WEARABLES
FEATURE
Smart exoskeletons ensure workplace safety German Bionic design provides wearable tools, ergonomic data insights
Q. How does German Bionic’s approach differ from other exoskeleton technologies?
Our approach combines active, AI-powered assistance with full connectivity to support lifting movements and walking. Unlike passive exoskeleton systems where the energy first needs to be provided by the users and stored in order to be ready to be released when needed, our active system gives the wearer extra energy by using the power of batteries and robotics motors to amplify the wearer’s own movements. Data collected by the various integrated sensors allows data-driven insights to be continuously gained and used to keep 14
improving and individualizing the user experience while also providing the foundation for AI-based learning.
Q. How do the smart power suits create safer environments?
The latest generation of exoskeletons – which includes the Apogee for deployment in logistics, construction, manufacturing and other industrial environments, and the Apogee+ designed specifically for use by caregivers – provides users with 66lbs (30 kg) of assistance per lifting movement as well as active walking support. Over the course of a day, it is not unusual for our exoskeletons to have taken several tons of weight off the backs of those working in physically demanding jobs. Incidentally, the figures on the amount of compensated weight and other figures are reported to the user on the screen at the end of each shift, meaning users always remain aware of just how much assistance they are receiving.
Q. What are the key features that make them ‘smart’?
At the heart of our innovations is the groundbreaking cloud-based German Bionic IO platform. The system collects data from our exoskeletons in real time, then intelligently analyzes it, applying machine learning and AI to continuously learn and enhance safety effectiveness with the wearer’s every movement. It enables risks and trends to be identified in real time and also facilitates the pinpointing of process optimizations custom to the working environment, just to name two examples. With the integrated Smart Safety Companion early warning system for ergonomics – which alerts, for example, of instances of poor posture, incorrect lifting and excessive strain – the
ELECTRONIC PRODUCTS & TECHNOLOGY / November/December 2023
German Bionics’ power suits provide mechanical support for lifting and carrying, using a smart assistance system.
platform provides comprehensive monitoring and reporting functions, as well as individualized recommendations for action based on real, relevant data. Our smart system therefore not only makes occupational health and safety measurable, it also makes it visible.
Q. How do you strike a balance between technology assistance and user’s natural movements?
The person wearing our exoskeleton is always in charge, and our technology is designed to merely amplify their natural movements. What sets our tech apart is the advanced, fully-connected system that enables it to learn and adapt to the specific movements of each individual user. This level of personalization is unique to our technology. By continuously gathering and analyzing data, our AI-driven system optimizes the exoskeleton’s performance to align seamlessly with the user’s natural biomechanics. This personalized approach not only enhances user comfort and easy adoption, but also maximizes productivity and safety. EPT.CA
Photo: German Bionic
According to the World Health Organization, musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) affect around 1.71-billion people globally and are the leading contributor to disability worldwide, with low back pain being the single biggest cause. Repeated heavy lifting is an activity that places considerable strain on the musculoskeletal system, which can lead to the development of MSDs. Enter German Bionic, Europe’s first manufacturer to develop smart exoskeletons that provide wearable tools and ergonomic data insights for workplace safety. For this article, EP&T interviews Armin Schmidt, CEO and founder of German Bionic, a serial entrepreneur in the field of cloud-based products and services. As co-founder and CEO, Schmidt oversees the development of the firm’s smart ‘power suits’ that provide mechanical support for lifting and carrying, and use a smart assistance system to alert users, for example, of instances of incorrect lifting or when they should take a break.
