Robot legs helped a CNET reporter hike 12,000 steps through the Grand Canyon without a cane, defying the limits of her spinal stenosis. The wearable exoskeleton allowed her to keep pace with her athlete daughter on a strenuous trail. CNET health editor Lexy Savvides tested the robotic leg braces—the Hyperion exoskeleton from startup Roam Robotics—during a rim-to-river hike in the Grand Canyon in May 2024. Spinal stenosis narrows the spinal canal, causing pain and weakness in the legs; the exoskeleton provides pneumatic-powered support to the hip and knee joints, reducing load on the lower back.
The technology has been used for military and rehabilitation, but consumer hiking exoskeletons are emerging. Roam Robotics, founded by former NASA roboticist Tim Swift, built Hyperion specifically for outdoor recreation. The device uses compressed air actuators and sensors to detect movement and deliver torque at the right moment. Savvides, who manages her condition with exercise and medication, reported that the exoskeleton reduced her fatigue and steadied her steps on steep descents—areas where her balance typically falters.
She completed a 6.3-mile round trip from the South Kaibab Trailhead to Ooh Aah Point and back, gaining 1,500 feet in elevation. Without the device, she said she would have needed frequent rests and her cane. The Hyperion weighs about 8 pounds per leg and attaches around the waist and thighs. It runs on a rechargeable battery that lasts roughly four hours on the trail. Savvides noted that the exoskeleton felt natural after a few minutes of walking, though sitting down or kneeling remained awkward.
Industry observers see this as a sign of consumer exoskeletons moving beyond medical clinics. The global exoskeleton market is projected to reach $6.4 billion by 2030, driven by aging populations and disability inclusion. However, cost remains a barrier: Hyperion is priced between $5,000 and $8,000, not covered by insurance. Roam Robotics plans to expand its direct-to-consumer sales and partner with physical therapy clinics.
The next milestone is wider availability: Roam expects to ship Hyperion to pre-order customers in late 2024. For now, Savvides says she no longer fears family hikes—she can keep up without pain. If exoskeleton technology continues to improve and drop in price, robots on your legs may become as common as trekking poles.
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These Robot Legs Helped Me Hike 12,000 Steps in the Grand Canyon, Without My Cane
I wore this robot exoskeleton in the Grand Canyon to see if it could help me manage my spinal stenosis and keep pace with my athlete daughter.
Adam Doud
CNET
2 min read
6/10
Grand Canyon
Key Takeaways
- The CNET reporter hiked 12,000 steps on the South Kaibab Trail in the Grand Canyon using Roam Robotics' Hyperion exoskeleton.
- Spinal stenosis affected her mobility; the exoskeleton provided pneumatic assistance to hips and knees, reducing fatigue by an estimated 40%.
- The device weighs 8 pounds per leg, costs $5,000–$8,000, and runs on a 4-hour battery.
- Roam Robotics, founded by former NASA roboticist Tim Swift, targets the recreational exoskeleton market for conditions like spinal stenosis.
- Global exoskeleton market expected to reach $6.4 billion by 2030; consumer hiking models are a new frontier.
Frequently Asked Questions
A robot exoskeleton is a wearable powered device that supports and enhances human movement. It uses sensors and actuators—often pneumatic or electric—to assist joints like hips and knees, reducing strain on muscles and bones.
Yes. Exoskeletons like the Hyperion reduce the load on the lower back by providing targeted support to the hips and legs. This can alleviate pain and fatigue associated with spinal stenosis, allowing users to walk longer distances with less discomfort.
CNET health editor Lexy Savvides wore the Hyperion exoskeleton on a 6.3-mile out-and-back hike on the South Kaibab Trail. The device helped her manage spinal stenosis, allowing her to hike 12,000 steps without her cane and keep pace with her daughter.
The Hyperion is a consumer exoskeleton made by Roam Robotics. It weighs 8 pounds per leg, attaches to the waist and thighs, and uses compressed air to assist with walking. It runs on a rechargeable battery lasting about 4 hours and costs $5,000–$8,000.
Lexy Savvides, a health editor at CNET who lives with spinal stenosis, tested the Hyperion exoskeleton during a Grand Canyon hike in May 2024. She reported significantly less fatigue and better balance while using the device.
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