CES 2026 and the move toward wearable robots you don’t wear all day.
Updated
January 28, 2026 5:53 PM
The π6 exoskeleton from VIGX. PHOTO: VIGX
CES 2026 highlighted how robotics is taking many different forms. VIGX, a wearable robotics company, used the event to introduce the π6, a portable exoskeleton robot designed to be carried and worn only when needed. Unveiled in Las Vegas, the device reflects a broader shift at CES toward robotics that move with people rather than staying fixed in industrial or clinical settings.
Exoskeletons have existed for years, most commonly in controlled environments such as factories, rehabilitation facilities and specialised research settings. In these contexts, they have tended to be large, fixed systems intended for long sessions of supervised use rather than something a person could deploy on their own.
Against that backdrop, the π6 explores a more personal and flexible approach to assistance. Instead of treating an exoskeleton as permanent equipment, it is designed to be something users carry with them and wear only when a task or situation calls for extra support.
The π6 weighs 1.9 kilograms and folds down to a size that fits into a bag. When worn, it sits around the waist and legs, providing mechanical assistance during activities such as walking, climbing or extended movement. Rather than altering how people move, the system adds controlled rotational force at key joints to reduce physical strain over time.
According to the company, the device delivers up to 800 watts of peak power and 16 Nm of rotational force. In practical terms, this means the system is designed to help users sustain effort for longer periods, especially during physically demanding activities_ by easing the body's load rather than pushing it beyond normal limits.
The π6 is designed to support users weighing between 45 kilograms and 120 kilograms and is intended for intermittent use. This reinforces its role as a wearable companion — something taken out when needed and set aside when not — rather than a device meant to be worn continuously.
Another aspect of the system is how it responds to different environments. Using onboard sensors and processing, the exoskeleton can detect changes such as slopes or uneven ground and adjust the level of assistance accordingly. This reduces the need for manual adjustments and helps maintain a consistent walking experience across varied terrain, with software fine-tuning how assistance is applied rather than directing movement itself.
The hardware design follows a similar logic. The power belt contains a detachable battery, allowing users to remove or swap it without handling the entire system. This keeps the wearable components lighter and makes the exoskeleton easier to transport. The battery can also be used as a general power source for small electronic devices, adding a layer of practicality beyond the exoskeleton’s core function.
VIGX frames its work around accessibility rather than industrial automation. “To empower ordinary people,” said founder Bob Yu, explaining why the company chose to focus on exoskeleton robotics. “VIGX is dedicated to expanding the physical limits of humans, enabling deeper outdoor adventures, making running and cycling easier and more enjoyable and allowing people to sustain their outdoor pursuits regardless of age.”
Placed within the wider context of CES, the π6 sits alongside a growing number of portable robots and wearable systems that prioritise convenience, mobility and personal use. By reducing the physical and practical barriers to wearing an exoskeleton, VIGX is testing whether assistive robotics can move beyond niche environments and into everyday life. If that experiment succeeds, wearable robots may become less about dramatic augmentation and more about quiet support — present when needed and easy to put away when not.
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How a Korean biotech startup is using AI to move drug discovery from trial-and-error to precision design
A close up of a protein structure model. PHOTO: UNSPLASH
For decades, drug discovery has relied on trial and error, with scientists testing thousands of molecules to find one that works. Galux, a South Korean biotech startup, is changing that by using AI to design proteins from scratch. This method, called “de novo” design, makes it possible to build precise new therapies instead of searching through existing ones.
The company recently announced a US$29 million Series B funding round, bringing its total capital to US$47 million.This significant investment attracted a substantial roster of institutional backers, including the Korea Development Bank (KDB), Yuanta Investment, SL Investment and NCORE Ventures. These firms joined existing investors such as InterVest, DAYLI Partners and PATHWAY Investment, as well as new participants including SneakPeek Investments, Korea Investment & Securities and Mirae Asset Securities.
At the core of the company’s work is a platform called GaluxDesign. Unlike many AI tools that only predict how existing proteins fold, this system uses deep learning and physics to create entirely new therapeutic antibodies. This “from scratch” approach lets the team go after so-called “undruggable” proteins. These are targets that traditional small-molecule drugs can’t reach because they lack clear binding pockets. By designing proteins to fit these complex shapes, Galux aims to unlock treatments that have stayed out of reach for decades. And that’s exactly why investors are paying attention.
The pharmaceutical industry is actively looking for faster and more efficient ways to develop new drugs, and Galux is built for exactly that. The company connects its AI platform directly to its own wet lab, where designs can be tested in real time. Each result feeds straight back into the system, sharpening the next round of models. This continuous loop speeds up discovery and improves precision at every step. It’s also why partners like Celltrion, LG Chem and Boehringer Ingelheim are already working with Galux.
Galux is no longer just trying to make drugs that stick to a target. The company now wants its AI to design medicines that actually work in the body and can be made at scale. In simple terms, a drug has to do more than bind to a disease—it must be stable, safe and strong enough to change how the illness behaves. Galux is moving into tougher targets such as ion channels and GPCRs. These play key roles in heart function and sensory signals. Ultimately, the goal is to show that AI-driven design can turn complex biology into real treatments. And instead of hunting blindly for a solution, the team is building exactly what they need.