SportsTech Insider
Image from Skip/Arc'teryx
Skip ↗, a wearable technology startup recently spun out from Alphabet ↗, has announced its first major partnership with outdoor clothing specialist Arc'teryx ↗. The collaboration will bring Skip's innovative "powered pants" technology to market, featuring a soft exoskeleton system designed to assist mobility.
The MO/GO (short for "mountain goat") technology combines soft and rigid components to provide a 40% energy boost to the wearer's quadriceps and hamstrings while reducing strain on the knees. This hybrid system aims to enhance walking ability without fully automating the process.
Reservations for MO/GO-equipped clothing are now open, with shipments expected to begin later this year. The company plans a soft launch in late summer or early fall, offering rentals near popular hiking destinations such as the Grand Canyon.
Skip's journey from Alphabet to independent startup was influenced by recent cost-cutting measures at the tech giant. Kathryn Zealand, Skip's founder and CEO, revealed that resource reductions at Alphabet's X division in late 2023 prompted the decision to seek external funding and spin out the company.
To date, Skip has secured $6 million through a combination of venture capital funding and grants. While the initial launch price of $4,500 may limit widespread adoption, the company is exploring options to make the technology more accessible. These efforts include potential FSA coverage and scaling up manufacturing to reduce costs over time. Looking beyond outdoor enthusiasts, Skip is conducting clinical trials to test MO/GO's effectiveness in assisting individuals with conditions like Parkinson's disease. However, classification as a medical device remains a long-term goal.
As wearable technology continues to evolve, Skip's partnership with Arc'teryx marks a significant step toward bringing advanced mobility assistance to both outdoor adventurers and everyday users.