The Vigx π6 exoskeleton might be confusing to pronounce, but Vigx’s lower-body augmentation has at least something to commend it. AI. Normally, that would be an annoyance, but since it’s not yakking on like your personal Yes-Man, it could be forgiven.
Instead, the internal artificial intelligence works with an onboard camera to adjust the hip-worn device’s power settings on the fly based entirely on where the wearer is walking. Clambering over rocks or climbing stairs? It should, in theory, deliver more power to fatigued legs without fumbling with settings or an app.
A slice of π6
Vigx makes a range of exoskeleton products, most of which use the Pi symbol in their name. The Vigx π6 is an upcoming variant that, while lacking the style of a Death Stranding branding partnership, could prove useful for a broader range of users. It weighs just 1.9 kilograms and, the company says, confers increased endurance while lowering heart rate and pressure on knee joints. If you take your hiking super seriously (and you wear one of these under your hiking pants), you could be the envy of the Backpack Pack. Until they learn your secret, anyway.
There are three models of the ultra-portable heading to market. The Base version uses a 300W motor to add more torque to a wearer’s stride. The battery lasts up to 25 kilometres (while adding 4Nm of torque), but it’ll only go for 10km at 8Nm. The Pro and Ultra models both feature AI-supported terrain cameras that vary power output, with the π6 Pro’s 500W motor sending up to 14Nm of torque to a wearer’s limbs.
The Ultra ups that to 16Nm, while a larger battery extends range to 40km (at 4Nm of torque).
Pricing for Vigx’s newest limb limberer isn’t known, but it’s estimated to launch in the range of R16,500 ($1,000). Spending the money for immediate results is less effort and won’t take as long, even when you factor in overseas shipping, than developing the increased endurance yourself.
