With the IX BACK VOLTON exoskeleton, “SUITX by Ottobock” has developed a new, intelligent solution for physically demanding jobs in industry and logistics: People who lift heavy loads in dynamic workplaces are particularly prone to musculoskeletal disorders. The new exoskeleton offers effective support when organisational and technical measures have been exhausted. The IX BACK VOLTON is the first intelligent exoskeleton in the SUITX by Ottobock portfolio of products, powered by a high-performance battery and precise motor technology. It features smart power amplification adapted to the movement, easy handling and a very low net weight. The business unit will be presenting this exoskeleton innovation for the first time at the Hannover Messe trade show from 31 March to 4 April 2025, stand E48 in hall 6.

“Our new IX BACK VOLTON exoskeleton marks a true quantum leap in human-technology interaction: using built-in artificial intelligence, it adapts to the user – not the other way round. The system continuously detects the user’s individual movement patterns and offers optimal support without changing natural movement patterns,” explains David Duwe, Vice President SUITX by Ottobock Europe. “Thanks to the smart sensor technology, only as much force is provided as is actually needed. This keeps the muscles active while providing targeted relief.”

Strong relief at a low weight

The new back exoskeleton for industry, logistics and retail is particularly well suited for dynamic workplaces involving a high variance of movements and heavy load handling. It is ideal for activities such as order picking or loading and unloading products of different weights. The IX BACK VOLTON relieves the body by up to 17 kilograms per lifting process, while the integrated AI precisely adjusts the support in real time to different movement patterns such as running, lifting or flexing. This makes the system intuitive and natural to use, and significantly reduces the time it takes for users to become familiar with it.

The IX BACK VOLTON sets new standards in terms of comfort and innovation: Weighing only 4.8 kilograms, it is the lightest battery-operated exoskeleton in the world – made possible by the use of a single, powerful drive. The long battery life of up to eight hours ensures that it reliably supports a regular work shift. Thanks to the globally established Bosch Professional battery, the system combines high user-friendliness with sustainability: With the cross-brand AMPShare battery system, the battery is easy to replace and compatible, for example, with other existing products of “SUITX by Ottobock” customers.

Focus on prevention

Exoskeletons, such as the new system from “SUITX by Ottobock”, are seen as a breakthrough technology for efficiently meeting today's workplace challenges. The innovative support structure worn directly on the body protects the physical health of employees and thus minimises sick leave. Exoskeletons also help companies recruit and retain urgently needed specialists over the long term. Thanks to its versatility, the technology not only increases job satisfaction, but also the overall attractiveness of employers.

“Our goal is to help people and companies make their work ergonomic and successful – with the health of employees always at the centre of our work,” explains Duwe. “Thanks to our interdisciplinary development team, we have reached a groundbreaking milestone in exoskeleton technology with the IX BACK VOLTON.”

The development teams from Duderstadt in Germany and Emeryville in California, USA, worked hand in hand for the new product. They combined expertise in medical technology, multi-award-winning know-how in biomechanics and ergonomics as well as in-depth materials and textiles knowledge with innovative software and AI expertise. Thanks to this excellent collaboration, it was possible to develop a market-ready product in just 2.5 years. Extensive field testing with prototypes ensured that the IX BACK VOLTON is precisely tailored to the needs of users.

Tests and pilot projects from April

Companies can book accompanied pilot projects with the new exoskeleton starting in April 2025. Ergonomics experts from “SUITX by Ottobock” assist with selecting appropriate workplaces, provide on-site training for employees and help with the evaluation. Interested parties can test the IX BACK VOLTON in advance at the following events: Hannover Messe (31 March – 4 April 2025) and LogiMAT (11–13 March 2025, Stuttgart) as well as in the USA at Promat (17–20 March 2025, Chicago), Applied Ergonomic Conference (17–20 March 2025, Orlando) and the Ohio Safety Congress (16–18 April 2025). The global market launch of the new product will start in October 2025.