Kathryn Zealand is building an "e-bike for walking" | Interview

Introducing Skip's "E-Bike for Walking"

• 💡 Kathryn Zealand, founder and CEO of Skip, introduces "robot pants" or exoskeleton moveware called Mo.
• 🚀 Skip, a company spun out of X (Google experimental research division), aims to help people achieve movement goals regardless of mobility impairment.
• 🎯 The product is likened to an "e-bike for walking", specifically designed to assist with inclines, steep hills, and stairs.

How the Mo Exoskeleton Works

• ⚙️ The core technology involves lightweight motors capable of providing up to 40% of a healthy person's muscle force.
• 💪 A specialized cuff system built into the pants helps to effectively transfer this force to the body, providing physical assistance.
• 🧠 Development in robotics has made these motors efficient, affordable, and light enough for personal use in the last decade.

Addressing Mobility Challenges

• 🚶‍♀️ The Mo is initially aimed at people who enjoy hiking but struggle with knee pain or reduced mobility.
• 🩺 The technology is envisioned to support a wide range of users, including those recovering from injury, pregnant individuals, older adults, or anyone experiencing joint pain.
• 🌱 Skip also conducts R&D for more severe issues like Parkinson's disease, indicating a broader long-term vision for accessibility.

The Future of Wearable Robotics

• ⚠️ Developing wearable hardware is challenging because users are highly sensitive to comfort, fit, and aesthetics.
• 🤖 AI is crucial for adapting exoskeletons to varied, non-repetitive human movements, unlike the repetitive tasks of industrial robots.
• 📈 The goal is for most people to use such products at some point in their lives, extending beyond just those with severe mobility issues.

Product Demonstration & Availability

• ✅ The pants were demonstrated to assist with standing, sitting, squats, and climbing stairs, providing a noticeable "boost."
• 🔄 Users quickly adapt to the assistance, but turning the device off immediately highlights its benefit, making it difficult to go back to unassisted movement.
• 💰 The Mo exoskeleton is available for pre-order for $5,000, similar in price to an e-bike, with shipping expected next year.