Hong Kong – October 19, 2026 -- The Hypershell X Ultra S, a 1.7 kg foldable consumer exoskeleton, has been named to TIME's 2026 Best Inventions list in the Sports & Fitness category. The full Hypershell X Series is available now at Hypershell.com and on Amazon.
TIME cites a fix for the rigid feel of robotic wearables
TIME has run its Best Inventions issue for 26 years. It judges entries on originality, efficacy, ambition and real-world impact. The magazine commended the X Ultra S for tackling a common industry problem: the stiff feel of traditional robotic wearables. TIME also pointed to a global exoskeleton market projected to reach $1.79 billion by 2033.
Hypershell's answer is HyperIntuition, a motion control algorithm that analyzes and anticipates a wearer's movements in real time. Founder and CEO Kelvin Sun said exoskeletons are no longer science fiction and are helping everyday people go farther than they thought possible.
Two outside labs verified the performance numbers
The X Ultra S is the flagship model, built for mixed terrain and demanding outdoor conditions. Hypershell says the X Series is the first consumer exoskeleton lineup to have its performance verified by both TÜV Rheinland and SGS.
- Germany's TÜV Rheinland verified 97.5% gait synchronization.
- A 1000W motor system responds to the user's stride in 0.31 seconds.
- SGS certification shows an average oxygen consumption reduction of up to 39.2% and an average heart rate reduction of up to 42.7%.
Titanium chassis handles -20°C to 60°C
The chassis is an aerospace-grade titanium alloy built to withstand temperatures from -20°C to 60°C. Wearers can control the device hands-free through the Hypershell+ app and Apple Watch.
TIME joins a run of 2026 honors
The TIME listing follows recognition from Fast Company's 2026 Next Big Things in Tech, Fast Company's World Changing Ideas Awards and the Tom's Guide Fitness Awards 2026. Hypershell says the X Ultra S is meant to take strain off the legs and knees and lighten every climb.