Dnsys (pronounced dan-sis) has entered the outdoor exploration game with a bold piece of hardware that every 90s kid dreamed of: the X1, an AI-powered exoskeleton designed to change the way humans traverse the great outdoors.
With action-packed promotional videos and a suspiciously minimalist design, the symbiotic companion seems like it can really take a load off of even the most demanding treks.
Is such a state-of-the-art piece of machinery practical in tech-hostile environments, or is the X1 nothing more than battery-powered hiking poles stroking the fantasies of science fiction nerds?
And if it’s the latter, can we be sure it won’t stage a mutiny over our flesh suits like Doc Ock’s tentacles?
The X1 is powered by dual high-density motors and smart sensors that detect the exact moment when the wearer’s muscles will fire, and in response, dampen the vertical forces to reduce fatigue.
According to Dnsys, the exoskeleton can reduce up to 84 pounds of load for a potential “50% in energy savings” according to the startup, which sounds like a fair tradeoff considering the entire unit weighs less than 4 pounds and collapses into an area equal to A4 copy paper.
But here’s the catch—while the specs sound amazing, the big question is whether the average outdoorsman wants to use something like this.
It’s cutting-edge and impressive, but one of the primary motivations behind hiking is building the body’s strength and endurance. Those with physical disabilities or newbies to the sport could absolutely benefit from this technology, but whether or not it speaks to the entire outdoor market ground Dnsys is willing to break.
Furthermore, the outdoor gear market is notoriously tough, with products often judged by their simplicity, durability, and reliability. See the Nalgene water bottle or Coleman folding chair. For a device that costs almost $800 with no explicit warranty policy stated as of yet, prospective buyers are eager to see how the robotic enhancement holds up long term.
Regardless, X1 might be the most exciting development the outdoor world has seen since the Jetboil. Add on the fact that Arc’teryx recently announced their own exo-limbs in the form of powered pants the MO/GO, and maybe the widespread adoption of these gizmos doesn’t seem so far-fetched.
The X1 can be pre-ordered on Dnsys’ Indiegogo right now with the first units expected to ship in October of 2024.
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