SUITX FAQ
How do exoskeletons work? Do they turn us all into superheroes or do they weaken our muscles? — Our answers to these and other practical questions.
Common questions
By definition, human exoskeletons, commonly referred to as exosuits or exos, are wearable devices designed to enhance the physical capabilities of workers in industrial settings. SUITX exoskeletons are specifically developed to assist workers in performing physically demanding tasks and reduce the risk of injuries, fatigue, and strain associated with repetitive or strenuous work.
SUITX exoskeletons are designed for various industries to enhance human performance, improve worker safety, and increase productivity. The most common industries are automotive, aerospace, defense, rail, shipbuilding, warehousing, logistics, groceries, retail, construction, and general manufacturing.
Exoskeletons are designed for workers to maintain their health (prevention or without acute disease), orthoses are designed for patients to restore their health. Therefore, the material composition and compression is different. For work in the industry with oil, varnish and sweat, different materials are needed than for the orthosis in everyday life. In addition, the focus of orthoses is on immobilization of injured body parts through appropriate compression, while in exoskeletons it is selected so that muscles and blood circulation are additionally activated to prevent injuries.
SUITX exoskeletons do not require batteries and do not need to be charged. Instead, the exoskeletons use springs that intelligently capture, store, and return the user’s energy during working tasks.
No, our current exoskeletons function purely mechanically and therefore do not need to be charged. The support force is provided by energy that is stored in expanders and cable pulls during movement and then released.
SUITX exoskeletons do not enable users to lift more weight, however, they do reduce fatigue and increase endurance. Further, no long-term muscle loss (atrophy) has been reported in regular exoskeleton users, as SUITX exoskeletons take off between 40-56% muscle activation, and thus, the relevant muscle groups are still sufficiently engaged.
The general workload remains the same whether with or without the exoskeleton. Only fragile structures in the body are relieved by redirecting part of the energy via the support structure of the exoskeleton to other non-critical body regions. The aim of our systems is always to allow the muscle region to be relieved to continue to work, just to a healthy extent.
In the further development of this principle, the body's own kinetic energy absorbed by the exoskeleton is used productively again ("energy harvesting").
Purely mechanical exoskeletons thus ensure that only the unhealthy load peaks are removed, thus eliminating the risk of muscle atrophy, which can be the case with actuated systems.
Modern SuitX by Ottobock exoskeletons are very simple to be put and off. That makes them easy to use.
Potential mistakes erase usually among a non-coordinated initial usage, such as:
a. Implementation without training by trained personnel (possibly too little to no support
b. Poor fit of the exoskeleton due to lack of individual fitting).
c. Unsuitable workstation.
To avoid these errors, we recommend purchasing SuitX by Ottobock exoskeletons only as part of an Experience Package.
SUITX exoskeletons are designed for all-day use. They are lightweight and ergonomic, allowing users to wear them comfortably for extended periods without causing discomfort or fatigue. The user’s muscles are still activated so that a decrease of muscle structure (atrophy) is not to be expected.
Of course, attention should also be paid to the regular care of the exoskeletons. All textile parts can be removed and washed at 30 °C (86 °F).
SUITX exoskeletons are designed as one-size-fits-most devices. That way, they are adjustable in length, height, and width for 90% of the working population. This allows that both men and women to wear our products and use them effectively. Size limits will vary depending on the individual build.
In most industries, SUITX exoskeletons are permanently assigned to individual users, if these users perform a relevant task for most or all of their workday. This is more sanitary, and convenient as size-settings can be maintained. In certain industries, where exoskeletons are only needed for sporadic work tasks that may not occur daily, exoskeletons can be shared with proper cleaning and storage protocols.
We pay great attention to the sustainability of our products. An essential part of this is that all textiles can be cleaned. Most parts that may be affected by contamination are removable, washable, and reusable. The technical parts can be wiped with a damp cloth.
