Lifting and transporting heavy objects is one of the greatest physical strains in the workplace. This often leads to musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) such as back pain, downtime and high costs. In logistics, every employee in Germany misses around 25 days a year due to illness-related incapacity to work. This results in an annual loss of production amounting to more than 17 billion euros.

Preventing MSDs and increasing productivity

For this reason, Ottobock from Duderstadt has been developing body-worn support structures, known as wearables, under the SUITX brand since 2012 to make the everyday work of physically active people easier. In developing these products, the team also draws on the parent company's more than 100 years of experience in biomechanics and orthopaedic technology. The wearable solutions, commonly known as exoskeletons, support the body in their function and help to prevent MSDs and increase productivity. As a result, they help to reduce sick days and improve occupational safety.

Buckle up and off you go

Ottobock's exoskeletons work without an electrical energy source according to a biomechanical principle: they redirect the forces in the body, store them temporarily and release them again as soon as they are needed. In this way, the exoskeletons relieve strain on the lower back when lifting and on the arms and shoulders when working overhead. Thanks to the one-size-fits-all system, the exoskeletons are also suitable for almost everyone. "More than 2,000 customers are already using the 'SUITX by Ottobock' solutions, including leading automotive manufacturers such as Toyota North America and logistics service providers such as DB Schenker," says Martin Böhm, CXO at Ottobock.

An exoskeleton for comfortable overhead work

As a natural extension of the body, the latest model, the IX SHOULDER AIR, provides support, especially for strenuous overhead work in logistics, production, maintenance and trade. It is worn close to the body, similar to a rucksack, and allows full freedom of movement. The design is based on the natural movements of a person. In particular, the exoskeleton supports lifting and holding the arms with two ergonomically shaped energy stores behind the back. Via a supporting structure that is precisely adapted to the human anatomy, the modules release the stored energy when the arms are lifted, thereby providing noticeable relief.

The focus is on people

The French railroad company Société nationale des chemins de fer français SNCF tested the IX SHOULDER AIR in its technical center for the maintenance of the TGV fast train. Much of the work there is carried out overhead under the trains. The Ottobock solution has proven to be a great relief for the users.

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