German Bionic unveils Apogee Ultra as a powerful exoskeleton for workers

German bionicsa Berlin-based pioneer of robotic exoskeleton technology, has unveiled its Apogee Ultra exoskeleton to help workers performing strenuous physical labor.

The company said the Apogee Ultra is the most powerful mass-produced exoskeleton in the world. I haven’t used it yet, so I can’t verify this claim. Unveiled at CES 2025such exoskeletons that allow you to lift objects or support heavy weights have been a common sight at the show over the years.

Available today and designed to empower workers in the logistics, manufacturing, construction, bag handling and healthcare industries, Apogee Ultra sets new benchmarks for strength, adaptability and worker safety, meeting the demands of various high-intensity tasks and improving productivity, the company says.

Seen in action in videos and showcased throughout CES at the German Pavilion (Hall A, Booth 50339), Apogee Ultra is the company’s most powerful and intelligent exoskeleton to date. It helps create safer, healthier and more inclusive work environments while addressing critical social and demographic challenges, such as labor shortages and an aging workforce.

Brain and muscles

The Apogee ULTRA is more than just a powerful robotic exoskeleton; it is a highly adaptive support system capable of adapting to individual user needs thanks to advanced machine learning capabilities and German Bionic’s high-tech, human-centered approach to human augmentation.

With dynamic lifting support of up to 80 pounds/36 kg, it makes physically demanding tasks effortless, making lifting 70 pounds only feel 8.8 to 11 pounds on your lower back. Plus, it provides active walking support – making 10 miles feel like eight – and provides vital relief for stooping tasks, improving comfort and productivity in intensive tasks.

Driven by vast amounts of relevant, high-quality data collected from thousands of users over countless hours of real-world applications, Apogee Ultra has intuitive AI-driven features that adapt to physiology and tasks of each user, ensuring optimized performance and comfort during daily work, the company said.

Improvements include the remarkably powerful Ultra mode, smoother transitions between support modes, and greater sensitivity to respond to even the smallest movements.

“Data is the cornerstone of continually evolving devices and protecting workplace investments. Thanks to machine learning, the Apogee ULTRA is always up to date, with new features and capabilities delivered via over-the-air updates,” Norma Steller, head of development at German Bionic, said in a statement.

This ensures that users consistently receive industry-leading support, making it a future-proof solution for any workplace. In industries like warehousing and logistics, where high physical demands and understaffing are common, the Apogee Ultra offers many benefits:

• Reduced fatigue and injuries, improved efficiency: By alleviating strain in the lower back, the exoskeleton helps workers stay focused and productive throughout their shifts.
• Reduced sick leave: Companies using German Bionic exoskeletons saw a 31% reduction in sick leave.
• Improved handling and mobility: Improved lifting and movement capabilities make it easier to handle heavy and bulky goods, reducing the risk of injury during tasks such as loading or unloading trucks.
• Extended Career Longevity: By promoting musculoskeletal health, the Apogee ULTRA helps workers endure long shifts and physically demanding tasks throughout their careers.
• Attractive Position: Advanced technology like Apogee Ultra makes positions more attractive to potential employees, promoting higher retention rates.

Improve seamless connectivity and user engagement

The Apogee ULTRA is complemented by the German Bionic Connect app, which enhances the user experience with detailed performance metrics such as steps taken, weight lifted and duration of use. The app promotes engagement through its two-way communication channel, giving users the opportunity to provide direct qualitative input.

This ability to gather user feedback and suggestions enables continuous improvements and provides a tailored experience that adapts to each individual’s unique needs. By integrating workers more closely with the technology they use, the app creates a sense of ownership and active participation in their well-being, workplace safety and performance, thereby achieving acceptance rates exceptional by users.

360° human augmentation

All this talk about human augmentation reminds me Deus Ex video game series, and I hope this dystopian narrative doesn’t become real for us.

In addition to the German Bionic Connect app and the Apogee Ultra exoskeleton itself, German Bionic’s Human Augmentation Approach 3600 also includes a powerful data analysis platform (German Bionic IO) and other interfaces man-machine.

This integrated approach to human augmentation allows the platform to provide accurate calculations and representations of ergonomic safety levels, facilitates activity monitoring and reporting, and supports effective fleet management, all on one board. intuitive and user-friendly dashboard. Additionally, a video academy offers comprehensive onboarding tutorials and expert professional advice to help users unlock the full potential of the power suit.

“The Apogee Ultra is the culmination of years of innovation,” said Armin G. Schmidt, CEO of German Bionic, in a statement. “It is not only the most powerful exoskeleton, but also a dynamic solution to address real-world challenges, redefining what is possible in workforce support.” We’re excited to continue pushing the boundaries of human augmentation, enabling workers to achieve more – safely, efficiently and sustainably.

Availability

The Apogee Ultra is available now and will be updated over time via over-the-air updates. Founded in 2017, German Bionic is at the forefront of developing next-generation active exoskeletons designed to enhance the physical capabilities of workers in various industries.

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