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.

Manufacturer overview

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.

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
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

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