For all products, it is possible to order hygiene sets for replacing the textiles. In addition, we offer thorough cleaning and disinfection in our specially developed SUITX by Ottobock hygiene chamber if required.
We have placed great emphasis on user-friendliness with the SuitX exoskeletons. Experienced users can don and doff the device in about 20 seconds.
SUITX exoskeletons can be used in all types of environments including logistics, manufacturing, inside or outside in the heat or cold, dusty, damp, cleanroom, and sterile work areas. They can also be combined with other forms of PPE such as fall harness protection, Tyvek suits, and respirators.
Basically, both back exoskeletons are suitable, but it depends on the model of the forklift and must be checked individually. For daily or very frequent use of a forklift truck, we recommend our exoskeleton IX BACK AIR.
The return of investment of exoskeletons varies depending on several factors, including the specific application, industry, and the goal of the organization implementing our technology. Some common considerations when evaluating the ROI of exoskeletons are reduced workplace injury, increased productivity, and worker retention.
Usually, SUITX exoskeletons return their investment within 12 months. Please contact us for an in-depth preview of our free ROI calculator.
To date, there is no uniform procedure regarding cost coverage by a payer. Depending on the individual's circumstances, this could be the health insurance, the Berufsgenossenschaft, or the pension insurance provider.
If there is a functional limitation or injury in the shoulder/upper arm area that plays a role particularly in the workplace or leads to a restriction in the performance of work, the IX SHOULDER AIR can provide support or improve the person's range of motion under certain conditions. The same applies to lower back complaints, for example, in the case of a herniated disc or similar conditions, which can be relieved by using the IX BACK AIR. The path to prescription and thus coverage of the costs for the exoskeleton by the insurance company can be as follows:
The effectiveness and suitability in the specific case should first be evaluated by the treating physician or as part of rehabilitation therapy (written recommendation/final report) and can then be confirmed by the treating physician through a positive expert opinion. After contacting the relevant payer, a second opinion by a specialist/orthopedist will likely be required. With a positive second opinion and a prescribed treatment plan, you can contact us directly. We will assist you in clarifying the cost coverage and can subsequently provide you with the exoskeleton.
The costs are approved in accordance with Section 49 (3) No. 1 of the Ninth Book of the Social Code (SGB IX) as assistance for maintaining or obtaining a job, including services for activation and professional integration. For the application it needs:
The G0100 form - Application for Participation Benefits for Insured Persons - Rehabilitation Application.
The G0133 form - Attachment to the application for benefits for participation in working life - assumption of costs for aids and technical work aids which are necessary for the exercise of the profession due to the disability.
Your cost estimate including the detailed functional description and
A specialist's certificate with a specific diagnosis and, if possible, a recommendation for the system.
In addition to the pension insurance and health insurance, in Germany it is also possible to have the costs for an exoskeleton reimbursed through the Federal Employment Agency.
In the case at hand, the employee had an irreparable grade 3 cartilage damage in the shoulder and could only perform his job as an automotive mechatronics technician to a limited extent. The pension insurance refused to cover the costs because the employee had not yet paid sufficient contributions. Subsequently, the application was submitted to the employment agency. Since the agency was also interested in reintegrating the employee into the workforce, experts and technical representatives were dispatched to assess the situation on site. Together, the occupational health management and the employee, who was equipped with a loaner exoskeleton, convinced the assessors, ultimately resulting in the costs being reimbursed for the IX SHOULDER AIR.
SUITX offers several different ways to test exoskeletons. You can visit us at one of our global offices, or upcoming tradeshows, which can be found on our event page. We also offer three programs to trial our exoskeletons at your facility:
Discovery Program: A comprehensive onsite demonstration, review of job site for applicable applications and initial exoskeleton testing. Fitting/Training provided for exo users, support staff and stakeholders. The expenses can be credited towards a later purchase.
Experience Program: Includes the above, plus an additional 1-2 days onsite support, 5 exoskeletons for 2 weeks and final evaluation. The expenses can be credited towards a later purchase.
