Skip, a wearable tech startup that was initially developed within Alphabet’s X Labs, recently emerged from stealth mode with an exciting partnership with outdoor clothing specialist Arc’teryx. This partnership marks the launch of Skip’s first product, the MO/GO “powered pants,” which feature a soft exoskeleton designed to enhance wearer mobility and reduce strain on the knees.
Reservations for the MO/GO technology will open this week, with plans to start shipping later this year. To introduce the product, Skip will offer rentals near popular hiking destinations like the Grand Canyon in late summer or early fall.
The development of MO/GO started within Alphabet’s X Labs moonshot factory, and it gained attention from TechCrunch in 2021. However, in late 2023 and early 2024, Alphabet began reducing resources at X Labs due to company-wide layoffs. Founder and CEO Kathryn Zealand realized that the project would not thrive within Alphabet and began seeking funding to spin out the technology. Despite Alphabet’s refusal to sell the foundational IP to Zealand individually, Skip has managed to raise $6 million through a combination of funding and grants.
As Skip transitioned into an independent startup, finding a fashion partner became a top priority. Zealand admits to having a poor fashion sense but recognizes the potential of the technology. People with knee pain or mobility issues would test the prototypes and experience significant improvements. Zealand shares the story of a woman who hadn’t climbed stairs in 25 years but could do it twice in quick succession while wearing the technology. However, there were wearability challenges to overcome before the technology could become a viable consumer product.
Skip explored various clothing partnerships but ultimately chose Arc’teryx as the ideal launch partner. The Vancouver-based company is known for producing high-quality clothing and “hard goods” like harnesses and ski boots, making it a perfect fit for Skip’s needs.
While the initial launch cost of $4,500 may limit accessibility, Skip is conducting clinical trials to test the efficacy of the MO/GO system in assisting conditions like Parkinson’s. Although it may take years to classify the technology as a medical device, Skip is working towards having the system covered by Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) to make it more affordable for users. Scaling manufacturing will also contribute to reducing the price over time.
Alphabet has employed different approaches when working with spinouts from X Labs. While larger projects like Waymo receive substantial support from the tech giant, smaller projects like Skip are encouraged to become independent. This trend of allowing spinouts to thrive independently is likely to continue as Alphabet reduces its resources. Other startups, like Iyo, have experienced a similar trajectory, with Alphabet serving as an early investor but not taking a seat on the startup’s board.
In conclusion, Skip’s partnership with Arc’teryx marks an exciting milestone for the wearable tech startup as it brings its “powered pants” technology, MO/GO, to market. With plans for rentals near hiking destinations and ongoing clinical trials, Skip aims to make its technology more accessible and beneficial to a wider range of users in the future.
