ONYX detects what the body is doing and provides support at the exact time it is needed. Sensors distributed on the exoskeleton report speed, direction, and angle of movement to an on-board computer that drives electro-mechanical actuators at the knees. The exoskeleton delivers the right torque at the right time to assist knee flexion and extension. ONYX ultimately reduces the energy needed to cross terrain, squat, or kneel. These benefits are most noticeable when ascending or descending stairs or navigating inclined surfaces.

ONYX syncs up with the user. It will be improved even more. It takes 75 milliseconds for the human body to go from thought to action. Speeding up ONYX will improve the impact on human endurance.

Military exoskeletons could finally arrive ten years after the Lockheed HULC exoskeleton first appeared.