NeoSomaTech
Is a powered exoskeleton afraid of rain?
The answer in detail
It depends on the protection rating the manufacturer states. For Hypershell's X Series, the official page lists an IP54 rating for the X Go, X Pro and X Carbon, and the Ultra X page confirms it for that model: the device is protected against water splashed from any direction, and that water should have no harmful effect. Rain showers or splashes are therefore not a problem according to the manufacturer.
However, IP54 covers neither powerful water jets, nor immersion, nor jet washing. For the other brands, our product pages give no protection rating: do not assume one, and ask the manufacturer or seller.
How it works in practice
The IP code, defined by the IEC 60529 standard, has two digits: the first states protection against solid objects, the second protection against water. In IP54, the 5 means protected against dust, and the 4 protected against water splashed from any direction.
The higher levels are far more demanding: level 5 corresponds to hose jets, level 6 to strong jets, and level 7 to temporary immersion up to 1 meter for 30 minutes. A validated rating does not automatically cover the higher levels.
- First digit 5: protected against dust.
- Second digit 4: protected against water splashed from any direction.
- Neither powerful jets nor immersion are covered by an IP54.
Who it is for and when
This information mostly matters to hikers, who can be caught by a shower, fog or slush. For the Ultra X, the manufacturer also states an operating temperature range of -20 to 60 °C. Check both figures for your model before an outing in wet conditions.
To choose a model suited to hiking, read our feature on the hiking exoskeleton.
Limits and precautions
An IP rating describes a laboratory test on a new device: it says nothing about how seals wear over time. The manufacturer's manual remains the reference for care, drying and storage.
- Avoid immersion and water jets, which IP54 does not cover.
- Do not wash the device with a pressure washer.
- Check the IP rating of your exact model before buying.
- Follow the manual for drying after a wet outing.
Key takeaways
A powered exoskeleton is not waterproof by nature: everything depends on its IP rating. Hypershell's X Series states IP54, which withstands splashes but not jets or immersion. For the other brands, our product pages give no rating: ask the manufacturer. If in doubt, keep the device away from water and follow its manual.
Find the full specifications of the Ultra X on its product page and read your own model's manual before any outing in wet conditions.