Bionic Analytics Program: Our in-depth sensor-based trial that includes all of the above and can be further customized as needed.
SUITX is a leading manufacturer of industrial exoskeletons with offices in Berkeley, CA, Duderstadt/Berlin, Germany, and Paris, France and helps customers implement devices worldwide. Additionally, we have a global network of distributors enabling us to act locally in the respective native language.
SUITX exoskeletons don't do the work, but they make it more pleasant for workers in the long run. From this perspective, users become heroes of the work. And the exoskeletons? They may not save lives directly, but they provide a better quality of life.
By definition, human exoskeletons, commonly referred to as exosuits or exos, are wearable devices designed to enhance the physical capabilities of workers in industrial settings. SUITX exoskeletons are specifically developed to assist workers in performing physically demanding tasks and reduce the risk of injuries, fatigue, and strain associated with repetitive or strenuous work.
SUITX exoskeletons are designed for various industries to enhance human performance, improve worker safety, and increase productivity. The most common industries are automotive, aerospace, defense, rail, shipbuilding, warehousing, logistics, groceries, retail, construction, and general manufacturing.
Exoskeletons are designed for workers to maintain their health (prevention or without acute disease), orthoses are designed for patients to restore their health. Therefore, the material composition and compression is different. For work in the industry with oil, varnish and sweat, different materials are needed than for the orthosis in everyday life. In addition, the focus of orthoses is on immobilization of injured body parts through appropriate compression, while in exoskeletons it is selected so that muscles and blood circulation are additionally activated to prevent injuries.
SUITX exoskeletons do not require batteries and do not need to be charged. Instead, the exoskeletons use springs that intelligently capture, store, and return the user’s energy during working tasks.
No, our current exoskeletons function purely mechanically and therefore do not need to be charged. The support force is provided by energy that is stored in expanders and cable pulls during movement and then released.
SUITX exoskeletons do not enable users to lift more weight, however, they do reduce fatigue and increase endurance. Further, no long-term muscle loss (atrophy) has been reported in regular exoskeleton users, as SUITX exoskeletons take off between 40-56% muscle activation, and thus, the relevant muscle groups are still sufficiently engaged.
The general workload remains the same whether with or without the exoskeleton. Only fragile structures in the body are relieved by redirecting part of the energy via the support structure of the exoskeleton to other non-critical body regions. The aim of our systems is always to allow the muscle region to be relieved to continue to work, just to a healthy extent.
In the further development of this principle, the body's own kinetic energy absorbed by the exoskeleton is used productively again ("energy harvesting").
Purely mechanical exoskeletons thus ensure that only the unhealthy load peaks are removed, thus eliminating the risk of muscle atrophy, which can be the case with actuated systems.
Modern SuitX by Ottobock exoskeletons are very simple to be put and off. That makes them easy to use.
Potential mistakes erase usually among a non-coordinated initial usage, such as:
a. Implementation without training by trained personnel (possibly too little to no support
b. Poor fit of the exoskeleton due to lack of individual fitting).
c. Unsuitable workstation.
To avoid these errors, we recommend purchasing SuitX by Ottobock exoskeletons only as part of an Experience Package.
SUITX exoskeletons are designed for all-day use. They are lightweight and ergonomic, allowing users to wear them comfortably for extended periods without causing discomfort or fatigue. The user’s muscles are still activated so that a decrease of muscle structure (atrophy) is not to be expected.
Of course, attention should also be paid to the regular care of the exoskeletons. All textile parts can be removed and washed at 30 °C (86 °F).
SUITX exoskeletons are designed as one-size-fits-most devices. That way, they are adjustable in length, height, and width for 90% of the working population. This allows that both men and women to wear our products and use them effectively. Size limits will vary depending on the individual build.
In most industries, SUITX exoskeletons are permanently assigned to individual users, if these users perform a relevant task for most or all of their workday. This is more sanitary, and convenient as size-settings can be maintained. In certain industries, where exoskeletons are only needed for sporadic work tasks that may not occur daily, exoskeletons can be shared with proper cleaning and storage protocols.
