A revolutionary co-operation
Focus on exoskeletons from Hilti & Otto Bock
Exoskeletons have become considerably more important in recent years, particularly in the Industry and the construction industry. Here, physically demanding work is part of everyday life for employees. Two leading companies in this field, Ottobock and Hilti, have developed innovative solutions to reduce the physical strain on their users and protect their health in the long term. In this article, we take a look at the development and strategic collaboration between these two companies and compare their exoskeletons for Back- and shoulder support.
The development of exoskeletons at Ottobock and Hilti
The development of exoskeletons at Ottobock and Hilti shows how two leading companies are utilising their respective strengths to create innovative solutions in the field of occupational safety and ergonomics. Ottobock, a pioneer in the field of biomechanics, began developing exoskeletons under the Paexo brand in 2012. These products were developed specifically for industrial Applications designed to support employees in physically demanding activities such as heavy lifting and overhead work. The acquisition of the US company SUITX in 2021 enabled Ottobock to further consolidate its position and expand its product portfolio to offer even more comprehensive solutions for various industrial applications.
At the same time, Hilti entered the exoskeleton market in 2020 through a strategic partnership with Ottobock. This collaboration aims to develop products that are specifically tailored to the requirements of the construction industry. Both companies are combining decades of experience and their extensive expertise in safety, health protection and biomechanics to expand their range of ergonomic solutions. The first result of this partnership was the EXO-O1, an exoskeleton that provides passive support for overhead work. This model was developed to significantly reduce the physical strain on workers while increasing productivity. Specifically, it reduces the strain on users' shoulders by up to 47 per cent and requires no external energy supply. EXO-O1 not only reduces muscle strain, but also fatigue during overhead and over-shoulder work, resulting in higher productivity and better health protection.
At the same time, Hilti entered the exoskeleton market in 2020 through a strategic partnership with Ottobock. This collaboration aims to develop products that are specifically tailored to the requirements of the construction industry. Both companies are combining decades of experience and their extensive expertise in safety, health protection and biomechanics to expand their range of ergonomic solutions. The first result of this partnership was the EXO-O1, an exoskeleton that provides passive support for overhead work. This model was developed to significantly reduce the physical strain on workers while increasing productivity. Specifically, it reduces the strain on users' shoulders by up to 47 per cent and requires no external energy supply. EXO-O1 not only reduces muscle strain, but also fatigue during overhead and over-shoulder work, resulting in higher productivity and better health protection.
The future of the Ottobock - Hilti partnership: An outlook
By combining Hilti's expertise in occupational safety and Ottobock's biomechanical know-how, innovative solutions have been created that make an important contribution to reducing the strain on workers in the construction industry. In the long term, such exoskeletons can help to reduce work-related musculoskeletal disorders, which often lead to incapacity for work and cause considerable costs for companies and the healthcare system. Hilit and Ottobock see great market potential for exoskeletons, which will be further driven by advancing automation, robotics and digitalisation. In view of the high costs caused by absences due to illness, exoskeletons could also be an economically worthwhile investment for companies. Despite the still relatively high acquisition costs, the widespread introduction of exoskeletons could lead to significant savings in healthcare costs and increased productivity.
Product comparison: Back & shoulder exoskeletons from Ottobock and Hilti
Hilti EXO-O1 vs. Ottobock Paexo Shoulder
Target group: Both exoskeletons are suitable for working overhead and in Shoulder area designed. While the EXO-O1 is specifically designed for the needs of the construction industry, the Paexo Shoulder can be used in various industrial environments.
Technology: The Hilti EXO-O1 uses mechanical cable pull technology to reduce the weight of the Poor to the hips. The Paexo Shoulder also utilises a mechanical support that is worn close to the body and provides relief through energy storage.
Advantages: Both products offer significant relief for the shoulders, with the EXO-O1 promising relief of up to 47% and the Paexo Shoulder around 40%.
Field of application: The EXO-O1 is ideal for serial work in the construction industry, while the Paexo Shoulder can be used more broadly in industrial sectors, e.g. in the automotive industry or in the construction industry. Logistics.
Source of the comparison table: ChatGPT
Target group: Both exoskeletons are suitable for working overhead and in Shoulder area designed. While the EXO-O1 is specifically designed for the needs of the construction industry, the Paexo Shoulder can be used in various industrial environments.
Technology: The Hilti EXO-O1 uses mechanical cable pull technology to reduce the weight of the Poor to the hips. The Paexo Shoulder also utilises a mechanical support that is worn close to the body and provides relief through energy storage.
Advantages: Both products offer significant relief for the shoulders, with the EXO-O1 promising relief of up to 47% and the Paexo Shoulder around 40%.
Field of application: The EXO-O1 is ideal for serial work in the construction industry, while the Paexo Shoulder can be used more broadly in industrial sectors, e.g. in the automotive industry or in the construction industry. Logistics.
Source of the comparison table: ChatGPT
Criterion | Hilti EXO-01 | Ottobock Paexo Shoulder |
---|---|---|
Target group | Construction industry | Industrial applications |
Technology | Mechanical cable pull technology | Mechanical support with energy storage |
Relief | Shoulders by up to 47% | Shoulders by up to 40% |
Weight | Light, no specification | 2 kg, lightest of its kind |
Field of application | Overhead and over-shoulder work | Overhead and over-shoulder work in the industry |
Ottobock Paexo Back vs. Hilti exoskeleton for the back
Target group: The Paexo Back is specially designed for work where heavy loads are frequently lifted, such as in logistics or the industrial sector. A comparable product from Hilti, which offers similar support for the back, is still in the development phase.
Technology: The Paexo Back is based on a mechanical support that efficiently transfers the weight of the upper body to the back. Legs to relieve the strain on the lower back. The Hilti solution would probably provide similar mechanical support, adapted to the specific requirements of the construction industry.
Advantages: The Paexo Back can relieve the lumbar region by up to 25 kilograms, resulting in significantly improved posture and reduced fatigue. This type of support would also be expected from a comparable Hilti product.
Field of application: The Paexo Back is particularly suitable for stationary workplaces where heavy lifting is regularly carried out. A future Hilti product could offer similar advantages in the construction industry.
Source of the comparison table: ChatGPT
Technology: The Paexo Back is based on a mechanical support that efficiently transfers the weight of the upper body to the back. Legs to relieve the strain on the lower back. The Hilti solution would probably provide similar mechanical support, adapted to the specific requirements of the construction industry.
Advantages: The Paexo Back can relieve the lumbar region by up to 25 kilograms, resulting in significantly improved posture and reduced fatigue. This type of support would also be expected from a comparable Hilti product.
Field of application: The Paexo Back is particularly suitable for stationary workplaces where heavy lifting is regularly carried out. A future Hilti product could offer similar advantages in the construction industry.
Source of the comparison table: ChatGPT
Criterion | Ottobock Paexo Back | Hilti exoskeleton for the back |
---|---|---|
Target group | Logistics, industry, heavy-duty work | Construction industry |
Technology | Mechanical support, weight on legs | Mechanical support |
Relief | Lumbar region by up to 25 kg | Not yet specified, probably similar |
Weight | Lightweight, ergonomic design | Not yet specified |
Areas of application | Lifting operations, stationary workstations | Probably for heavy lifting work on construction sites |
Exoskeletons
Your path to the exoskeleton
Preventive products for physical support in various work processes. For more well-being, energy and therefore more performance.