An exosuit project within its X division is in the process of leaving Alphabet.For several years, a team inside Google's moonshot factory, X, have been working on an exoskeleton to help the elderly and immobile walk independently.
That project, formerly known as"Smarty Pants" and now named"Skip," is in the process of being spun out of Alphabet. A spokesperson at X confirmed the project was exploring options outside of Alphabet but would not elaborate on the specifics. Kathryn Zealand, who ran the project at X, will lead Skip as an independent company once it's transitioned out of Alphabet, according to a person familiar with the matter. Zealand declined to comment for this story. that explored Google's moonshot lab. The project combines soft robotics and artificial intelligence into an exoskeleton that is fitted with an array of sensors to help it predict where the wearer is moving and, therefore, where force should be applied.
X has since curtailed its ambitions to focus on projects that promise a faster turnaround on investment,