Iron Woman! I tested a Marvel-style exoskeleton - so, can it really turn me into an athlete?
Iron Man, Inspector Gadget, Wallace & Gromit, and now…me!
Exoskeletons are no longer constrained to science fiction, as I found out this week.
The Ascentiz H+K system is the world's first modular hip–and–knee exoskeleton, designed to boost performance.
Described as an 'e–bike for your legs', the device gives you a subtle push when you need it the most – whether it's climbing a steep hill, lifting heavy weights, or running a marathon.
But what does it actually feel like?
To find out, I met with the Ascentiz team in central London, where they showed me the ropes with the Ascentiz H+K.
Set to go on sale in the UK in June for £1,250 ($1,699), the system isn't cheap – and will certainly turn a few heads.
Here's what I thought of it – and why I believe it's destined for rentals over ownership.
Iron Man, Inspector Gadget, Wallace & Gromit, and now…me! Exoskeletons are no longer constrained to science fiction, as I found out this week
While Ascentiz has already produced exoskeletons aimed at people with reduced mobility, the H+K system is specifically designed for people with active lifestyles.
'It's aimed at active users,' one of the team members tells me.
'So runners, cyclists, hikers, but also the everyday person – even commuters.'
As the 'H+K' name suggestions, the system is made up of two parts.
The hip module is a large, gold band that sits around your waist, while the knee modules fasten around your legs.
With the help of the team, I fastened the straps around me in about 30 seconds, and was immediately surprised by how comfortable they were.
Despite being fairly hefty, the system was soft around my hips and waist thanks to eco–friendly, slow–rebound memory foam.
While I only had it on for an hour or so, the team reassure me the system is comfortable for all–day use.
Once it was on, a quick press of a button at the hip brought the system to life. Before I took off, the team warned me that it would initially feel strange
Once it was on, a quick press of a button at the hip brought the system to life.
Before I took off, the team warned me that it would initially feel strange.
'It's not stimulating the muscle, but it's doing the work for you. It pulls your legs up for you. It's an unnatural sensation,' they explained.
They weren't lying.
As I set off on my walk around Tottenham Court Road (with a crowd of eyes on me, might I add), I felt like Wallace in the Wrong Trousers, with the exoskeleton jerking my legs up and down.
Tentatively testing a jog, this feeling somewhat subsided as the exoskeleton came into sync with my strides – although I think it would take a few test–runs to get fully used to the sensation.
I must admit at this stage I was disappointed.
I'd half expected the exoskeleton to transform me into an athlete, when in reality it only slightly supported my legs as a paced around the square.
Having tested the exoskeleton on flat ground, I then took to the stairs, where the device really came into its own
'It's not going to make you go faster – it's going to make it easier. Just like an e–bike, you'll do less effort to cover the same ground,' one of the team tells me.
According to Ascentiz, the system supports running at speeds up to 17.4mph, ensuring smooth support even during fast–paced activity.
That is extremely quick – around 4mph faster than Kelvin Kiptum during his record–breaking 2023 Chicago marathon.
But if you're not naturally quick yourself, it's not going to have you keeping up with the pros – it will just make your natural running pace feel easier.
Having tested the exoskeleton on flat ground, I then took to the stairs, where the device really came into its own.
Where on flat ground the pre–emptive movements were bizarre, when heading up a huge flight of stairs they're wonderful, giving you a boost as you ascend.
While I would normally be slightly out of puff at the top of the flight, I was delighted to be breathing completely normally after scaling them with the exoskelton.
Of course, my quick test around Tottenham Court Road is a far cry from a long–distance run or a hike.
But based on my test, I would say the Ascentiz H+K is most useful for climbing rather than walks or runs on flat ground.
The price, however, is going to make this a tough sell – even to the most eager hiker.
At £1,250, the exoskeleton is not cheap by any stretch of the imagination, and the promise of reducing fatigue by 35 per cent probably isn't enough to splash the cash.
Instead, I think it would be a fantastic rental option.
This is something we've already seen over in China, where tourists scaling the Great Wall are able to rent exoskeltons to ease their journey.
Priced at 100 RMB (£10) for three hours, this is probably a lot more appealing to hikers than a flat out £1,250 cost for ownership.
Overall, the exoskeleton was a fun novelty but won't be something I incorporate into my life.
