People who lift heavy loads in dynamic workplaces often suffer from musculoskeletal disorders. When organizational and technical measures have been exhausted, the new IX BACK VOLTON exoskeleton from SUITX by Ottobock is designed to provide effective support. According to the manufacturer, the IX BACK VOLTON is the first intelligent exoskeleton in the SUITX by Ottobock product portfolio, powered by a powerful battery and precise motor technology. It is said to be characterized by smart power amplification adapted to the movement, easy handling and a very low weight.

"Quantum leap in human-technology interaction"

"Our new IX BACK VOLTON exoskeleton marks a true quantum leap in human-technology interaction: it adapts to the user through integrated artificial intelligence - and not the other way around. The system continuously and individually recognizes the user's movement patterns in order to provide optimal support without changing natural movement sequences," explains David Duwe, Vice President SUITX by Ottobock Europe. "The smart sensor technology only provides as much force as is actually needed. This keeps the muscles active while providing targeted relief."

Strong relief with low weight

The new back exoskeleton for industry, logistics and retail is particularly suitable for dynamic workstations with a high variance of movements and heavy load handling. For example, it is ideal for activities such as order picking or loading and unloading products of different weights. The IX BACK VOLTON relieves the strain on the body by up to 17 kilograms per lifting operation, with the integrated AI precisely adapting the support in real time to different movement patterns such as walking, lifting or bending. This allows the system to be used intuitively and naturally, and users need significantly less time to get used to it.

New standards in comfort and innovation

The IX BACK VOLTON is set to set new standards in comfort and innovation: Weighing just 4.8 kilograms, according to its developers, it is the lightest battery-powered exoskeleton in the world - made possible by the use of a single, powerful drive. The long battery runtime of up to eight hours ensures that it reliably supports a regular work shift. Thanks to the globally established Bosch Professional battery, the system combines high user-friendliness with sustainability: the cross-brand AMPShare 18 volt battery system means that the battery is easy to replace and compatible, for example with other products already available to SUITX by Ottobock customers.

Focus on prevention

Exoskeletons such as the new SUITX by Ottobock system are regarded as pioneering technology for efficiently meeting the current challenges of the working world. The innovative support structure worn directly on the body protects the physical health of employees and thus minimizes absences due to illness. Exoskeletons also help companies to attract and retain urgently needed skilled workers in the long term. Thanks to its versatility, the technology not only increases job satisfaction, but also the attractiveness of employers as a whole. "Our goal is to support people and companies in making their work ergonomic and successful - with the health of employees always at the center," explains David Duwe. "Thanks to our interdisciplinary development team, we have reached a groundbreaking milestone in exoskeleton technology with the IX BACK VOLTON."

Precisely tailored to user needs

The development teams from Duderstadt in Lower Saxony and Emeryville in California worked hand in hand to create the new product. They combined medical technology expertise, multi-award-winning knowledge in biomechanics and ergonomics as well as materials and textile expertise with innovative software and AI expertise. Thanks to this optimal collaboration, it was possible to develop a market-ready product in just 2.5 years. Extensive field tests with prototypes ensured that the IX BACK VOLTON is precisely tailored to the needs of users.

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