Skip Innovations Inc., an offshoot from Google X Labs, has developed an innovative exoskeleton known as the MO/GO pants. These advanced “powered pants” are designed to enhance leg strength by up to 40%, or make the wearer feel approximately 30 lbs lighter, significantly reducing the physical exertion required during outdoor activities.
The MO/GO, short for “MOuntain/GOat,” features a hybrid soft/rigid exoskeleton integrated into rugged outdoor trousers. It uses knee joint servo motors to assist the quadriceps and hamstrings, providing a substantial power boost during walking or hiking.
The MO/GO exoskeleton is designed to tackle physical barriers in outdoor hiking, boosting endurance by reducing muscle fatigue. It is powered by a battery that provides over three hours of assistance, using regenerative mechanisms to recharge while moving downhill—similar to regenerative braking in electric vehicles. This technology is further validated by Skip’s partnership with Arc’teryx, a prestigious outdoor clothing company with over 30 years of expertise in climbing, skiing, and alpine gear, enhancing the product’s credibility and reliability.
The origin of Skip Innovations is rooted in Alphabet’s X Labs, the “moonshot” division responsible for pioneering projects like Waymo and Gmail. The exoskeleton project, however, faced uncertainty following significant budget cuts at Alphabet in late 2023.
With funding reduced, Kathryn Zealand, the project’s lead, opted to pursue external funding to bring the technology to market. Despite not securing the intellectual property rights from Alphabet, Zealand successfully raised $6 million and established Skip as an independent company, becoming its founder and CEO.
The MO/GO pants have already demonstrated significant benefits, enabling people with mobility issues to perform activities they previously couldn’t. For example, one user, who hadn’t climbed stairs in 25 years, managed to do so twice with the help of the exoskeleton. Similarly, an elderly mountaineer resumed climbing thanks to the supportive technology.
While not classified as a medical device, the MO/GO aims to alleviate muscle and joint strain, potentially offering relief to individuals with conditions like Parkinson’s disease. However, obtaining medical device classification and insurance coverage could take years.
For now, Skip offers the MO/GO pants for rental in the western United States and Canada, with plans to sell the product at $2,250 per leg later this year. Although this price point is high, rental options at $80 make the technology more accessible. In comparison, cheaper alternatives like the Dnsys X1 from China provide higher power output and include additional features, such as hip joint assistance and spare batteries, for under $1,000. A more affordable ‘Lite’ version is available for under $500, albeit with reduced capabilities.