We pay great attention to the sustainability of our products. An essential part of this is that all textiles can be cleaned. Most parts that may be affected by contamination are removable, washable, and reusable. The technical parts can be wiped with a damp cloth.
For all products, it is possible to order hygiene sets for replacing the textiles. In addition, we offer thorough cleaning and disinfection in our specially developed SUITX by Ottobock hygiene chamber if required.
We have placed great emphasis on user-friendliness with the SuitX exoskeletons. Experienced users can don and doff the device in about 20 seconds.
SUITX exoskeletons can be used in all types of environments including logistics, manufacturing, inside or outside in the heat or cold, dusty, damp, cleanroom, and sterile work areas. They can also be combined with other forms of PPE such as fall harness protection, Tyvek suits, and respirators.
Basically, both back exoskeletons are suitable, but it depends on the model of the forklift and must be checked individually. For daily or very frequent use of a forklift truck, we recommend our exoskeleton IX BACK AIR.
The return of investment of exoskeletons varies depending on several factors, including the specific application, industry, and the goal of the organization implementing our technology. Some common considerations when evaluating the ROI of exoskeletons are reduced workplace injury, increased productivity, and worker retention.
Usually, SUITX exoskeletons return their investment within 12 months. Please contact us for an in-depth preview of our free ROI calculator.
To date, there is no uniform procedure regarding cost coverage by a payer. Depending on the individual's circumstances, this could be the health insurance, the Berufsgenossenschaft, or the pension insurance provider.
If there is a functional limitation or injury in the shoulder/upper arm area that plays a role particularly in the workplace or leads to a restriction in the performance of work, the IX SHOULDER AIR can provide support or improve the person's range of motion under certain conditions. The same applies to lower back complaints, for example, in the case of a herniated disc or similar conditions, which can be relieved by using the IX BACK AIR. The path to prescription and thus coverage of the costs for the exoskeleton by the insurance company can be as follows:
The effectiveness and suitability in the specific case should first be evaluated by the treating physician or as part of rehabilitation therapy (written recommendation/final report) and can then be confirmed by the treating physician through a positive expert opinion. After contacting the relevant payer, a second opinion by a specialist/orthopedist will likely be required. With a positive second opinion and a prescribed treatment plan, you can contact us directly. We will assist you in clarifying the cost coverage and can subsequently provide you with the exoskeleton.
The costs are approved in accordance with Section 49 (3) No. 1 of the Ninth Book of the Social Code (SGB IX) as assistance for maintaining or obtaining a job, including services for activation and professional integration. For the application it needs:
The G0100 form - Application for Participation Benefits for Insured Persons - Rehabilitation Application.
The G0133 form - Attachment to the application for benefits for participation in working life - assumption of costs for aids and technical work aids which are necessary for the exercise of the profession due to the disability.
Your cost estimate including the detailed functional description and
A specialist's certificate with a specific diagnosis and, if possible, a recommendation for the system.
In addition to the pension insurance and health insurance, in Germany it is also possible to have the costs for an exoskeleton reimbursed through the Federal Employment Agency.
In the case at hand, the employee had an irreparable grade 3 cartilage damage in the shoulder and could only perform his job as an automotive mechatronics technician to a limited extent. The pension insurance refused to cover the costs because the employee had not yet paid sufficient contributions. Subsequently, the application was submitted to the employment agency. Since the agency was also interested in reintegrating the employee into the workforce, experts and technical representatives were dispatched to assess the situation on site. Together, the occupational health management and the employee, who was equipped with a loaner exoskeleton, convinced the assessors, ultimately resulting in the costs being reimbursed for the IX SHOULDER AIR.
SUITX offers several different ways to test exoskeletons. You can visit us at one of our global offices, or upcoming tradeshows, which can be found on our event page. We also offer three programs to trial our exoskeletons at your facility:
Discovery Program: A comprehensive onsite demonstration, review of job site for applicable applications and initial exoskeleton testing. Fitting/Training provided for exo users, support staff and stakeholders. The expenses can be credited towards a later purchase.
