At the rate consumer-grade exoskeletons are advancing, the future may not have “weak” people—only people who cannot afford one. But not to worry for poor guys like us. With more brands jumping on board, it is a matter of time before the price gets pushed down. Speaking of more brands, Vastnaut is the latest to join the exosuit game.
Meet the Vastnaut One. Billed as an AI-powered 4×4 exoskeleton, it is the world’s first AI-powered 4 Joints × 4 Motors exoskeleton that promises to deliver coordinated power that aligns perfectly with human biomechanics.
Designed with outdoor explorers, photographers, and professionals navigating extreme distances under heavy loads in mind, the Vastnaut One features multi-joint coordinated assistance that breaks beyond single-joint assistance by coordinating power between the hips and knees. Translation: every climb is lighter and more efficient, possibly feels more natural, too.
With the Vastnaut One, uphill effort is reduced by up to 30%, overall physical exertion is lowered by 32%, knee impact during descents is decreased by 35%, and effective load reduction reaches up to 18 kg (40 lb).
The lower-limb exo boasts ATD, or Adaptive Torque Distribution, which intelligently detects landing timing to deliver adaptive support at the exact millisecond your knee needs it. In addition, the wrap-around support system redistributes loads beyond the knee, easing fatigue and reducing muscle vibration, further relieving the knees from the impact of the trail.
Moreover, this device solves an issue without adding a new burden—like literally. Thanks to an 80% carbon fiber build, the mechanical structure weighs just 2.7 kilograms. As far as wearability goes, it is ergonomic and breathable, and it is, of course, dust- and water-resistant to IP54.
It all sounds great. But I have a question for all exos. Will strength amplification devices like this “pamper” our muscles and joints, and possibly result in weakening them with prolonged use? You know, kind of like how the bones and muscles of astronauts degrade in the zero-gravity environment over an extended period of time. I ask because assisted strength is very much like having less gravity. No?
Anyhoo, while I may be skeptical with regard to the physiological effects on us, I am all for it. I love to hike long distances, but I have bad knees from injuries sustained in my younger days, and this could help prevent further worsening of the condition.
Now, enough of my rant. If you are interested, the Vastnaut One will be heading to Kickstarter this month, where you can secure one with a special US$10 deposit. The Vastnaut One 4×4 Explorer Combo will be offered at US$1,349 during the campaign (retail: US$2,099), while the standard 4×4 model will go for US$1,249 (expected retail: US$1,899).
Anyways, there is also a dual-motor version better suited for everyday activity than outdoor exploration like the 4×4 model is. This model is expected to retail for US$1,299, but will be available for US$849 during the Kickstarter campaign.
Images: Vastnaut.