Hiking uphill could feel easier with these robotic pants? Know how Google X’s spin-off claims to make climbing steep hills easier for you

Hiking uphill can be a tough task. Not many people can easily do it. This is a tiring task, especially on steep trails where the legs and knees have to work harder with each step. But, things may now get easier. A new pair of robotic hiking pants aims to make these climbs easier. They use electric motors to assist the wearer's movements.

The powered hiking system is called MO/GO. It was developed by wearable robotics company Skip in partnership with outdoor clothing brand Arc’teryx. It is designed to help people climb hills with less effort and support knees while walking downhill.

Skip has made a big claim. It says the system can provide up to 40% assistance at its maximum setting. However, people should note that it does not mean that users will walk 40% faster or cover 40% more distance.

What is it and how do robotic hiking pants work?

It combines electric motors, sensors and software. The aim is to assist the movement of the legs. It is integrated with Arc’teryx Gamma hiking pants. The system uses carbon-fibre support structures to transfer force to the wearer's leg.

In it, sensors track the movement and software identifies activities. It includes walking uphill and descending. The motors then adjust their assistance to match the wearer's movements.

The system helps the leg muscles lift the body against gravity during an uphill climb, and is designed to support the knees. The aim is to also reduce the strain associated with descending while walking downhill.

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Connection with Google X

It all began as a project at Google X. It was Alphabet's research and development lab.

Skip was founded by Kathryn Zealand and Anna Roumiantseva. They worked on developing wearable technology to help people move more easily.

What does the 40% boost mean for hikers?

The company claims it can provide 40% assistance based on peak biological torque at the knee joint when operating at its maximum setting.

It is also designed to help reduce physical effort during outdoor activities. But, it does not remove the need for fitness, suitable footwear or careful movement on difficult trails.

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