Berlin, July 24, 2024 – Berlin-based robotics specialist German Bionic significantly increases the performance of its e-exoskeletons. Among the new enhancements is an increase of up to 20 percent in the support provided during heavy lifting. An over-the-air (OTA) software update, as known from the approach Tesla takes, makes this possible. The new control software for the drive unit can be easily downloaded and installed wirelessly by German Bionic’s customers’ e-exoskeletons via the built-in LTE modem or WiFi. The update will become available for all users in August.
German Bionic applies Tesla principle: E-exoskeletons obtain more power thanks to wireless software update
Now up to 36 kilograms (80 lbs) of lifting support, even better active walking assistance and smoother mode changes are among the benefits the OTA update delivers – expanding the range of applications.
The over-the-air software update capability to continuously optimize its power suits underpins German Bionic’s status as a technology leader. “We can now transfer software updates to entire fleets of our e-exoskeletons during operation. This enables our ergonomics experts and biomechanics specialists to continuously improve the performance of our robotic power suits – based on real usage data and user feedback,” says Norma Steller, Head of Development at German Bionic.
How the active exoskeletons work: German Bionic’s AI-based and fully connected e-exoskeletons – such as the Apogee and Apogee+ models – actively support users in a wide range of industries when lifting, walking, and performing activities in a bent-forward position. In contrast to passive exoskeletons, these wearable robotic systems can be precisely and flexibly adapted to the individual user’s specific needs. They offer the additional benefit of added power, ensuring a positive energy balance, less fatigue and make workplace safety measurable. To achieve this, sensors detect, for example, the user’s posture as well as the number of steps taken and stride length, and actively support or reinforce them with a weight compensation that will now be up to 36 kilograms (80 lbs) per lifting movement in Ultra Mode.
This also gives the German Bionic exoskeletons a further decisive advantage in terms of technological development compared to passive, purely mechanical types: They benefit from ongoing software updates, ensuring that customers have no need to continually purchase expensive new hardware.
Extended range of applications thanks to more weight compensation, improved walking support and smoother mode changes
This latest update to the control software has significantly increased weight compensation from 30 to 36 kilograms (66 to 80 lbs) per lifting movement, once the Ultra Mode has been engaged. The active walking support of the current Apogee and Apogee+ exoskeleton models has also been further optimized, making the step sequence smoother than ever. Moreover, low-speed and abrupt lifting movements are now supported even more precisely by the power suit. This improves ergonomics. And finally, the update ensures that the transition between different support modes is even more fluid. As a result, the range of applications for the e-exoskeletons has also been extended beyond pure lifting activities.
Additional support noticeable immediately: Positive user feedback from Nuremberg Airport
Nuremberg Airport, which deploys German Bionic’s e-exoskeletons, has already downloaded the update to its exoskeleton fleet in advance. The airport’s Senior Manager Baggage Services, Matthias Reubel and his baggage handling colleagues have been testing the new features during ongoing operations since last week. The initial verdict is positive: “Our colleagues could immediately feel the additional support. Especially during the short lifting movements that often occur when transferring items from the baggage chute to the trolleys. For baggage handling, I can already say that this is a further improvement in ergonomics,” summarizes Matthias Reubel.
German Bionic is now successively rolling out the software updates. It will be available to the entire exoskeleton fleet worldwide in August. “We are already working on the next iteration of the control software. After all, we are constantly improving our products,” explains Head of Development Norma Steller.