Exoskeleton Orthotics

Introducing Vigx π6: A Lightweight AI-Powered Exoskeleton for Hikers

Vigx has officially introduced the π6, a compact outdoor exoskeleton designed to assist with walking and hiking using AI-powered terrain awareness.

Unveiled as part of the company’s latest push into wearable robotics, the π6 targets endurance activities and everyday outdoor movement, positioning itself as a consumer-friendly alternative to bulkier industrial or medical frames.

Unlike some systems that focus on rehab, the π6 is designed as a lightweight, portable device. It combines traditional motion sensors with an onboard camera and a dedicated AI processor to assess ground conditions in real time.

Crucially, the system analyzes the terrain before the user’s foot makes contact, allowing it to adjust power delivery within roughly 30 milliseconds. Vigx claims this anticipatory approach significantly reduces fatigue and improves stability on slopes, steps, and uneven surfaces.

Torque and availability

The π6 will be offered in three configurations: Base, Pro, and Ultra.

The Base model features a 300W motor delivering 10Nm of torque, though it lacks the AI terrain camera. Meanwhile, the Pro model adds the camera and increases output to 14Nm, while the flagship Ultra model pushes torque to 16Nm with an 800W motor.

Weighing just under 2 kilograms, the system is designed to fold down to the size of an umbrella and be carried in a backpack when not in use. Power is supplied by a modular belt unit, which Vigx claims can support up to 40 kilometers of assisted movement on the Ultra model’s lighter settings. The π6 is slated for a commercial launch in June 2026.

The consumer exoskeleton market is heating up, with companies like Hypershell and Dexta already making inroads. However, Vigx’s decision to include a dedicated terrain-sensing camera is a bold technical leap.

While the 2kg weight is impressive, the real test for the π6 will be the natural feel of that 30ms adjustment window. If it feels jerky, it’s a gimmick; if it’s seamless, it could be a genuine game-changer for aging hikers.

 

The Editor

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