Fanny Pack Robot Helps Man Walk Miles at CES 2026

The Wirobotics Wim S exoskeleton reduces exertion by up to 20 percent, making long treks at tech conferences more manageable.

Jan. 28, 2026 at 9:15am

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For the second year in a row, Sean Hollister of The Verge wore an exoskeleton to help him walk the miles required to cover CES, the world's biggest tech show. This year, he opted for the $2,000 Wirobotics Wim S, a fanny pack-style exoskeleton that promised to reduce his exertion by up to 20 percent. The Wim S proved easier to use than last year's Hypershell model, with a more compact design that was quicker to put on and take off.

Why it matters

Exoskeletons are no longer just for military, construction, and medical applications. There is a growing category of stripped-down versions designed for leisure and rehabilitation, helping people walk and hike longer distances without tiring as quickly. As tech events like CES require miles of walking, these types of exoskeletons are becoming an increasingly useful tool for journalists and others who need to cover large trade shows.

The details

The Wirobotics Wim S uses motors to lift the user's legs and cushion the impact, reducing exertion by up to 20 percent according to the company. Unlike last year's Hypershell model, the Wim S's fanny pack design made it easier to use, with a more compact size that was quicker to put on and take off. The Wim S also had a more natural range of motion, with ball joints and telescoping arms that better followed the user's leg movements. However, the Wim S's battery life was a letdown, lasting only a few hours before abruptly shutting off.

  • Wirobotics released the original Wim exoskeleton in 2025.
  • The Wim S model was showcased at CES 2026 in Las Vegas.

The players

Wirobotics

A company that makes exoskeletons for leisure and rehabilitation, including the Wim and Wim S models.

Sean Hollister

A reporter for The Verge who tested the Wirobotics Wim S exoskeleton at CES 2026.

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What they’re saying

“It was like I'd obtained an extra energy tank in a Metroid game.”

— Sean Hollister, Reporter (The Verge)

What’s next

Wirobotics is looking to expand the availability of the Wim S exoskeleton beyond its initial launch in Korea, with plans to bring the product to the US, Europe, and Japan. The company has reportedly already had discussions with Best Buy about potential retail partnerships.

The takeaway

Exoskeletons are evolving beyond their traditional industrial and medical applications, with more consumer-focused models like the Wirobotics Wim S emerging to help people stay active and mobile for longer periods of time. As technology events and other activities require extensive walking, these types of assistive devices could become increasingly valuable tools for journalists, attendees, and others who need to cover large areas.