Skip Takes Flight: Exoskeleton Technology Leaves Alphabet Nest

A groundbreaking partnership between Skip, a newly independent company spun out of Alphabet’s X, and outdoor apparel giant Arc’teryx is set to revolutionize personal mobility. The collaboration marks the commercial debut of Skip’s innovative MO/GO technology, a soft exoskeleton designed to enhance human performance.

Developed within the experimental crucible of Alphabet’s X Labs, MO/GO offers a 40% energy boost to the wearer’s lower body, alleviating strain on the knees, quads, and hamstrings. This breakthrough technology has the potential to transform the way people interact with their environment, from conquering challenging terrain to simply navigating daily life.

Skip’s journey from a moonshot project to a standalone company is a testament to the entrepreneurial spirit fostered within Alphabet. However, as the tech giant underwent cost-cutting measures, the decision to spin out became imperative. With a successful $6 million fundraising round, Skip secured the financial backing necessary to bring its vision to life.

The partnership with Arc’teryx is a strategic move that combines Skip’s technological prowess with the apparel company’s expertise in performance gear. By integrating MO/GO into a wearable product, Skip is addressing a key challenge: transforming laboratory innovation into a practical, everyday solution.

Initially available as a rental, MO/GO will be tested in real-world conditions through outdoor enthusiasts exploring destinations like the Grand Canyon. This data-driven approach will inform future product iterations and refinements. While the initial price point of $4,500 positions MO/GO as a premium product, Skip is committed to making the technology more accessible through cost reductions and potential insurance coverage.

The long-term vision for Skip extends beyond outdoor adventures. The company is actively exploring the potential of MO/GO to assist individuals with mobility challenges, such as those living with Parkinson’s disease. Clinical trials are underway to evaluate the technology’s efficacy in these areas.

Skip’s emergence as an independent entity marks a new chapter in the development of wearable exoskeletons. With the support of industry leaders like Arc’teryx and a relentless focus on user experience, the company is poised to redefine the boundaries of human potential.