Transforming the Mobility Sector

Enhancing Efficiency and Healthty in Mobility Manufacturing

Side view of a car body on a production line in a car factory surrounded by various assembly machines
Side view of a car body on a production line in a car factory surrounded by various assembly machines
Side view of a car body on a production line in a car factory surrounded by various assembly machines

The actors within mobility sector, e.g. automotive, rail or even aviation, consistently face the challenge of optimizing workflows through automation. However, not all tasks are suitable for this, as the human touch remains a crucial factor. Injury prevention is becoming increasingly important due to the shortage of skilled workers and an aging workforce. Nearly a third of all sick days in the US are due to musculoskeletal disorders, which is not only burdensome for the affected employees but also leads to significant revenue losses for companies due to production downtime.

The main cause of sick days is physical strain from repetitive tasks, heavy lifting, and awkward postures. Where such strains and postures cannot be engineered out of the process, exoskeletons are a perfect solution. Examples of suitable work processes include overhead assembly work, cable harness, airbag or seat installation, as well as masking, sealant application, and sanding in the paint shop.

SUITX by Ottobock has developed the IX SHOULDER AIR specifically for tasks that require lifting the arms at or above shoulder height. Our SHOULDER exoskeleton supports the arms through an intelligent Energy-Harvesting-System and reduces shoulder strain by 40 % or more. Since it is the lightest exoskeleton in its class, it can be comfortably worn through an entire shift. Thanks to its low profile and user-friendly design, the IX SHOULDER AIR can be integrated seamlessly into existing production processes.

In addition to supporting the arms and shoulders, our exoskeletons can also support the back (IX BACK AIR), the head and neck area and even the wrists (CX series).

Our exoskeletons are not only used in the automotive industry, but also in the aerospace industry, rolling stock manufacturing, and shipbuilding for assembly, maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO).

Test our exoskeletons at your location

The challenge for EHS and ergonomics professionals is finding the exoskeleton most suitable for their specific applications. Therefore, SUITX by Ottobock offers various programs for testing our exoskeletons directly at your facility with your employees. Learn more about our Experience Programs or contact us directly to find the program that works for you.

Join the innovation

Are you interested in SUITX for your industry, customer markets or want to join forces with us? Let's get in touch.