As clumsy as it looks, its surprisingly comfortable, too.
It isnt perfect, primarily due to its high price and janky (but mission critical) smartphone app.
And calling it AI-powered is a stretch.
(Image credit: Future)
Most days, I love being a tech journalist.
Find out more in my full Dnsys X1 AI exoskeleton review.
The X1 is available in small, medium and large sizes to accommodate various body shapes.
Included with the X1 is a carry case, which the unit folds neatly into for easy stowage.
Around the outside of the metal waistband sit the battery pack, limb motors and the main control unit.
These are very comfortable, as is the waist band when adjusted properly at least for short-ish distances.
(Image credit: Future)
And thats only going to get worse as I age.
I can see the X1 being of genuine assistance to me and those with similar issues.
“AI-powered”
Ill start by covering how the X1 works.
(Image credit: Future)
you could feel the X1 learning your gait and adapting both its timing and force.
Assistance
There are three assistance levels to choose from: Transparent, Eco and Sport.
These dictate how much torque the motors apply to pull on your legs via the plastic limbs.
(Image credit: Future)
Eco mode provides a little assistance, enough to be noticeable when walking.
Turning to Sport mode, however, the difference was stark.
I could immediately feel the X1 powering my legs as I lifted them.
(Image credit: Future)
I was able to sustain high paces while walking around Bath, U.K., and its notoriously steep hills.
If you are experiencing mobility issues, I can see sport mode helping you back to your normal pace.
The moment youdostop, however, you realize just how much the exoskeleton helps.
You wont be able to use the X1 for climbing, bouldering or scrambling.
They’re also just a good workout.
Dnsys X1 exoskeleton review: App
The Dnsys app serves as the X1s primary method of control.
The app provides an easy way to visualize and change between modes.
The app provides real time insights, such as calories burned and hip ROM (range of motion).
Unfortunately, this data is relatively useless.
The % Force metric also goes unexplained.
Is this the force that youre putting in or that the X1 is applying to help you?
And what does that mean?
The Dnsys app is also janky as hell.
It regularly freezes when switching modes, or tells you youre in the wrong mode.
Updating the firmware was also impossible for me, as the app just crashed each time.
Dnsys is a small brand.
What happens in the realistic prospect it goes under?
What if Dnsys simply decides to stop updating its app?
Not with this battery life, though.
Hardly a long hike.
I certainly wouldnt want to be wearing or carrying a dead X1 for the other 20,000.
In testing, the X1 provided noticeable and useful assistance, in genuinely meaningful ways.
Dnsys needs to finesse the X1 more, though, given its price.
I know I would.
The Dnsys X1 battery pack.(Image credit: Future)
(Image credit: Future)
