exoskeleton

BICS powers first intelligent exoskeleton with global connectivity

February 22, 2020 by David Edwards Leave a Comment

BICS, a global communications enabler, is providing global internet-of-things connectivity and asset management for a pioneering exoskeleton developed by German Bionic.

The Cray X is the first connected asset from the Robot-as-a-Service (RaaS) provider and marks the first instance of a European manufacturer developing, producing and deploying smart exoskeletons for use in industrial production.

Designed to support and enhance the wearer’s movements, German Bionic’s Cray X reduces the risk of accidents and excessive strain for employees in sectors that involve repetitive but unpredictable heavy lifting. [Read more…] about BICS powers first intelligent exoskeleton with global connectivity

Comau’s brief history of exoskeletons

February 12, 2020 by David Edwards Leave a Comment

Since 1965, when the first exoskeleton was produced for military use, exoskeletons have been increasingly popular in the manufacturing world, supporting workers and improving the quality of their working hours. (See video below.)

In 2018 more than 7,000 units were sold in manufacturing, according to ABI Research data.

However, the potential market need would be 60,000 units for all types of exoskeleton, with an estimated growth rate of more than 50 percent from 2019 to 2024. [Read more…] about Comau’s brief history of exoskeletons

Sarcos Robotics supplies exoskeleton to Delta Air Lines

January 8, 2020 by Sam Francis Leave a Comment

Delta Air Lines is partnering with Sarcos Robotics to test a mobile and dexterous exoskeleton designed to boost employees’ physical capabilities and bolster their safety.

Sarcos, a maker of exoskeletons, has developed the Sarcos Guardian XO, a battery-powered, full-body exoskeleton designed to boost human performance and endurance while helping to prevent injury.

This robotic suit, designed for employees to wear, does the heavy lifting. By bearing the weight of the suit and the payload, the exoskeleton may enable an employee to lift up to 200 pounds repeatedly for up to eight hours at a time without strain or fatigue. [Read more…] about Sarcos Robotics supplies exoskeleton to Delta Air Lines

Nidec to supply actuators for German Bionic exoskeleton

December 12, 2019 by Mai Tao Leave a Comment

Nidec is to supply “super flat” actuators for a new German Bionic exoskeleton prototype, which will be showcased at an exhibition in Tokyo.

A German Bionic exoskeleton prototype based on its Cray X power suit that uses Nidec-Shimpo’s innovative super flat actuator will be displayed at the International Robot Exhibition 2019 (iREX 2019), a trade show focusing on industrial and service robots and related equipment, taking place December 18-21 at Tokyo Big Sight.

Hitoshi Inoue, CTO at Nidec-Shimpo, says: “After investing substantially in its development, we are very proud to now see our groundbreaking actuator integrated in the German Bionic exoskeleton prototype that is being shown at this year’s iREX.” [Read more…] about Nidec to supply actuators for German Bionic exoskeleton

Panasonic’s exoskeleton to be used at Paralympics

October 4, 2019 by Mai Tao

Panasonic, an Official Worldwide Paralympic Partner, says it will be providing its Power Assist Suit – an exoskeleton – for use at World Para Powerlifting events and the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games.

The suits will be worn by spotter / loader personnel tasked with moving weights and spotting lifters during the competition.

The suits feature built-in sensors that detect limb movements and motors synchronized to provide wearers with mechanized power for performing strenuous tasks easily and safely. [Read more…] about Panasonic’s exoskeleton to be used at Paralympics

Comau features its exoskeleton in Pack Expo robotics showcase

September 23, 2019 by David Edwards

Comau, an industrial automation company and part of the Fiat Chrysler Group, is presenting its Muscular Aiding Tech Exoskeleton (Mate) in the all new Robotic Zone (booth N-850G) at Pack Expo Las Vegas.

Visitors to Comau’s interactive booth will have the opportunity to experience firsthand the benefit of incorporating exoskeletons into material handling processes by wearing a Mate in a typical pick and place operation.

Mate has been designed to improve work quality in an efficient and highly ergonomic manner by providing consistent and advanced movement assistance during prolonged overhead, as well as daily tasks. [Read more…] about Comau features its exoskeleton in Pack Expo robotics showcase

Comau ‘Mate’ exoskeleton used in CC Jensen’s manufacturing processes

September 20, 2019 by Sam Francis

Danish company CC Jensen is using exoskeletons from Comau in its manufacturing processes.

Comau calls its exoskeleton ‘Mate’ and has been supplying it to the market for around a year.

CC Jensen specialises in the design and manufacturing of oil filtration solutions, and says it uses Mate to better support workers in carrying out their daily activities. [Read more…] about Comau ‘Mate’ exoskeleton used in CC Jensen’s manufacturing processes

Hyundai unveils wearable exoskeleton as part of a range of robotics developments

September 5, 2019 by Mai Tao

Hyundai Motor Group is developing a range of robotics technologies which the company says it will roll out over the next year or two.

Hyundai has developed a new “Vest EXoskeleton” (VEX), a wearable robot created to assist industrial workers who spend long hours working in overhead environments.

The VEX enhances productivity and reduces fatigue of industrial workers by imitating the movement of human joints to boost load support and mobility. [Read more…] about Hyundai unveils wearable exoskeleton as part of a range of robotics developments

Global wearable robotic exoskeleton market forecast to grow to $4 billion

August 31, 2019 by Mai Tao

The global wearable robotic exoskeleton market is forecast to grow to more than $4 billion by the end of 2026 and record annual growth of 43.1 per cent during the forecast period of 2019-2026.

At present advancement in Artificial Intelligence and robotics is enabling wearable robotic exoskeleton development primarily for logistics, medical and engineering commitments due to limited battery support capabilities.

However wearable robotic exoskeleton can be applied in a wide range of industries capable of augmenting the growth of the global wearable robotic exoskeleton market. [Read more…] about Global wearable robotic exoskeleton market forecast to grow to $4 billion

Industry group developing standards for exoskeletons

July 4, 2019 by David Edwards

ASTM International, formerly known as American Society for Testing and Materials, is developing global standards for exoskeletons.

The group’s proposed “Exoskeletons Guide” aims to provide tools that help assess and ultimately improve the usefulness and usability of exoskeletons and exosuits.

Kevin Purcell, an ergonomist at the US Army Public Health Center’s Aberdeen Proving Ground, says: “Exoskeletons and exosuits can open up a world of possibilities, from helping workers perform industrial tasks while not getting overstressed, to helping stroke victims learning to walk again, to helping soldiers carry heavier rucksacks longer distances. [Read more…] about Industry group developing standards for exoskeletons