VD Robotics has officially launched the AI-based wearable exoskeleton robot HyperShellX series in South Korea. It weighs 1.8 kg and delivers up to 1,000 watts of output, cutting physical activity intensity by as much as 39 percent. VD Robotics will serve as HyperShell's exclusive distributor in South Korea, handling marketing, sales, distribution and after-sales service as it enters the wearable robot market.

VD Robotics on Feb. 24 held a press briefing for the South Korea launch of HyperShell in Seoul's Myeong-dong and unveiled the full HyperShellX lineup. Chief Executive Pan-sik Ham (함판식) said the performance wearable robot market would “definitely open up” this year. He said targets include outdoor enthusiasts, seniors and general walkers. He added that South Korea has a large population across all age groups that enjoys outdoor leisure such as hiking, cycling and running, and that he expects HyperShell to settle successfully.

The key technical differentiator of the HyperShellX series is its AI motion engine. It automatically recognises and supports control for 12 types of movement in real time, including going up and down stairs, walking uphill and downhill, hiking, cycling, running and racewalking. It works by understanding the user's intent and providing appropriate power when needed. The company said it has IP54-rated water and dust resistance and can be used in outdoor activity in extreme cold, with cold resistance down to minus 20 degrees Celsius.

Angus Fan (판 앵거스), HyperShell's chief product officer, said HyperShell was inspired by the Japanese anime “Ghost in the Shell”. He described an exoskeleton as not just a tool but a companion that amplifies a user's free will. He stressed that robotics should not replace people, but help them better and draw out their potential.

The HyperShell X series comes in four models: Ultra, Carbon, Pro and Go. The top-end Ultra uses carbon fibre and titanium alloy, bringing its weight to 1.8 kg excluding the battery. It supports 1,000 watts of output and a range of 30 km per battery, and reduces physical activity intensity by as much as 39 percent at a top assisted speed of 25 km per hour.

The Carbon and Pro models support 800 watts of output and 17.5 km per battery, reducing physical exertion by as much as 30 percent. The entry-level Go model focuses on everyday activity with 400 watts of output and a top assisted speed of 12 km per hour. It has IP54-rated water and dust resistance and cold resistance down to minus 20 degrees Celsius for use across outdoor environments.

HyperShell also has a track record of being deployed in professional fields such as disaster sites, outside outdoor use. During a fire in Hong Kong's Tai Po area, it provided 200 units of the X Pro and X Ultra models to local rescue agencies to support on-site recovery work. It is also being used in extreme environment research through cooperation with non-governmental organisations, including a Himalaya glacier research team.

Fan said the device identifies a user's intent in advance and provides appropriate power. He stressed that this amplifies human capability rather than replacing people.

“From outdoor enthusiasts to seniors”... targeting the performance wearable market

VD Robotics plans to actively use for HyperShell a nationwide after-sales service infrastructure built through VD Frent, based on its service robot brand and subsidiaries it has operated since 2019. It said it will station after-sales personnel at major hubs such as Gwangju, Daejeon, Daegu and Busan, set up an always-on support system including weekends, and aims to resolve all issues within 3 days.

Not everyone can wear it. HyperShell recommends wearer criteria of 155 to 195 cm in height and 100 kg or less in weight, and HyperShell said it confirmed clinical results showing there is no problem even for those under 155 cm if their waist circumference is sufficient. It also provides a function that automatically adjusts to an individual's waist circumference via an app on first wear.

A key area of focus was the human-robot interface, or pressure distribution design between the body and the device. Fan said the company conducted pressure distribution tests on body types across various countries, including Westerners and Asians, and said it will continue to improve so more body types can wear it. It also provides a function that automatically adjusts to an individual's waist circumference via an app on first wear.

Domestic consumer reaction has been positive. In a Wadiz pre-order conducted before launch, VD Robotics raised more than 100,000,000 won in funding, achieving 3,721 percent of its target. VD Robotics aims to sell more than 3,000 units this year. Prices are 1.49 million won for Go, 1.99 million won for Pro, 2.899 million won for Carbon and 3.299 million won for Ultra. It is seeking to list the products not only on its own online store but also on major e-commerce platforms such as Naver and Coupang and on welfare malls such as Hyundai Easymall, and plans to enter major department stores and large discount store electronics shops.