Table Mountain rescue marks South Africa’s first use of exoskeleton

A 47-year-old hiker was successfully assisted down Table Mountain’s Platteklip Gorge using a Hypershell exoskeleton, marking the first reported use of such technology in a South African mountain rescue.

The hiker and her family reached the summit on a Saturday, but found the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway had already closed for the day. As daylight faded, the mother became exhausted and struggled to navigate the steep descent.

Wilderness Search and Rescue (WSAR) deployed a response team, including a Western Cape Government Health and Wellness EMS paramedic, to assist. The battery-powered device, worn around the hips and thighs, provided powered assistance to the hiker’s natural movement. This allowed her to walk down the gorge with steadier steps and improved confidence, rather than requiring a stretcher carry. The operation concluded safely after 23:00.