LOS ANGELES, May 26, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Vastnaut, a pioneering wearable robotics startup, today announced the successful conclusion of its three-day Demo Day in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles (May 21-23). In an unprecedented move for the consumer exoskeleton category, Vastnaut broke away from usual crowdfunding practices by inviting outdoor explorers, everyday users, and passersby to physically test Vastnaut One—the world's first AI-powered 4x4 exoskeleton—while its crowdfunding campaign is still actively running.
Building trust through genuine transparency
For early-stage hardware startups, the crowdfunding phase is often plagued by polished videos and exaggerated spec sheets that overpromise and underdeliver, leading to a growing gap in consumer trust. Vastnaut chose to tackle this head-on. The Los Angeles event was designed with one clear goal: genuine transparency. Rather than asking backers to blindly trust digital promises, Vastnaut brought the physical product directly to the community, proving that their breakthrough wearable technology is ready for the real world.
"It doesn't feel like a machine": what early adopters are actually saying
During the event, attendees were invited to walk up and down flights of stairs, perform deep crouches, and strap on heavy hiking backpacks to experience Vastnaut One's active assistance and load relief firsthand.
"It honestly feels like my own legs just got a massive upgrade," said Alex T., an amateur landscape photographer. "Since it's helping out my hips and knees at the same time, it doesn't feel like you're wearing a machine. It just moves right with you, whether you're bending down for a shot or taking the stairs."
Other attendees tested the system against typical exoskeleton pain points. "I actually brought my own 60-liter pack just to see if the frame would get in the way," noted Sarah M., an avid hiker and early backer. "It totally cleared my gear without bumping into anything. And the moment I hit the stairs, it felt like the weight of the bag just vanished. It's pretty incredible."
Weighing just 2.7 kg thanks to its 86% aerospace-grade carbon fiber construction, Vastnaut One demonstrated its ability to effectively reduce knee impact by up to 35% and uphill effort by 30% during the live demonstrations.
Los Angeles is just the beginning
"Los Angeles is just the first stop for us," the Vastnaut team stated. "We believe that building genuine trust means putting the physical product directly into our users' hands. The incredible feedback we received here proves that our industry-first End-to-End AI and 4x4 architecture truly resonate with people once they step into it. We will be taking this physical tour to other cities globally, ensuring that our community remains at the very heart of our journey."
The Vastnaut One is currently live on Kickstarter, where the campaign continues to gain momentum following the successful Los Angeles showcase.
For more information about Vastnaut One, future Demo Day stops, or to join the ongoing crowdfunding campaign, visit Vastnaut official website and its Kickstarter page.
About Vastnaut
Vastnaut is a wearable robotics company founded by engineers from leading consumer hardware brands such as DJI and EcoFlow. Combining deep expertise in robotics, biomechanics, and control systems, the company is guided by the belief that technology should extend human capability in practical, meaningful ways.
The company develops intuitive wearable robotics that build synergy between humans and the world, inspiring people to explore with amplified strength, confidence, and freedom.
Vastnaut One, the company's first product, is an AI-powered 4×4 exoskeleton built for tough terrain. Its 4×4 (4-joint × 4-motor) structure delivers powerful assistance and comprehensive multi-joint support across a variety of rugged landscapes.
** This press release is distributed by PR Newswire through automated distribution system, for which the client assumes full responsibility. **
Vastnaut Wraps Up Its First Los Angeles Demo Day, Letting Supporters Live-Test the 4x4 Exoskeleton
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"More than a game"
- Wyndham Clark captures dramatic comeback victory, while CJ ambassadors Siwoo Kim and Sungjae Im showcase the strength of Korean golf.
- More than 240,000 spectators attended the tournament, marking a significant year-over-year increase in gallery turnout
- CJ Group strengthens community impact initiatives through youth development programs and charitable partnerships in Texas
- THE CJ CUP Byron Nelson continues to evolve beyond golf into a global platform combining sports, culture and fan experiences
MCKINNEY, Texas, May 26, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- THE CJ CUP Byron Nelson, the PGA TOUR event sponsored by CJ Group, successfully concluded on May 24 (local time) at TPC Craig Ranch in McKinney, Texas.
This year's tournament delivered a dramatic finish as U.S. Open champion Wyndham Clark fired a stunning final-round 61 to rally from behind and capture the title, defeating TEAM CJ player Kim Si-woo by two strokes after Kim had entered the final round in contention for victory at his title sponsor's event.
World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler, who was seeking defending his title at THE CJ CUP Byron Nelson, finished in third place, while TEAM CJ's Im Sung-jae closed the tournament tied for ninth.
CJ ambassadors Siwoo Kim and Sungjae Im also showcased the strength of Korean golf during the second round, recording remarkable rounds of 60 and 61 respectively.
