Skip, the innovative wearable tech startup spun off from Alphabet’s X Labs, has teamed up with renowned outdoor brand Arc’teryx to introduce its cutting-edge “powered pants” exoskeleton, named MO/GO, or “Mountain Goat.” This partnership marks the official launch of Skip’s advanced hybrid exoskeleton technology.
The MO/GO exoskeleton offers 40% energy assistance to the quadriceps and hamstrings while alleviating knee stress, enhancing mobility for activities such as hiking. The technology will be available for reservations starting this week, with initial shipments scheduled for later this year. A soft launch will occur in late summer or early fall, with rental options available near major hiking destinations like the Grand Canyon.
Initially reported by TechCrunch in 2021, MO/GO was developed within Alphabet’s X Labs. However, Alphabet’s recent budget cuts and layoffs led to a reduction in resources for X Labs. The unit, part of Alphabet’s “Other Bets,” reported a significant loss of $1.19 billion in Q3 of the previous year.
Founder and CEO Kathryn Zealand highlighted the need for independent funding, stating, “It became clear by late 2023 that staying within Alphabet was not feasible. We had to secure external investment.” Unable to purchase Skip’s intellectual property from Alphabet, Zealand sought venture capital, successfully raising $6 million to fund the startup’s transition.
Skip’s collaboration with Arc’teryx is pivotal for the product’s market entry, combining the company’s expertise in both apparel and functional gear. The exoskeleton, priced at $4,500, targets users with mobility impairments. Ongoing clinical trials aim to assess its benefits for conditions like Parkinson’s disease.
While full medical device certification may take years, Skip is exploring options like FSA coverage to lower costs for consumers. Scaling production will also help reduce the price over time. Alphabet’s evolving approach to X Labs spinouts, such as the Waymo project and others, reflects a trend toward supporting independent growth while adjusting resource allocations.