In 2025, wearable technology has seamlessly integrated into daily life, with smartwatches, bands, and rings becoming essential tools for fitness and health monitoring. Major players like Apple, Samsung, and Strava have introduced AI coaching features to enhance user experience. However, the evolution of fitness technology extends beyond software; hardware innovations are emerging, with AI at their core. To explore this intersection of fitness and technology, I had the opportunity to test Samsung’s Running Coach software alongside Hypershell’s X Ultra exoskeleton at IFA 2025 in Berlin.
The Galaxy Watch 8, equipped with Samsung’s Running Coach, was put through its paces by our wearables expert, Michael Hicks. His experience, however, revealed some limitations, as the software misjudged his running capabilities. This prompted me to wonder if a less experienced runner like myself could benefit more from the program. At Samsung’s booth, I completed a brief survey about my running habits and received a slip detailing my running level, along with a QR code for further access.
Despite my enthusiasm, I soon encountered the constraints of Running Coach. The program is designed around fixed goals linked to your running level, which in my case was Level 5 after the survey. This rigidity lacks personalization, focusing primarily on preparing users for race distances that may not align with their individual goals. For example, the Level 5 training plan aimed to have me complete a 10K in under 1:08:20, a target I can already achieve. Unfortunately, there was no option to indicate my desire to improve my 5K time or to build endurance for more frequent runs. A few additional survey questions could easily address this gap.
While I decided to set aside Running Coach for my training, I found value in using Gemini AI on the Galaxy Watch 8. This feature allowed me to quickly access information about running routes and stretches, as well as start workouts hands-free.
Hypershell’s X Ultra exoskeleton could be a game-changer
My exploration continued with the Hypershell X Ultra, a novel AI-powered exoskeleton that represents a burgeoning category of wearable technology. This device, which straps around the waist and thighs, features motors designed to assist with leg movement. Initially skeptical, I was surprised to discover its potential benefits. Priced at ,000, the exoskeleton employs AI and machine learning to predict movements and provide motorized support, utilizing data from over 12 sensors to adapt to individual stride patterns.
The device connects to an Android app and is intended for various physical activities, including walking, hiking, and running. Experiencing the Hypershell X Ultra firsthand, I found it genuinely enhanced my mobility, making walking and climbing stairs significantly easier. By toggling between different modes, I could feel the exoskeleton adjusting its support in response to my movements.
However, while the exoskeleton excels in providing assistance for walking and hiking, it may not necessarily enhance running performance. Although it reduces exertion, the device’s design could restrict mobility during sprints, potentially counteracting its benefits. The waistband’s fit slightly limited my range of motion, suggesting that while the exoskeleton offers power, it may not translate to improved running mechanics.
That said, I envision a future where exoskeletons could play a role in training. The Hypershell X Ultra’s fitness mode allows users to increase resistance, making it a compelling tool for advanced runners looking to intensify their workouts. This feature could also mitigate impact stress during downhill runs, potentially alleviating joint pain.
AI hardware vs. software
While AI software tools are more accessible to the average runner, the allure of AI-powered hardware like the Hypershell X Ultra is undeniable. The limitations of AI running coaches, particularly in terms of personalization, contrast sharply with the dynamic, real-time adjustments offered by hardware solutions. Although I wouldn’t use such technology in a race, I believe it holds promise for enhancing training and improving overall running performance.
Note: Hypershell provided travel and lodging for part of my trip to IFA, but had no input in this article.
