The startup of robotic exoskeletons German Bionic, creator of the Cray X (we talked about it here), is about to unveil the CES2023 (Consumer Electronics Show) in Las Vegas two new devices for posture correction. Apogee will be used in both industrial and commercial while Safety Vest “will bring advanced ergonomic protection and monitoring to all workers,” I read in the press release.
Apogee and SafetyVest: skin-friendly exoskeletons (for those who work)
Apogee it is the result of the lessons learned during the development of the Cray X, and is the lightest exoskeleton ever made by German Bionic. Despite its light weight, it can support up to 30kg (66lbs) of weight on the user's lower back during lifting movements, and offers active walking assistance to reduce fatigue. Safety Vest it does not help the user pick up heavy objects, but monitors movements and body position during work, providing personalized data-driven ergonomic analysis, as well as assessments and recommended actions to increase the wearer's well-being.
Both systems exploit the same architecture, which allows them to monitor, analyze and report all information on the user's movements in real time. Through the on-board display and acoustic alerts, these exoskeletons warn workers in case of potentially dangerous movements, ensuring safety and comfort.
Details do we have?
Just one day before the start of CES2023 the company it doesn't unbutton much. Details on the price, for example, have not yet been revealed. However, I already have plenty of evaluations: one above all. Free from the stigma of being a "dehumanizing" tool (which accompanied its entire first phase of adoption), this technology is now starting to show its potential. Those of improving workers' performance, of course, but also of assisting them in demanding tasks in which previously they were left only to their common sense and safety rules which sometimes have some dangerous flaws.
“There's nothing more exciting than helping people work more effectively and safely,” he says Norm Steller, CPO of German Bionic. “With our line of wearable devices we can offer the ideal support for any type of work environment that requires physical effort. Furthermore, with the Bionic IO data platform, we can provide a powerful tool for analyzing ergonomics and work processes. We are proud to contribute to sustainability and workplace safety with these innovative technological solutions."
Having a posture assistant who helps in carrying out tasks is a good solution to enhance, and not mortify, the human factor. A man who can guarantee more "robotic" performance thanks to exoskeletons is simply a man with more tools. Tools that allow him not to fear that a machine will take his place.
