IRMO M1 exoskeleton uses terrain-aware AI to adapt to terrain ahead of each step

A new consumer exoskeleton designed for trails and urban travel uses terrain-aware artificial intelligence to anticipate the support its wearer will need before each step. The IRMO M1 is the product of IRMO, a spinout from Beihang University in Beijing, and it represents a shift toward predictive rather than reactive assistance in wearable robotics. The system combines AI, a forward-facing camera and laser-ranging sensors with lightweight actuators to smooth performance on uneven surfaces and steep descents.

The M1 straps around the waist and legs with modular fast-release bands. Each leg module weighs 2.2 to 2.6 pounds, and a 1,000-watt motor provides up to 45% assist on each stride. IRMO says the device can take as much as 50 pounds of stress off the knees, potentially reducing fatigue on long hikes or commutes. Inside the frame sits a nine-axis inertial measurement unit paired with an AI engine that studies the wearer’s gait in real time, enabling the M1 to fine-tune each push as you move.

Terrain-aware AI reads the terrain ahead by scanning a four-foot radius around the user with a combination of a forward-facing camera and a laser-rangefinder. This allows the system to anticipate stairs, grass, sand or slopes and adjust power output before the next step. IRMO says the predictive approach can reduce knee impact by up to 60% and help users climb with more power, absorb impact on jumps and maintain a steadier pace on declines.

The M1 provides four primary modes via the IRMO app: Turbo for maximum support during intense efforts, Eco for steady help on long walks, Training to add resistance for workouts, and Rest to prevent motor firing when the user stops. Battery life is rated up to eight hours thanks to energy-recovery technology. The device operates in temperatures from minus 4 degrees Fahrenheit to 104 degrees Fahrenheit and carries IP67 waterproofing.

How to buy and when it ships: The M1 is available through a global Kickstarter campaign running through early January 2026. Prices start at $399 for the M1 Neo tier, with higher tiers offering stronger motors, lighter frames and longer battery life, such as the M1 Pro and M1 Ultra. Pledges include the main units, straps, charger, battery pack, user manual and packaging, with global shipping expected in May 2026. Backers should review refund rules, shipping details and risk notes before pledging.

If you love outdoor adventures but feel the strain of long climbs or steep descents, the M1 is pitched as a tool to reopen trails that once felt out of reach. The company notes that the system can be tuned for different activities—from hiking and running to jumping, cycling and even team sports such as basketball or tennis—through its modular modes and per-step augmentation. Training and endurance gains, IRMO says, come from the combination of predictive terrain data and real-time gait tuning, designed to reduce fatigue and protect the knees on rugged routes.

If the crowdfunding campaign meets its milestones, the IRMO M1 could mark a significant shift in personal mobility technology by expanding outdoor reach and reducing knee strain on challenging routes. The project also reflects a broader push to combine artificial intelligence, sensors and lightweight robotics into wearable devices capable of adapting to real-world terrain in real time. Critics will want to see performance data at scale and results from broader user testing before expecting mainstream adoption, but backers and enthusiasts have already shown strong early interest as the campaign nears its January 2026 deadline.

Overall, IRMO positions the M1 as a versatile, terrain-aware exoskeleton designed to augment everyday activity and athletic performance alike. If delivered on time and to specification, it could provide recreational athletes with a new tool for endurance and balance, while offering a potential model for how AI-driven wearables might adapt to the unpredictable surfaces of real-world environments.