A new innovation from Skip Innovations Inc., a Google X Labs spinout, promises to transform your hiking experience. The ‘powered pants’—known as the MO/GO pant—are designed to enhance leg strength by up to 40%, making wearers feel about 30 pounds lighter. This technology is aimed at removing physical barriers to outdoor hiking, making it accessible to more people.
The MO/GO pant, a product of a partnership between Skip and high-end outdoor clothing company Arc’teryx, is an advanced exoskeleton integrated into a rugged pair of outdoor trousers. The pants feature knee joint servo motors that assist the wearer’s quadriceps and hamstrings, providing a significant power boost during walks or hikes. The system’s battery lasts for over three hours, recharging itself through regenerative braking as it assists the knees on downhill treks.
Arc’teryx, a company with over three decades of experience in producing climbing, skiing, and alpine gear, brings its expertise in outdoor apparel to this collaboration. This partnership ensures that the MO/GO pants are not only technologically advanced but also durable and suitable for challenging outdoor environments.
Skip’s journey from a concept at Alphabet’s X Labs to an independent company is noteworthy. Initially, the project was part of Alphabet’s “moonshot” division, where many innovative technologies, including Waymo self-driving cars and early versions of ChatGPT, were developed. However, budget cuts in 2024 forced Alphabet to scale down, affecting many projects, including the exoskeleton technology.
Kathryn Zealand, the project lead, recognized the potential of the powered pants and decided to continue the development independently. She secured $6 million in funding through external sources and grants, founding Skip Innovations Inc. Despite Alphabet retaining the intellectual property rights, Zealand successfully spun out the company, becoming its CEO.
During the development phase, the powered pants demonstrated significant benefits. For instance, a woman who hadn’t climbed stairs in 25 years managed to do so twice in quick succession using the MO/GO technology. Additionally, an aging mountaineer who believed he had reached his last summit found himself back on the trails with the help of the exoskeleton.
While the MO/GO pant is not classified as a medical device, it functions as a mobility aid, reducing muscle fatigue and joint discomfort. It offers a 40% power boost during ascents and supports knee joints during descents by damping the impact of footfalls. Zealand aims to eventually seek coverage through Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) and is conducting clinical trials for conditions such as Parkinson’s disease. However, it may take years before the MO/GO can be officially recognized as a medical device.
Currently, Skip offers the MO/GO pants for rental in the western United States and Canada, with plans to start shipping the product later this year. The price is set at $2,250 per leg, making it a significant investment for a pair of powered pants. However, for those who prefer to try the technology before committing, rentals are available for $80 per day, making it a more accessible option for a day’s adventure.
Source: Skip