Beyond the competition itself, this year's tournament also achieved outstanding commercial and fan engagement results. A total of 240,000 spectators attended the tournament throughout the week, an increase of approximately 60,000 compared to last year, making it one of the most successful editions since CJ Group became title sponsor.
THE CJ CUP Byron Nelson once again distinguished itself as more than a traditional golf tournament, combining world-class competition with Korean cultural experiences and fan engagement programs.
During tournament week, approximately 40,000 visitors experienced HOUSE OF CJ, where fans explored Korean food, beauty, entertainment and lifestyle content curated by CJ Group. Players also highlighted the tournament's hospitality experience, with World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler joking during his official press conference that he could eat "several plates" of the tournament's popular spicy Korean chicken.
CJ Group's long-term involvement in golf reflects a philosophy centered on creating opportunities and building connections through sport. Since launching Korea's first official PGA TOUR event in 2017, the company has continued investing in initiatives that support Korean players, inspire younger generations and connect global fans through shared cultural experiences.
The tournament also continued its charitable initiatives in partnership with the local community. Through the "Birdies on 17" program, CJ Group donates $1,000 for every birdie recorded on Ranch 17 in support of Momentous Institute, a mental health organization affiliated with the tournament. Since 2024, the initiative has contributed $310,000 to support mental health services for children and families in North Texas.
In particular, this year's tournament placed an even greater emphasis on strengthening ties with the Texas community by significantly expanding local youth development initiatives.
As part of these efforts, CJ Group partnered with the Salesmanship Club of Dallas to establish the "JAY LEE AWARD" within the Byron Nelson International Junior Golf Awards program, with a scholarship presentation ceremony held following the completion of the third round. Widely regarded as one of the premier junior golf scholarship programs in the United States, the initiative has helped support the early development of world-class players including Scottie Scheffler, Jordan Spieth, Justin Thomas and Wyndham Clark.
The creation of the "JAY LEE AWARD" reflects CJ Group's long-standing "Dream Project" philosophy — a commitment to supporting young athletes throughout their journey and helping connect them to greater opportunities on the global stage. In a congratulatory message delivered during the ceremony, CJ Chairman Jay-Hyun Lee emphasized the company's belief in supporting athletes beyond moments of victory and throughout their growth process.
"At CJ, we focus not only on moments of victory, but on partnering with athletes throughout their journey of growth to help turn their potential into reality," Lee said. "We are proud to serve as dream enablers." He also expressed his gratitude to the families, coaches and the Dallas community for supporting the next generation of golfers and congratulated the junior players on the journey ahead.
A PGA TOUR representative also commented, "THE CJ CUP Byron Nelson stands out on the PGA TOUR for its distinctive fan experience and cultural differentiation. Alongside world-class competition, it has established itself as a unique event where global fans can directly experience new cultures."
About CJ Group
CJ Group is a leading Korean company that shapes and advances global lifestyle.
CJ stands at the forefront of sharing the richness and vibrancy of Korean culture with the world. Across diverse sectors including food, bakery, logistics, and health & beauty, CJ strives to bring greater convenience and joy to everyday life.
Korean Culture Unleashed @ House of CJ
CJ Group introduced House of CJ, a K-Culture platform, for the first time in 2025. In recognition of this initiative, the PGA TOUR awarded CJ with the Best Title Sponsor Integration Award, recognizing the seamless integration of its brand identity throughout the tournament.
This year, House of CJ offers an expanded and more immersive experience. Fans can explore K-beauty & wellness with Olive Young, while global K-food brand and fresh K-bakery Tous Les Jours offer a variety of good and bakery experiences. Located next to the Fan Shop on the 18th fairway, House of CJ is open to the public, creating a vibrant space to experience CJ's diverse offerings.
"More than a game"
- Wyndham Clark captures dramatic comeback victory, while CJ ambassadors Siwoo Kim and Sungjae Im showcase the strength of Korean golf.
- More than 240,000 spectators attended the tournament, marking a significant year-over-year increase in gallery turnout
- CJ Group strengthens community impact initiatives through youth development programs and charitable partnerships in Texas
- THE CJ CUP Byron Nelson continues to evolve beyond golf into a global platform combining sports, culture and fan experiences
MCKINNEY, Texas, May 26, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- THE CJ CUP Byron Nelson, the PGA TOUR event sponsored by CJ Group, successfully concluded on May 24 (local time) at TPC Craig Ranch in McKinney, Texas.
This year's tournament delivered a dramatic finish as U.S. Open champion Wyndham Clark fired a stunning final-round 61 to rally from behind and capture the title, defeating TEAM CJ player Kim Si-woo by two strokes after Kim had entered the final round in contention for victory at his title sponsor's event.