Experience Program: Includes the above, plus an additional 1-2 days onsite support, 5 exoskeletons for 2 weeks and final evaluation. The expenses can be credited towards a later purchase.
Bionic Analytics Program: Our in-depth sensor-based trial that includes all of the above and can be further customized as needed.
SUITX is a leading manufacturer of industrial exoskeletons with offices in Berkeley, CA, Duderstadt/Berlin, Germany, and Paris, France and helps customers implement devices worldwide. Additionally, we have a global network of distributors enabling us to act locally in the respective native language.
SUITX exoskeletons don't do the work, but they make it more pleasant for workers in the long run. From this perspective, users become heroes of the work. And the exoskeletons? They may not save lives directly, but they provide a better quality of life.
IX SHOULDER AIR
Like a backpack, the IX SHOULDER AIR is worn close to the body. With its intelligent, purely mechanical cable pull technology, the exoskeleton makes it easier to lift and hold up the arms, thus reducing unpleasant stress peaks in the shoulder and neck area. With the help of its support structures, it transfers the weight of the arms to the hips, where the loads are easily absorbed, just like a hiking backpack (the pelvis is the strongest bone in the human body).
No, our shoulder exoskeleton was not developed with the goal of increasing performance or productivity, but for injury prevention. This means that the strain on the user's shoulder joints is relieved, ergonomics are improved, and movements are supported, but not beyond the original performance level.
The IX SHOULDER AIR relieves the shoulder joint of the weight of the arms up to tools such as cordless screwdrivers. The support force can be individually adjusted to person and activity.
The biomechanical design allows full freedom of movement. This makes it possible to sit down with the IX SHOULDER AIR or pick up dropped objects. For short breaks, the IX SHOULDER AIR can be left on without any problems. If the exoskeleton needs to be taken off for longer breaks, it can be don and doff in less than 20 seconds.
The IX SHOULDER AIR should not be exposed to excessive sunlight or to temperatures above or below -10 to 45 °C (14 to 113 °F). Contact with heat, embers and fire should also be avoided.
Yes, our shoulder exoskeleton can be worn in combination with other personal protective equipment. It is designed to enhance ergonomics and provide support while allowing for the use of additional PPE.
Like a backpack, the IX SHOULDER AIR is worn close to the body. With its intelligent, purely mechanical cable pull technology, the exoskeleton makes it easier to lift and hold up the arms, thus reducing unpleasant stress peaks in the shoulder and neck area. With the help of its support structures, it transfers the weight of the arms to the hips, where the loads are easily absorbed, just like a hiking backpack (the pelvis is the strongest bone in the human body).
No, our shoulder exoskeleton was not developed with the goal of increasing performance or productivity, but for injury prevention. This means that the strain on the user's shoulder joints is relieved, ergonomics are improved, and movements are supported, but not beyond the original performance level.
The IX SHOULDER AIR relieves the shoulder joint of the weight of the arms up to tools such as cordless screwdrivers. The support force can be individually adjusted to person and activity.
The biomechanical design allows full freedom of movement. This makes it possible to sit down with the IX SHOULDER AIR or pick up dropped objects. For short breaks, the IX SHOULDER AIR can be left on without any problems. If the exoskeleton needs to be taken off for longer breaks, it can be don and doff in less than 20 seconds.
The IX SHOULDER AIR should not be exposed to excessive sunlight or to temperatures above or below -10 to 45 °C (14 to 113 °F). Contact with heat, embers and fire should also be avoided.
Yes, our shoulder exoskeleton can be worn in combination with other personal protective equipment. It is designed to enhance ergonomics and provide support while allowing for the use of additional PPE.
IX BACK
During deep bending movements to lift heavy loads, the IX BACK provides up to 25 kg (55 lbs) of relief in the lower back.
