Exoskeletons, or external skeletons, are being primarily developed for three main application scenarios: In medicine, they are already commercially successful in rehabilitation and to assist walking. In disaster relief, they are getting ready to make first responders more effective when needing to transport heavy loads over long distances and uneven terrain or for rescuing injured people. Experts, however, currently identify the greatest potential for their use to be in areas where human labor cannot be meaningfully replaced by full automation or conventional robotic systems. This include work processes in logistics and intralogistics, industrial production, but also in other physically demanding work such as in construction or nursing.

To spark the next phase of the bionic revolution, exoskeletons must be fully connected to the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) and the Smart Factory. By collecting and evaluating sensory or motion data, not only can the actual support being provided to the exoskeleton user be quantified – which is a key factor for the commercial application of the systems. Moreover, the data and the associated interfaces are an essential tool for enabling effective networking between research institutions and manufacturers, with the aim of conducting interdisciplinary primary research. This interconnection is also laying the data foundation for machine learning and more advanced AI-based applications and capabilities. As a result, connected exoskeletons will continue to become more intelligent and adapt to the needs of their users – and not, as with purely mechanical tools or passive exoskeletons, the human to the machine.

Sustainable business practices and a focus on ESG issues are playing an increasingly important role in the financial and strategic planning of institutional and private investors. Responsible corporate governance should, however, start with the employees. Putting the German Bionic system solution to use makes a clear statement about the value your company places on its staff. Empower your employees to be their best – both in and out of the workplace. Not only does this increase your company’s ESG score, it also increases its attractiveness as an employer in the context of an ageing workforce and an increasingly competitive labor market.