AgileAgile news

suitx_backair_exoskeleton

EMERYVILLE, Calif., October 12, 2023 (Newswire.com) - Today "SUITX by Ottobock" launches the IX BACK AIR exoskeleton: The new back-support exoskeleton combines the power of rigid systems with the comfort of soft models. This makes it the exoskeleton to be used across the board in the logistics industry.

With the IX BACK AIR, the new "SUITX by Ottobock" business unit also presents itself for the first time under the corresponding umbrella brand. "We are combining the innovative strength of both companies, both structurally and in terms of our brand, in order to further expand our market leadership," explains Martin Böhm, Chief Experience Officer at Ottobock. "With this step, we are strengthening our exoskeleton business worldwide, especially in the core market of the United States. More than 2,000 customers are already using the solutions from 'SUITX by Ottobock', including leading automotive manufacturers such as Toyota North America and logistics service providers such as DB Schenker. We will actively shape the working environment of the future and provide sustainable relief for people with physically demanding jobs."

Exoskeletons for more health-oriented and efficient logistics

In the logistics industry, employees are exposed to particularly high levels of physical stress, such as lifting and carrying bulky or heavy loads. This stress often causes musculoskeletal disorders such as back problems, thereby leading to sick leave and high associated costs. Exoskeletons are a key to overcoming these challenges: They significantly relieve the physical strain during heavy work, boost motivation and reduce costs by increasing the number of productive days.

"The new IX BACK AIR is a groundbreaking technology for the widespread use of exoskeletons in logistics," says Samuel Reimer, Managing Director of SUITX by Ottobock North America. "Some companies in the industry are already using exoskeletons, but most are still in the testing phase. The daily application under changing working conditions still poses a challenge for many companies, but now we have come up with a suitable solution in cooperation with our stakeholders."

A significant relief for the lower back

In cooperation with logistics partners, SUITX by Ottobock has further developed the successful BackX exoskeleton. The successor model IX BACK AIR is more effective, comfortable and lighter. It reduces the load on the lower back by up to 56% without compressing the spine, as studies[1] with the BackX have shown.

The back-support exoskeleton is specifically designed for people involved in dynamic work processes in the logistics industry who have to move loads manually while operating industrial trucks, for example. A built-in mode automatically detects when the wearer needs support and when they need freedom of movement. Due to its reduced and ergonomic design, the IX BACK AIR is also ideally suited for working in confined spaces, for example inside a container.

Powerful and comfortable

Weighing just under 7lb, the new back-support exoskeleton is particularly light and comfortable. Its innovative technology redistributes forces in the body, storing and releasing them as needed. By using the body's own energy, the exoskeleton can be worn all day without the need for batteries.

The IX BACK AIR can be put on and taken off in less than 20 seconds. It can be easily adapted to different user heights ("one size fits all") and is particularly comfortable. The exoskeleton has intuitive closures and removable pads as well as reflectors for improved user visibility. Thanks to its slim and body-hugging design, the IX BACK AIR can also be worn under safety vests.

The new exoskeleton for the logistics industry will be commercially available worldwide from October 9, 2023. The IX BACK AIR can be tested in the working environment as part of the company’s discovery program (from USD 2,990). Ergonomics experts from SUITX by Ottobock will accompany the test phase from training to evaluation. The team will present its exoskeleton product range at the ErgoX Symposium in Washington, D.C., on October 23, 2023.

[1] Kazerooni, H., Tung, W., & Pillai, M. (2019). Evaluation of Trunk-Supporting Exoskeleton. Proceedings of the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society Annual Meeting, 63(1), 1080–1083. Link
 

About "SUITX by Ottobock"

Since 2012, SUITX has been developing body-worn support structures, so-called "wearables", to facilitate the everyday work of people performing physical labor. SUITX originated from the Robotics and Human Engineering Laboratory at the University of California, Berkeley. The founding team included Dr. Homayoon Kazerooni, Professor for Mechanical Engineering and exoskeleton visionary. 

At the end of 2021, Ottobock and SUITX joined forces to develop groundbreaking exoskeletons under the name "SUITX by Ottobock". These exoskeletons are highly efficient and very light, preventing musculoskeletal disorders caused by heavy physical work. 

Ottobock has more than 100 years of experience in orthopaedic technology and brings invaluable expertise in biomechanics to the table. With over 9,000 employees worldwide, the health technology company empowers people in 135 countries to live their lives to the fullest. Ottobock offers solutions and services in the fields of prosthetics, orthotics, neuromobility and patient care.

Photos are available for download here. (© SUITX by Ottobock)

RALEIGH, N.C., October 12, 2023 (Newswire.com) - Newswire, an industry leader in press release distribution services, including content production, strategy, planning, and media technology, is a bronze-level sponsor and exhibitor (booth #201) at the Public Relations Society of America’s (PRSA) ICON 2023 from Sunday, October 15, through Tuesday, October 17, at the Gaylord Opryland® Resort & Convention Center in Nashville, TN.

ICON 2023 is a PRSA international conference that brings public relations/communications students and professionals together to network, learn, and grow professionally. At the conference, attendees meet with companies in the industry and learn from esteemed professionals about their experiences, best practices, trends, and more.  

As an exhibitor (booth #201), the Newswire team will talk with attendees about its evolving press release distribution services and how they can help companies meet their unique goals for the remainder of 2023 and into the New Year.

“This is Newswire’s first time sponsoring and exhibiting at the event, and we’re excited to connect with so many knowledgeable and bright public relations and communications professionals from around the world,” said Jennifer Hammers, Executive Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Issuer Direct.

Newswire provides press release distribution services that include: 

• Press Release Distribution - Choose from 10 distribution channels including Digital, Digital Plus, State, National, Financial, Canada, United Kingdom, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and Global.  
• Press Release Optimizer (PRO) - Develop newsworthy content and connect with the media to create the visibility brands need to gain an edge over their competition. There are three tiers of the PRO plan:  
  • Content PRO provides support in planning and crafting messaging.  
  • Media PRO is like having a veteran media strategist on your team who helps you get more visibility through media outreach.   
  • Total PRO provides both content and media support.
• Media Database - Subscribe and gain instant access to its comprehensive repository of media contacts that's updated in real-time through a blend of technology and human-centered review.   
• Media Monitoring - Track important news, measure author sentiment, and stay on top of industry trends.   
• Analytics - Report campaign metrics, analyze key channels, and easily calculate media value.   
• Newsrooms - Showcase press releases, news, and social media content in a secure and customizable newsroom. 

If you’d like to schedule a private meeting during ICON 2023, click here.

About Newswire

Newswire is a media technology company that provides its clients with the Press Release Optimizer, which consists of press release distribution, media databases, media monitoring, and online media rooms that power the Media Advantage: greater brand awareness through earned media, increased online visibility through content strategy and planning as well as greater SEO recognition.  

Through its disruptive Press Release Optimizer, relentless commitment to customer satisfaction, and passion for customer performance, Newswire is automating media and marketing communications for large and small businesses seeking to deliver the right message to the right audience at the right time for the right purpose.

To learn more about Newswire and its Press Release Optimizer, visit Newswire.com and discover why our customers have named us #1 for Customer Satisfaction and Ease of Use for four years in a row. For more information, visit https://www.newswire.com.

Newswire is a wholly owned subsidiary of Issuer Direct (NYSE American:ISDR), a leading communications and compliance company, providing solutions for both Public Relations and Investor Relations Professionals. For more information, please visit www.issuerdirect.com.