The new control software for the drive unit can be transferred and installed wirelessly to German Bionic customers' e-exoskeletons via the built-in LTE modem or WiFi. The latest update to the control software, which will be available to all users in August 2024, will increase weight compensation from 30 to 36 kg per lift as soon as Ultra mode is activated. The walking support of the 'Apogee' and 'Apogee+' exoskeleton models has also been further optimized, making the step sequence smoother. Slow and shorter lifting movements are supported even more precisely by the power suit, which improves ergonomics. The update also ensures that the transition between different support modes is smoother, which expands the possible uses of the e-exoskeletons beyond pure lifting activities.

"We can now transfer software updates to entire fleets of our e-exoskeletons during operation. This enables us to continuously improve the performance of our e-exoskeletons together with our ergonomics experts and biomechanics specialists - based on real usage data and user feedback," says Norma Steller, Head of Development at German Bionic.

German Bionic's AI-based and networked active e-exoskeletons actively support employees in various industries when lifting, walking and performing activities in a bent-forward position. In contrast to passive exoskeletons, these are wearable robotic systems that are sensitively and flexibly adapted to the respective needs of the user. Sensors detect the user's posture, number of steps and stride length, for example, and actively support or reinforce them with every lifting movement, with weight compensation of up to 36 kg in Ultra mode.

Additional relief immediately noticeable

Nuremberg Airport, where the e-exoskeletons from German Bionic are in use, has already downloaded the update to its exoskeleton fleet in advance. The initial feedback from baggage handling staff has been positive: "Our colleagues immediately noticed the additional relief. Especially during the short lifting movements of the baggage items from the baggage chute onto the transport trolleys. In baggage handling, I can already say that this is a further improvement in ergonomics," says Matthias Reubel, Senior Manager Baggage Services.