“We made that decision under enormous pressure,” Sun said. “But it was the right one.” – via People’s Daily Online

ExR’s Perspective: It is so hard to admit that something doesn’t work. I was not a fan of Hypershell’s original model. I have heard the same story that they hit the “stop” button and went back to the drawing board and making such a fearless decision should be applauded.

DNSYS (which apparently is back to being all caps) launched a second production run of the Dnsys Z1 Exoskeleton Pro – DEATH STRANDING 2: ON THE BEACH Limited Edition. The collaboration with independent game developer KOJIMA PRODUCTIONS brings the iconic mobility gear inspired by the DEATH STRANDING 2: ON THE BEACH game universe into a real-world wearable device. The powered knee exoskeleton is priced at $1,998 USD, with each unit featuring its own unique numbering as part of the limited series.

Kopaneng Exoskeleton Pilot | FOGAP 2026

Madini Mulaudzi takes us through the Underground Exoskeleton Pilot at
SibanyeStillwater (Pillar 2)… (short video showing there is no shortage of interest in exoskeletons for mining)

Standardized Exoskeleton Evaluation: Enabling Innovation with Adam Norton

“In this conversation, Adam Norton from the University of Massachusetts Lowell NERVE Center discusses his journey into the field of exoskeletons and robotics, emphasizing the importance of standards in the development and evaluation of these technologies. He highlights the challenges of measuring human-robot performance, the role of ASTM in setting standards, and the need for transparency in testing and certification processes. The discussion also touches on the future of exoskeleton standards and the collaborative nature of the robotics community.” 

Started mass production of exoskeletons in Russia

ExR PV: In YouTube, you can turn on captions and then click the gear box to change them to auto-translate. I am not familiar with this team, but they clearly know what they are talking about. Around the 7th minute mark is dedicated entirely to the foot interface for a gravity compensation exoskeleton (which I think remains a challenge as it has to work on stone, gravel, mud and everything in between without feeling too unnatural).

At Committee Week in Dallas, ASTM’s Technical Committee Manager, Nora Nimmerichter (right in photo) was presented with the [much dissevered] award of appreciation from the Exoskeletons and Exosuits Committee (F48) by committee chair Christopher Reid (left).

hTRIUS GmbH is awarded the German Construction Award 2026 with the 1st Prize in the special category “Occupational Safety & Health Protection”

The award was presented during digitalBAU in Cologne. The company says the recognition reflects the rising importance of practical solutions such as its BionicBack exoskeleton to improve safety and reduce physical strain in construction work.

If Exoskeleton Report helps you stay current on wearable robotics, please become a paid Patreon member today. Join the readers and sponsors already backing ExR and help keep this independent, high-signal newsletter free to read and growing.