World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler, who was seeking defending his title at THE CJ CUP Byron Nelson, finished in third place, while TEAM CJ's Im Sung-jae closed the tournament tied for ninth.
CJ ambassadors Siwoo Kim and Sungjae Im also showcased the strength of Korean golf during the second round, recording remarkable rounds of 60 and 61 respectively.
Beyond the competition itself, this year's tournament also achieved outstanding commercial and fan engagement results. A total of 240,000 spectators attended the tournament throughout the week, an increase of approximately 60,000 compared to last year, making it one of the most successful editions since CJ Group became title sponsor.
THE CJ CUP Byron Nelson once again distinguished itself as more than a traditional golf tournament, combining world-class competition with Korean cultural experiences and fan engagement programs.
During tournament week, approximately 40,000 visitors experienced HOUSE OF CJ, where fans explored Korean food, beauty, entertainment and lifestyle content curated by CJ Group. Players also highlighted the tournament's hospitality experience, with World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler joking during his official press conference that he could eat "several plates" of the tournament's popular spicy Korean chicken.
CJ Group's long-term involvement in golf reflects a philosophy centered on creating opportunities and building connections through sport. Since launching Korea's first official PGA TOUR event in 2017, the company has continued investing in initiatives that support Korean players, inspire younger generations and connect global fans through shared cultural experiences.
The tournament also continued its charitable initiatives in partnership with the local community. Through the "Birdies on 17" program, CJ Group donates $1,000 for every birdie recorded on Ranch 17 in support of Momentous Institute, a mental health organization affiliated with the tournament. Since 2024, the initiative has contributed $310,000 to support mental health services for children and families in North Texas.
In particular, this year's tournament placed an even greater emphasis on strengthening ties with the Texas community by significantly expanding local youth development initiatives.
As part of these efforts, CJ Group partnered with the Salesmanship Club of Dallas to establish the "JAY LEE AWARD" within the Byron Nelson International Junior Golf Awards program, with a scholarship presentation ceremony held following the completion of the third round. Widely regarded as one of the premier junior golf scholarship programs in the United States, the initiative has helped support the early development of world-class players including Scottie Scheffler, Jordan Spieth, Justin Thomas and Wyndham Clark.
The creation of the "JAY LEE AWARD" reflects CJ Group's long-standing "Dream Project" philosophy — a commitment to supporting young athletes throughout their journey and helping connect them to greater opportunities on the global stage. In a congratulatory message delivered during the ceremony, CJ Chairman Jay-Hyun Lee emphasized the company's belief in supporting athletes beyond moments of victory and throughout their growth process.
"At CJ, we focus not only on moments of victory, but on partnering with athletes throughout their journey of growth to help turn their potential into reality," Lee said. "We are proud to serve as dream enablers." He also expressed his gratitude to the families, coaches and the Dallas community for supporting the next generation of golfers and congratulated the junior players on the journey ahead.
A PGA TOUR representative also commented, "THE CJ CUP Byron Nelson stands out on the PGA TOUR for its distinctive fan experience and cultural differentiation. Alongside world-class competition, it has established itself as a unique event where global fans can directly experience new cultures."
About CJ Group
CJ Group is a leading Korean company that shapes and advances global lifestyle.
CJ stands at the forefront of sharing the richness and vibrancy of Korean culture with the world. Across diverse sectors including food, bakery, logistics, and health & beauty, CJ strives to bring greater convenience and joy to everyday life.
Korean Culture Unleashed @ House of CJ
CJ Group introduced House of CJ, a K-Culture platform, for the first time in 2025. In recognition of this initiative, the PGA TOUR awarded CJ with the Best Title Sponsor Integration Award, recognizing the seamless integration of its brand identity throughout the tournament.
This year, House of CJ offers an expanded and more immersive experience. Fans can explore K-beauty & wellness with Olive Young, while global K-food brand and fresh K-bakery Tous Les Jours offer a variety of good and bakery experiences. Located next to the Fan Shop on the 18th fairway, House of CJ is open to the public, creating a vibrant space to experience CJ's diverse offerings.
** This press release is distributed by PR Newswire through automated distribution system, for which the client assumes full responsibility. **
CJ Group Showcases K-Wave in the U.S. Through THE CJ CUP Byron Nelson
CJ Group Showcases K-Wave in the U.S. Through THE CJ CUP Byron Nelson
CJ Group Showcases K-Wave in the U.S. Through THE CJ CUP Byron Nelson
CJ Group Showcases K-Wave in the U.S. Through THE CJ CUP Byron Nelson
CJ Group Showcases K-Wave in the U.S. Through THE CJ CUP Byron Nelson
