Key Takeaways
1. Dnsys launched a Kickstarter campaign for the Z1 knee exoskeleton, designed to enhance mobility for walking, hiking, and sports, and is waterproof for all weather conditions.
2. The Z1 is priced similarly to a smartphone, thanks to skilled manufacturing and advanced algorithm development, making it affordable for everyday users.
3. Developed based on user feedback, the Z1 aims to address the demand for knee support and has already raised $1 million in ten days on Kickstarter.
4. The exoskeleton features a lightweight design with a custom motor that provides powerful assistance, allowing users to navigate various terrains and carry loads with ease.
5. The Z1 includes safety features like fall detection, a quick-release battery system, and is easy to maintain, with removable covers for washing and a durable design suitable for diverse environments.
Dnsys has kicked off a Kickstarter campaign for its innovative Z1 knee exoskeleton, designed to strap to the upper thigh and lower calf. This device aims to enhance mobility for everyday users when walking, hiking, or engaging in sports activities. Notably, the Z1 is waterproof, making it suitable for use in both rain and snow. The company has invested three years into research and development, gathering over 1,500 hours of motion data to perfect the AI Neutral Motion Engine that governs the exoskeleton’s operation.
Interview Insights
In an interview with co-founder Jojo Li and marketing head Nick Tang (quotes were slightly modified for clarity), Jojo emphasized their goal of creating an affordable device priced similarly to a new smartphone. They achieved this by leveraging their skilled manufacturing team in Shenzhen, a city recognized for its technological production capabilities, along with top-tier algorithm developers in Beijing. The Z1 features a custom-made DNA-1 motor, drawing on expertise from the company’s medical-grade models.
Company Background
The name Dnsys stands for “dynamic system,” indicating a system that evolves over time. The founding team has experience at well-known companies like DJI, Segway, and Xiaomi, bringing valuable knowledge from the commercial and consumer product sectors. Jojo shared her motivation for joining the startup, stating, “It’s crucial to leverage technology to improve people’s mobility. Everyone ages, and we need to enhance our human abilities through technology, especially for our parents and grandparents.”
The earlier Dnsys-H1 hip exoskeleton received medical approval in China and has been used in more than ten hospitals to aid hundreds of patients with their walking patterns. This was followed by the X1 hip exoskeleton, aimed at consumers without medical functionalities. The new Z1 was developed based on customer feedback, addressing a demand for knee support.
User-Centric Development
Jojo explained, “The Z1 was influenced by our users from the X1 community. Many expressed a desire for a knee exoskeleton, and doctors echoed this need in 2021. The Z1 has successfully raised $1 million on Kickstarter within just ten days.” While other companies like Skip are planning to release knee exoskeletons, Nick highlighted their competitive edge, saying, “Among all these market competitors, I believe ours is the most advanced. The Z1 is unique as knee exoskeletons are inherently more challenging to develop than hip ones.” The Z1 is expected to ship in November 2025, whereas Skip’s knee exoskeleton will debut in 2026 at five times the cost. Additionally, users can wear the Z1 and X1 together for enhanced mobility.
The Dnsys Z1 weighs 1.5 lbs. (680 g) per leg for the standard aluminum-carbon fiber version, while the pro titanium-carbon fiber version weighs 1.4 lbs. (640 g) per leg. Prototypes have been tested with users weighing up to 230 kg, as reported by Jojo.
Innovative Engineering
The lightweight nature of the Z1 is attributed to the company’s custom DNA-1 motor design, which allows for a more powerful and lighter exoskeleton compared to competitors using standard motors. Each unit is equipped with a motor that delivers 450 watts of peak power to assist with knee bending, redistributing the strain from the upper thigh around the knee to the lower leg.
The assistive torque and strain redistribution can provide a lift equivalent to 20 kg when ascending stairs and can alleviate the pressure of a 35 kg backpack on the knees, according to Jojo. The specific level of assistance will depend on factors like the individual’s physique, fitness level, terrain, and load. Users can utilize the Dnsys app to track health data, including step counts and adjust settings.
Cost-Effective Solutions
To keep costs low, Dnsys optimized the Z1 control system by performing complex AI training and data processing in the cloud. Jojo explained, “We lighten the load on our processor, making our components more affordable. This approach enables us to offer a product at a reasonable price while maintaining quick processing speeds.” Consequently, the Z1 can operate using a low-speed 240 MHz dual-core processor while still achieving a reaction time of 0.01 seconds.
Test users have reported enjoying activities like basketball, skiing, and even attempting backflips, although this last activity is not recommended for safety reasons. Jojo added, “Many people have said they feel natural when walking, navigating stairs, or traversing various terrains. The system adapts rapidly and effectively to users.”
Battery Life and Safety Features
The system boasts a runtime of up to three hours for a single leg unit, four hours for the standard dual-leg model, and up to eight hours for the pro dual-leg version. For context, a healthy individual typically walks a mile in about 15 minutes or hikes a mile in 20 to 60 minutes. The exoskeleton supports regenerative charging while going downhill.
The Z1 includes built-in fall detection that automatically disengages the motors when a fall or unusual movement, like a backflip, is detected. This feature allows users to move their legs freely without being immobilized.
According to Nick, Dnsys sources its lithium batteries from a reputable manufacturer that meets all safety standards. The battery packs are secured to a waist-worn belt, enabling quick removal in emergencies, with Nick noting, “You can take it off in less than three seconds.” The low-power processor ensures the exoskeleton remains cool during use, and the Z1 is operable in temperatures ranging from -20 °C to 60 °C.
Maintenance and Future Goals
The exoskeleton’s body contact points have removable fabric covers for easy washing, and its IP54-rated body can be sanitized with disinfecting wipes.
Dnsys is already leveraging AI tools to enhance development while ensuring manageable working hours. Jojo remarked, “Our company stands out from others because we all were born after 1990, making us adept at utilizing AI tools to improve our product.”
Unlike competitors such as the Wandercraft Atalante X, which allows paralyzed individuals to walk, Jojo aspires for everyone to benefit from their exoskeletons. She stated, “Dnsys aims to transform exoskeletons into wearable technology that people genuinely want to use. We envision exoskeletons as comfortable and familiar as your favorite sportswear or running shoes.”
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