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 adequate 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. It is powered by a high-performance battery and precise motor technology. It features smart power amplification adapted to movement, easy handling, and a very low net weight. The business unit will present 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 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 movement patterns and offers optimal support without changing natural movement patterns,” explains David Duwe, Vice President of SUITX by Ottobock Europe. “Thanks to the smart sensor technology, only as much force is provided as is 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 well suited for dynamic workplaces involving a high variance of movements and heavy load handling. It is ideal for 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. At the same time, the integrated AI 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, significantly reducing 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 using a single, powerful drive. The long battery life of up to eight hours reliably supports a regular work shift. Thanks to the globally established Bosch Professional battery, the system combines high user-friendliness with sustainability: With the crossbrand 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
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 using a single, powerful drive. The long battery life of up to eight hours reliably supports a regular work shift. Thanks to the globally established Bosch Professional battery, the system combines high user-friendliness with sustainability: With the crossbrand 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,”
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.
Since 2012, SUITX has been developing support structures worn on the body, known as exoskeletons, to make everyday working life more manageable for physically labouring people. SUITX emerged from the Robotics and Human Engineering Laboratory at the University of California, Berkeley. At the end of 2021, Ottobock and SUITX joined forces to develop pioneering exoskeletons as “SUITX by Ottobock”. Highly efficient and very light, these exoskeletons prevent musculoskeletal disorders caused by heavy physical labour
For more than 100 years, Ottobock has been developing innovative fitting solutions for people with reduced mobility. As a Human Empowerment Company, Ottobock promotes freedom of movement, quality of life and independence. More than 9,000 employees support this. Through their innovative power, outstanding technical solutions and services in Prosthetics, Orthotics, NeuroMobility and Patient Care, they enable people in 135 countries to live their lives how they want to.
Founded in 1919, the company continues to set new standards and drive the digitalisation of the industry – together with its partners, medical supply companies and international research institutions – as the global market leader in wearable human bionics. Since 2018, Ottobock has been applying its expertise in biomechanics to exoskeletons for ergonomic workplaces. The company’s international activities are coordinated from its head office in Duderstadt in the German state of Lower Saxony. Ottobock has been supporting the Paralympic Games with its technical expertise since 1988.
