New exoskeleton adapts to terrain with smart AI power

The IRMO M1 exoskeleton uses vision and AI to boost power, cut knee impact and adapt to terrain in real time. See how it works.

Science/Technology Dec 19, 2025 0 6 Add to Reading List

Recreational exoskeletons have been popping up for years, but the new IRMO M1 exoskeleton feels like a turning point. This next-generation wearable blends AI, a forward-facing camera, LADAR sensors, and lightweight robotics to give your legs a serious boost on trails and city streets.

It scans the terrain ahead and predicts how much assistance you will need before your foot lands, rather than waiting to react after impact. The result feels smoother and easier than many older systems that rely mainly on reactive support.

IRMO spun out of research from Beihang University in Beijing. Its team built the M1 to act like an all-terrain, adaptive suspension system for your legs, tuned for real-world walking and hiking conditions.

Early backers on its global crowdfunding campaign are already pushing the project toward major funding goals.

How the IRMO M1 exoskeleton boosts your stride

The M1 straps onto your waist and legs with modular fast-release bands. Each leg module weighs between 2.2 and 2.6 pounds. A 1,000 W motor provides up to 45 percent assist on each stride. IRMO says the system can take as much as 50 pounds of stress off your knees, which can help reduce fatigue on long days outside.

Inside the frame sits a nine-axis IMU paired with an AI engine that studies your gait in real time. This lets the M1 fine-tune each push as it learns how you move. That alone puts it in line with top performance exoskeletons, but IRMO adds something new that shifts the entire experience.

Credit: Irmo

Terrain-aware AI that looks ahead while you move

The M1 scans a four-foot radius around you with camera and laser rangefinder sensors. This lets it read the terrain before you reach it. The system adjusts power output based on what is coming up next. If the M1 detects stairs, grass, sand, or slopes, it prepares your legs with added support or added control.

It can help you climb with more power, absorb impact on jumps, and steady your pace on steep declines. IRMO says this predictive shift can reduce knee impact by up to 60 percent. You can use the M1 for hiking, running, jumping, cycling, and even sports like basketball or tennis. If you want to build strength, you can switch from assist to resistance mode.

Credit: IRMO

Multi-mode control for every activity

The M1 includes four primary modes.

Turbo gives maximum support for intense efforts
Eco offers steady help for long walks
Training delivers resistance for workouts
Rest keeps the motors from firing when you stop

You control everything in the IRMO app, including battery life and performance stats. With energy recovery tech, the M1 can run for up to eight hours. It works in temperatures from negative four to 104 Fahrenheit and has up to IP67 waterproofing.

How to buy the IRMO M1

You can buy the IRMO M1 through its Kickstarter campaign, which runs until early January 2026. Prices start at $399 for the M1 Neo tier and rise through several launch specials that offer different levels of power, weight, and features. Higher tiers include models like the M1 Pro and M1 Ultra, which add stronger motors, lighter frames, and longer battery performance. Each pledge level lists what comes in the box, including the main units, straps, charger, battery pack, user manual, and packaging. Shipping is global with an estimated delivery window of May 2026.

Since this is a crowdfunding project, you should review the refund rules, shipping details, and risk notes before you back it.

Credit: IRMO

What this means for you

If you love the outdoors but feel the strain of long climbs or steep descents, this tech looks to help you reopen trails that once felt out of reach. The M1 could help you hike farther, recover faster, and protect your knees on tough routes. It also gives recreational athletes a new tool for strength, balance, and endurance.

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Kurt’s key takeaways

The IRMO M1 exoskeleton blends robotics and AI into a wearable that is built to expand your range outdoors. Its terrain-aware design separates it from earlier models, and its multi-mode setup makes it useful for more than hiking. If the Kickstarter delivers on time, the M1 could mark a major shift in personal mobility tech.

Would you trust an AI-powered exoskeleton to boost your next adventure? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.

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