A groundbreaking innovation in wearable technology is set to redefine human mobility and endurance. 


The DNSYS Z1, a revolutionary powered knee exoskeleton developed by Hong Kong startup Dnsys, is promising users up to a 50% boost in leg strength and a significant reduction in knee pressure, making strenuous activities feel effortless.


Dnsys, founded by robotics experts with backgrounds at industry giants like Segway, DJI, and Xiaomi, has engineered the Z1 as a sophisticated evolution of their previous hip-assist exoskeleton, the X1.


This latest iteration focuses directly on the knee joint, offering unparalleled support and power.

The Z1 system comprises two lightweight (1.5 lb / 680 g each) hinged exoskeletons, one for each leg, designed for quick deployment in just 15 seconds. Each unit houses a powerful 450-watt motor, collectively delivering 900 watts of assistance to the wearer's thighs and calves. Onboard torque, position, and force sensors, coupled with AI algorithms running on a dual-core 240-MHz processor, detect leg movements and activate the motors within a remarkable 0.01 seconds. 

This intelligent system learns user movement patterns, ensuring seamless and natural assistance across various activities.

Key Features and Benefits:
 * Enhanced Strength & Reduced Strain: The Z1 reportedly boosts calf and thigh strength by 50% and reduces knee pressure by an impressive 200%. Users can feel up to 44 lb (20 kg) lighter when performing actions like standing up, climbing slopes, jumping, or repeated squats.
 * Boosted Endurance: For outdoor enthusiasts, the Z1 can extend hiking endurance by an average of 15.5 miles (25 km), allowing for longer, more comfortable adventures. It can also offload up to 330 lb (150 kg) of knee load during high-impact activities such as downhill skiing.
 * Adaptive AI Modes: The integrated AI intelligently recognizes movements, switching assist modes for a range of activities including walking, running, cycling, jumping, squatting, sitting, and standing.
 * Robust and Water-Resistant: With an IP54 water-resistant rating, the Z1 is built to withstand splashes, making it suitable for various outdoor conditions.
 * Efficient Power Management: Each unit is powered by a lithium-ion battery, providing up to five hours of runtime depending on usage. A clever kinetic energy recovery system helps recharge the batteries by harnessing energy generated when walking downhill, maximizing efficiency.

The DNSYS Z1 is available in three models to suit different needs: a lower-spec Single Joint model, a mid-range Dual Joint model (featuring aluminum/carbon fiber construction), and a premium Dual Joint Pro model (crafted from titanium). The mid-range Dual Joint model, for instance, has a planned retail price of $1,499.

The DNSYS Z1 represents a significant leap forward in personal assistive robotics, offering the potential for enhanced mobility, reduced physical strain, and extended endurance for a wide range of users, from outdoor adventurers to those seeking everyday support.

For more details on the DNSYS Z1 and its capabilities, you can visit the project's pages: