Robotics & Automation News

Market trends and business perspectives

exoskeleton

Ottobock acquires exoskeleton specialist suitX

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Ottobock, a developer of prosthetics, orthotics, and exoskeletons, has acquired 100 percent of the shares in suitX, a US-based company spun out of the Robotics and Human Engineering Lab at the University of California, Berkeley.

suitX specializes in the research and development of occupational and medical exoskeletons.

Ottobock and suitX are combining their expertise and products to take the exoskeleton market to a new level and to foster the worldwide adoption of exoskeletons. [Read more…] about Ottobock acquires exoskeleton specialist suitX

How are industries using robots?

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For the last few decades we’ve seen an increase in robots and AI in both our home and work environment, and post-pandemic this figure is set to increase as companies look for ways of reducing person-to-person contact.

Pre-pandemic the International Federation of Robotics estimated that 1.3 million industrial robots were being used in a wide variety of industries, with a record global average of 113 robotic units per 10,000 employees.

It was found that Western Europe (225 units) and the Nordic European countries (204 units) have the most automated production followed by North America (153 units).
But what are the industries that are reliant on robotics? [Read more…] about How are industries using robots?

Comau’s exoskeleton producing ‘significant, measurable benefits’ at Pintarelli

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Comau’s wearable exoskeleton with its news model, the MATE-XT, aims to satisfy the special needs of those working in harsh conditions in industry, other sectors and even outdoors.

Comau’s MATE exoskeleton is the first and still the only exoskeleton in the world to be EAWS (Ergonomic Assessment Work-Sheet) certified. This confirms its effectiveness in reducing the risk of biomechanical upper limb strain in workers whose daily activities involve repetitive flexion and extension of the arms.

MATE has become an indispensable aid for some of the operators at Pintarelli, who perform repetitive manual movements involving continuous use of the upper limbs and shoulders. Pintarelli Verniciature is based in Lavis in the province of Trento and employs around 30 people. [Read more…] about Comau’s exoskeleton producing ‘significant, measurable benefits’ at Pintarelli

Ekso Bionics provides exoskeletons to hospitals in Florida

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Ekso Bionics, a developer of exoskeleton technology for medical and industrial use, has expanded partnership with Kindred Healthcare, bringing EksoNR, the most clinically used robotic exoskeleton, to four of Kindred’s Long-Term Acute Care Hospitals in the US.

The multi-unit order follows a successful pilot program of the EksoNR last year.

EksoNR has become a standard of care within Kindred’s Inpatient Rehabilitation Hospitals by driving patient outcomes in neurorehabilitation through early mobility and gait training.

In 2019, Kindred executed a proof of concept in the Houston LTAC market and, after a successful implementation, launched three additional Ekso programs in the Houston-metro area in 2020. [Read more…] about Ekso Bionics provides exoskeletons to hospitals in Florida

Comau unveils new ‘lightweight, ruggedized’ version of its exoskeleton

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Comau Robotics has unveiled a new “lightweight, ruggedized” version of its exoskeleton.

The new Mate-XT wearable exoskeleton “fully accommodates the specific needs of workers in demanding industrial, non-industrial and open-air environments”, says Comau.

Featuring a slim, lightweight carbon fiber structure and an intuitive regulation system, the water, dust, UV-light and temperature resistant design can be quickly adjusted to fit virtually any body frame. [Read more…] about Comau unveils new ‘lightweight, ruggedized’ version of its exoskeleton

Sarcos Robotics exoskeleton included in Time Magazine’s Best Inventions of 2020 list

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Sarcos Robotics, a maker of robots that augment humans to enhance productivity and safety, says that its Guardian XO industrial exoskeleton has been chosen by Time Magazine as one of the 100 Best Inventions of 2020.

Sarcos says its exoskeleton is “the world’s first full-body, battery-powered wearable industrial robot designed to increase strength and endurance”.

The Guardian XO exoskeleton was selected for this prestigious annual list in the Productivity category, among three other products designed to streamline the way we work. [Read more…] about Sarcos Robotics exoskeleton included in Time Magazine’s Best Inventions of 2020 list

Sarcos Robotics raises $40 million in Series C funding

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Sarcos Robotics, a global leader in the production of robots that augment humans to enhance productivity and safety, announced that it has raised $40 million in an oversubscribed Series C financing round.

The Series C round was led by Rotor Capital, with most of the company’s existing investors participating in the financing.

The Series C funding will be used to begin commercial production of the company’s Guardian XO industrial exoskeleton – the world’s first full-body, battery-powered wearable industrial robot designed to increase strength and endurance – scheduled for commercial release in 2021. [Read more…] about Sarcos Robotics raises $40 million in Series C funding

Comau exoskeleton ‘first’ to be awarded EAWS certification

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Comau Robotics & Automation claims its “MATE” exoskeleton is the first on the market to receive the Ergonomic Assessment Work-Sheet certification.

The company says the certification provides clear evidence of its exoskeleton’s effectiveness in reducing the “risk of biomechanical overload” of the upper limbs.

Based on the evaluation system promoted by Ergo Foundation, Italy’s reference for the organization and measurement of work and ergonomics, the successful recognition studied workers who used MATE to perform daily tasks requiring flexion-extension of the arms. [Read more…] about Comau exoskeleton ‘first’ to be awarded EAWS certification

BICS powers first intelligent exoskeleton with global connectivity

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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

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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