The IX BACK was not developed with the goal of increasing performance or productivity, but for long-term injury prevention. This means the user cannot lift an additional 25 kg (55 lbs), but lifting loads has a less damaging effect on the lower spine than without wearing the exoskeleton.
The IX BACK operates on a biomechanical principle: the weight of the upper body and the lifted load during bending is partially transferred to the chest vest and directed to the thighs through the support structure on the back of the exoskeleton. This relieves the sensitive back area, allowing less injury-prone, stronger body parts such as the legs to handle the additional load without significant health risks. This relief is achieved by an energy storage system, an expander-spring in the hip area. When bending, the spring is tensioned forward, absorbing force. This force is then returned to the user during lifting and upright movements. As a result, the user's back is supported and relieved during each lifting operation, especially for loads of up to 25 kg (55 lbs).
The core of the system is the purely mechanical control at hip height, a technological innovation. This control can automatically differentiate between bending and walking, automatically deactivating during walking to ensure full freedom of movement for the user. The level of support can be continuously adjusted to the load of different work steps using a control wheel on both sides of the hips.
During deep bending movements to lift heavy loads, the IX BACK provides up to 25 kg (55 lbs) of relief in the lower back.
The IX BACK was not developed with the goal of increasing performance or productivity, but for long-term injury prevention. This means the user cannot lift an additional 25 kg (55 lbs), but lifting loads has a less damaging effect on the lower spine than without wearing the exoskeleton.
The IX BACK operates on a biomechanical principle: the weight of the upper body and the lifted load during bending is partially transferred to the chest vest and directed to the thighs through the support structure on the back of the exoskeleton. This relieves the sensitive back area, allowing less injury-prone, stronger body parts such as the legs to handle the additional load without significant health risks. This relief is achieved by an energy storage system, an expander-spring in the hip area. When bending, the spring is tensioned forward, absorbing force. This force is then returned to the user during lifting and upright movements. As a result, the user's back is supported and relieved during each lifting operation, especially for loads of up to 25 kg (55 lbs).
The core of the system is the purely mechanical control at hip height, a technological innovation. This control can automatically differentiate between bending and walking, automatically deactivating during walking to ensure full freedom of movement for the user. The level of support can be continuously adjusted to the load of different work steps using a control wheel on both sides of the hips.
IX BACK AIR
The IX BACK AIR is not intended to be used to increase the load lifted by the wearer. It is intended to reduce the user’s fatigue and risk of injury at the L5/S1 vertebra by reducing their muscle activity around the joint.
The IX BACK AIR has a mechanical pendulum that measures the absolute angle of your torso as well as the relative angle between torso and thighs. This allows the IX BACK AIR to distinguishes between situations when you want to walk freely and when you need support for bending and lifting. The support for comes from a torque generator, functioning via a gas spring, that gets engaged when bending down. The slim fitting frame of the IX BACK AIR introduces the support force via the chest plate and thereby offsets up to 13.5 kg (30 lbs) from the lower back.
The IX BACK AIR offers up to 13.5 kg (30 lbs) force on the chest, to reduce the effective weight of your upper body that your back muscles must support.
The IX BACK AIR is not intended to be used to increase the load lifted by the wearer. It is intended to reduce the user’s fatigue and risk of injury at the L5/S1 vertebra by reducing their muscle activity around the joint.
The IX BACK AIR has a mechanical pendulum that measures the absolute angle of your torso as well as the relative angle between torso and thighs. This allows the IX BACK AIR to distinguishes between situations when you want to walk freely and when you need support for bending and lifting. The support for comes from a torque generator, functioning via a gas spring, that gets engaged when bending down. The slim fitting frame of the IX BACK AIR introduces the support force via the chest plate and thereby offsets up to 13.5 kg (30 lbs) from the lower back.
The IX BACK AIR offers up to 13.5 kg (30 lbs) force on the chest, to reduce the effective weight of your upper body that your back muscles must support.
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