There were plenty of robots on display at CES 2026 promising to relieve humans of various burdens, from mowing lawns and sucking debris out of pools to folding laundry and vacuuming stairs.<\/p>\n
But what about robotic tech that just helps us\u2014actual humans\u2014keep moving?<\/p>\n
That\u2019s what I sought last week in Las Vegas, for somewhat selfish reasons: I have multiple sclerosis, and although I have some gait disability, I get around just fine now. But I know that might not be the case in the future, so I hoped to hunt down tech that could preserve my mobility long term.<\/p>\n
I pounded across convention floors to the tune of well over 10,000 steps a day, and I found it.<\/p>\n
Morning Brew tested several consumer-oriented devices that promise to aid mobility: the Dephy Sidekick, two models from exoskeleton purveyor Dnsys, and one exoskeleton from Ascentiz. The co-founders of all three companies cited similar motivations for their products: Armed with backgrounds in creating medical devices, they wanted to create something that would help a broader cohort of people.<\/p>\n
A leg up. My first test was a robotic wellness device called the Dephy (pronounced \u201cdefy\u201d) Sidekick, which Luke Mooney, Dephy\u2019s co-founder and CEO, described as \u201can ebike for walking.\u201d<\/p>\n
I laced up thick-soled sneakers and Mooney attached the Sidekick to each shoe with a magnet, explaining the design ensures individuals with limited flexibility can still quickly put on the device. He wrapped a strap around my calf and said I\u2019d feel the device hug my calf as it initialized. Once I had one on each foot, Mooney instructed me to walk about 20 steps at my normal pace so the Sidekick could assess my gait.<\/p>\n
When the Sidekick powered on, I felt what can best be described as a spring in my step. Walking was instantly easier, and my legs felt lighter. I walked for a bit and then Mooney pitched \u201can A\/B test.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cSo what are you doing here?\u201d I asked. <\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019ll let you tell me,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt feels like they\u2019re off,\u201d I reported, and he asked what my legs felt like.<\/p>\n
\u201cThey feel like I have MS,\u201d I responded. The A\/B test was turning them off; when they were on, the Sidekick had extinguished the heaviness and unsteadiness from my legs.<\/p>\n